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Alpha Web App Losing DBF Table Index

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    Alpha Web App Losing DBF Table Index

    Last month, the client's network person shut down the Alpha Anywhere web app I developed while a customer was entering data and the index for the Registration DBF table got deleted. The index was re-entered and the app worked again.

    This happened again Monday of this week. The network specialist tests the app when he is done the server maintenance to be sure it is working. He confirmed that is had been working. The web app stopped working sometime later Monday morning. As before, the index was re-entered and the app worked again.

    The app and the data are on separate servers. What else, other than a manual shut down, can cause an index to be dropped from a table other than a power shut down? Over-heated or faulty CPU? Faulty router or NIC cards? Can the Alpha Software Application software or IIS cause a glitch in processing?

    Other than this, the app has been running fine over the past six months. What should / can be done to ensure this app runs continuous?

    Garth

    Garth Groft
    Director & Software Architect
    MicroComputer Task Group

    #2
    Re: Alpha Web App Losing DBF Table Index

    I used to have the same problem with .dbf tables and after months of trying to resolve it I gave up. We converted to MariaDB SQL. Resolved all the index issues we had, easier to use and faster response made it all worthwhile.

    Mike
    Mike Reed
    Phoenix, AZ

    Comment


      #3
      Re: Alpha Web App Losing DBF Table Index

      You shouldn't have this issue with a SQL server, of any type really. MariaDB, SQL Server, MySQL and other should all work fine.

      Comment


        #4
        Re: Alpha Web App Losing DBF Table Index

        How big a task is converting the web app to use an SQL database (MariaDB, SQL Server, MySQL or other)? The current code has many LOCATE and SEEK commands.

        The DBF tables are shared by an server based Alpha Five app for table maintenance.

        Can the DBF files exist within the SQL Database and the LOCATE and SEEK code remaining unchanged.
        Garth Groft
        Director & Software Architect
        MicroComputer Task Group

        Comment


          #5
          Re: Alpha Web App Losing DBF Table Index

          Hi Garth,

          When we did our conversion from .dbf to SQL it was not a quick or simple process. It took several months to do it. That was intentional because we wanted to go slow and make sure the system was always available for the users and at the same time ensure data integrity, system integration and all the other things that need to happen.

          If you want to have a chat about that let me know and I'll share our experience.

          Mike
          Mike Reed
          Phoenix, AZ

          Comment


            #6
            Re: Alpha Web App Losing DBF Table Index

            One thing you might do is to do some testing for match and seek commands.

            Install MariaDB or MySQL on your server. Personally we have switched to MariaDB, easier to run, install and uninstall if necessary than MySQL...just my bias.

            Then using Alpha, import a dbf table into the SQL database. Then do time testing on searches using SQL vs .dbf tables. Here is a website that will get you started on doing text searching:
            https://www.w3resource.com/mysql/mys...-functions.php

            Mike
            Mike Reed
            Phoenix, AZ

            Comment


              #7
              Re: Alpha Web App Losing DBF Table Index

              Mike,

              It would be helpful to talk. I am available tomorrow anytime and most of next week, anytime. Land line:717 854-8747. Email:s [email protected]
              My client asked me if I can do "something" to ensure a DBF table index will never again be deleted or corrupted as long as power remains continuous for both the server supporting the apps and the server supporting the data. In the past, the client has rejected migrating the apps to an SQL DB because of additional costs and they enjoy working with the Access like environment provided by Alpha Five. The web app required around 200 hours to develop using XBasic and JavaScript code, old style reports, and a special email option.

              Jeff Benson helped me in developing the web app. I do not know if he is available to work on an SQL based version.

              I do not know how much the client is willing to invest in an SQL based version versus putting up with occasional broken indexes and irate users.

              Thank you.
              Garth
              Garth Groft
              Director & Software Architect
              MicroComputer Task Group

              Comment


                #8
                Re: Alpha Web App Losing DBF Table Index

                Hey Garth, I think everything Mike said is good. I would add that you can simply go in "phases" of conversion. Many times you have a variety of apps connecting to one central data source, but you can't necessarily replace all application at once. Therefore, you need to focus on one section at a time. Through that process you may come up with a good method for more easily making the change. Good luck!

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