How to update a A5 Desktop Application

[lerg]

Please advise how to update a Desktop app. Let's say I need to add a form or update a modified table to a working desktop app which it is already used normally in the company.
Thanks
Luis R

[Bob Whitaker]

The following applies to DBF based systems
If the updates simply relate to forms reports etc you can simply copy your development system MINUS the data files .dbf and .fpt over the existing system at a quiet time - you must remember to rebuild all the file indexes before the client uses the system again.
If the system is network optimised then ALL the shadow copies on each workstation will need updating.
It gets more complicated if you have made any changes to the data file structure.
In those instances I would tell the client the system will need to be out of action - copy their working copy to a suitable folder on your development machine - empty all the data tables on the development version and then append the data for each table from the copy you have downloaded and then when you are happy all is working ok copy the new development system back over their working copy.
There are some xbasic functions that can be used to modify file structure directly but you need a degree of skill in writing xbasic scripts and you would still have to halt the system while you did the work.
Good luck

[Ted Giles]

Luis, when I have client app where change requests are made, I have a table in the application which holds all change requests, what I did, how I did it and a link to a recovery database/workspace in case the changes fail. I also have details of the request originator an approvals.
Network optimised apps can be updated semi automatically. The user gets a message that an update is required and they do it.

As Bob says, there are Xbasic functions to manage table changes, and I tend to keep the old Forms under a Rename just in case.
Suggest you go with Bobs approach as it is sound and actions are traceable.

[Roland]

If you've only modified the coding (scripts / functions), simply overwrite the ALB and ALM files but if you modified a table, you need to transfer the data to the new table and that should replace the old table. Remember to make a backup of the workspace before doing anything.