How does the Alpha Backup Folder work

[Chuck Bytes]

Can someone give me a brief explanation on how to re-sync the backup subdirectories in for my application.

Sometimes I have no choice. If I copy the database directory to a new computer and work on it there, everyone's changes are lost when I copy it back with the modifications. So I have to work on the database Forms and Reports live through a network drive while people are logged in and using the system. It all seems to go well, my changes don't take affect until I actually log out of my session, then when users log in again, they see the changes.
Is this tabboo ?

I used to copy all the files including the subfolders to another computer and work on changes. Latley I've only grabbed the parent directory and its contents. The application continued to work fine and in the interest of saving space and time, I continue to do so. Now I'm concerned that I may have messed things up.

In a couple of sessions latley, I tried to make a change or add a new report, a message popped up telling me that Alpha could not find the report name in the backup sub-folder.

So from now on I'll include all the subfolders to the developers computer but want to make sure the backup folder is fixed. I think that the backup folder is out of sync because it contains some of my older named reports, so I would like to delete the contents of the subfolders and Alpha create a fresh set of subdirectories that contains all the latest files.

If I was to delete all the subdirectories of my application, is there a way to re-create and re-sync everything properly to all the subdirectories.

[Clunes]

Re: How does the Alpha Backup Folder work

with the release of V10 there were a lot of demo movies made. One of them was on the topic of this backup process. if you got to http://news.alphasoftware.com/V10Pre...uresVideos.htm

You will find a demo video ther - it might help

[sybs01]

Re: How does the Alpha Backup Folder work

Can someone give me a brief explanation on how to re-sync the backup subdirectories in for my application.

Sometimes I have no choice. If I copy the database directory to a new computer and work on it there, everyone's changes are lost when I copy it back with the modifications. So I have to work on the database Forms and Reports live through a network drive while people are logged in and using the system. It all seems to go well, my changes don't take affect until I actually log out of my session, then when users log in again, they see the changes.
Is this tabboo ?

I used to copy all the files including the subfolders to another computer and work on changes. Latley I've only grabbed the parent directory and its contents. The application continued to work fine and in the interest of saving space and time, I continue to do so. Now I'm concerned that I may have messed things up.

In a couple of sessions latley, I tried to make a change or add a new report, a message popped up telling me that Alpha could not find the report name in the backup sub-folder.

So from now on I'll include all the subfolders to the developers computer but want to make sure the backup folder is fixed. I think that the backup folder is out of sync because it contains some of my older named reports, so I would like to delete the contents of the subfolders and Alpha create a fresh set of subdirectories that contains all the latest files.

If I was to delete all the subdirectories of my application, is there a way to re-create and re-sync everything properly to all the subdirectories.

I have a situation where a client is in Chicago and I'm in Southern California. There is no "Development" version on the client's server. If I were required to make the changes using the scenario you've described, I'd have to transport the entire application folder backup and forth to affect changes.

Instead, I use the "Tools/Zip Database" feature. Once you're in the Zip dialog, you can use the Mark/Unmark files to select only application files. Also, you can use the "Additional Files" function to include graphics, icons or other files not addressed in the core function.

Use the Save and Load Settings functions to save your selection if you're likely to perform the same zip again. This is especially handy if you have a lot of "additional" files, because that process can be a bit tedious.

If properly selected, your zip file will contain your entire application, sans the data. In my case, that takes an application folder that contains around 400-450 mg and pares it down to around 8.

Now, simply unzip zip files into the target application directory (the one you're updating) and you're done. I highly recommend creating a backup version of the target directory before running the unzip.

As for your question about live updating being "taboo," I'm not sure how the Alphasoftware folks feel, but it is definitely not a "best practice" in terms of standard development methodology.

The mission criticality of the application and system complexity will determine how rigorous you should be, but at a minimum you should have a "Development" environment and a "Production" environment. Do your changes on the former and the latter is the system people use "live."

In my case, I run three systems; development, test, and production. I make my changes in development, then migrate them into "test", where users can certify the changes and ensure against regression (where changes you make work, but impact some other unintended area that worked before, but now doesn't - Google "user acceptance testing" and "regression testing" for more info). Searching the board for threads regarding patch updates gone wrong will provide some insight into the importance of this approach.

Only once the user certifies the validity of changes do I migrate them into production - and then only when they're off the system. This shouldn't be overly burdensome, though, because the entire process only takes a couple of minutes.

[peterth]

Re: How does the Alpha Backup Folder work

Instead, I use the "Tools/Zip Database" feature. Once you're in the Zip dialog, you can use the Mark/Unmark files to select only application files. Also, you can use the "Additional Files" function to include graphics, icons or other files not addressed in the core function.

Is it included the content of record?
I mean in my development system I have data only 20 records and I installed the desktop application at user PC for a week and user key in the data everday and uptil now he has 100 records. and if he requests me to modify the field rule of table and has more field to input of form. When I modify the application how can I install it at user PC without effect the previous data (20 records) and he can has and use the new modify form as per he request.

Thanks
Peter-th

[Tom Cone Jr]

Re: How does the Alpha Backup Folder work

Peter, take a look at the help file topic "Alpha Five File Types". You'll see that specific parts of your database application are stored in different places. Understanding what is stored where is fundamental for anyone building databases for others, so time spent in this part of the help system will pay dividends for you.

Also a lot has been written here, and in other message board forums, about the subject of updating or maintaining an application that's already been released but needs to be extended or changed.

You're asking a good question, but it's been asked and answered many times before. A little digging will also pay dividends for you.

-- tom

[sybs01]

Re: How does the Alpha Backup Folder work

Is it included the content of record?
I mean in my development system I have data only 20 records and I installed the desktop application at user PC for a week and user key in the data everday and uptil now he has 100 records. and if he requests me to modify the field rule of table and has more field to input of form. When I modify the application how can I install it at user PC without effect the previous data (20 records) and he can has and use the new modify form as per he request.

Thanks
Peter-th

The Mark/Un-mark Files is the key. As Tom said, it's really a good idea to use the help system to identify which file types, as identified by there extensions, do what.

But in the interim, by using the Mark Un-Mark feature, you can segregate filed by:

- All files (Data, Applications, and Web Projects)

- Data Only

- Application files only

- Web Projects Only

Or any combination for the above.

I'm finding it hard to follow your post, but I think you're asking, if you modify database structure and/or field rules, what is the impact on updating?

That's a very good point, because if you modify the table structure by, let's say, adding a new field or two, is there a way to get that from the development application into the production application with "application only" updates.

I wouldn't think that would work - I believe you'd have to copy the entire app directory, modify it, then put it back.

Some of you may know more about this than I, so I defer to your superior understanding.

[peterth]

Re: How does the Alpha Backup Folder work

Thank you Tom,

I will seach more for this in the board

Thanks
Peter

[peterth]

Re: How does the Alpha Backup Folder work

Hi Bill,

Thank you for your advise and more information for me

Peter

[CALocklin]

Re: How does the Alpha Backup Folder work

That's a very good point, because if you modify the table structure by, let's say, adding a new field or two, is there a way to get that from the development application into the production application with "application only" updates.

I wouldn't think that would work - I believe you'd have to copy the entire app directory, modify it, then put it back.

Some of you may know more about this than I, so I defer to your superior understanding.

It's very possible to update table structures without copying the actual data back and forth. I do it all the time. However, I never delete fields. It's possible to delete them but just not worth the extra effort required. Also, always add new fields at the END of the field list - anything else would be much more difficulterer.:D

See post #5 in this thread on the A5v9 board. You can also do a search on A5_Get_fieldnames to find even more threads on the subject. I'm pretty sure you can find multiple answers to this question on the message boards for every version of A5.

[sybs01]

Re: How does the Alpha Backup Folder work

It's very possible to update table structures without copying the actual data back and forth. I do it all the time. However, I never delete fields. It's possible to delete them but just not worth the extra effort required. Also, always add new fields at the END of the field list - anything else would be much more difficulterer.:D

See post #5 in this thread on the A5v9 board. You can also do a search on A5_Get_fieldnames to find even more threads on the subject. I'm pretty sure you can find multiple answers to this question on the message boards for every version of A5.

Thanks Cal - Haven't had the occasion to do that in a remote setting, so this is good information - I'm all for avoiding anything "difficulterer!"

[Chuck Bytes]

Re: How does the Alpha Backup Folder work

Sorry i haven't had a chance to reply and thank you all for that great information. It's great to know there is a solution to making changes without affecting data.

Man this applicaiton is awesome. I can't believe how easy it is to work with Alpha and how many GREAT features are built in. Anytime I think of something I want, there it is, already built for me. All I have to do is put the pieces together in the right order and I blow my customer away each and every time.

I have to be honest, this is addicting. If I start developing when I get home from the office at 7, I can't stop until 2-3am. For each new screen, report or form I make, I think of a hundred more functions I want it to do. Then I have to force myself off the computer so I can get sleep.

My client is amazed, all they have to do is open the app and the machine does all the thinking. Knowing the buisness inside out is a great contribution to making a good system, but I really need to hire programmers, can't keep going like this. Totally Burnt out

[MikeC]

Re: How does the Alpha Backup Folder work

I have to be honest, this is addicting.

Tell me about it! :D

[sybs01]

Re: How does the Alpha Backup Folder work

Sorry i haven't had a chance to reply and thank you all for that great information. It's great to know there is a solution to making changes without affecting data.

Man this applicaiton is awesome. I can't believe how easy it is to work with Alpha and how many GREAT features are built in. Anytime I think of something I want, there it is, already built for me. All I have to do is put the pieces together in the right order and I blow my customer away each and every time.

I have to be honest, this is addicting. If I start developing when I get home from the office at 7, I can't stop until 2-3am. For each new screen, report or form I make, I think of a hundred more functions I want it to do. Then I have to force myself off the computer so I can get sleep.

My client is amazed, all they have to do is open the app and the machine does all the thinking. Knowing the buisness inside out is a great contribution to making a good system, but I really need to hire programmers, can't keep going like this. Totally Burnt out

Ha ha - welcome to the world of development. Once you get that routine to do your bidding, particularly when you get a bit of the "wow" factor from the end-user, you're hooked.

[Chet Sapino]

Re: How does the Alpha Backup Folder work

I have a situation where a client is in Chicago and I'm in Southern California. There is no "Development" version on the client's server. If I were required to make the changes using the scenario you've described, I'd have to transport the entire application folder backup and forth to affect changes.

Instead, I use the "Tools/Zip Database" feature. Once you're in the Zip dialog, you can use the Mark/Unmark files to select only application files. Also, you can use the "Additional Files" function to include graphics, icons or other files not addressed in the core function.

Use the Save and Load Settings functions to save your selection if you're likely to perform the same zip again. This is especially handy if you have a lot of "additional" files, because that process can be a bit tedious.

If properly selected, your zip file will contain your entire application, sans the data. In my case, that takes an application folder that contains around 400-450 mg and pares it down to around 8.

Now, simply unzip zip files into the target application directory (the one you're updating) and you're done. I highly recommend creating a backup version of the target directory before running the unzip.

As for your question about live updating being "taboo," I'm not sure how the Alphasoftware folks feel, but it is definitely not a "best practice" in terms of standard development methodology.

The mission criticality of the application and system complexity will determine how rigorous you should be, but at a minimum you should have a "Development" environment and a "Production" environment. Do your changes on the former and the latter is the system people use "live."

In my case, I run three systems; development, test, and production. I make my changes in development, then migrate them into "test", where users can certify the changes and ensure against regression (where changes you make work, but impact some other unintended area that worked before, but now doesn't - Google "user acceptance testing" and "regression testing" for more info). Searching the board for threads regarding patch updates gone wrong will provide some insight into the importance of this approach.

Only once the user certifies the validity of changes do I migrate them into production - and then only when they're off the system. This shouldn't be overly burdensome, though, because the entire process only takes a couple of minutes.

This did not work for me using V9. Absolutely none of my form or report changes ended up in the target application when I did this.

[CALocklin]

Re: How does the Alpha Backup Folder work

This did not work for me using V9. Absolutely none of my form or report changes ended up in the target application when I did this.

Then I think you missed something somewhere. I use Astrum rather than zip files but the result is the same - copy all the application files (sans data) to the production environment - and I've never had a problem. All form and report changes have always ended up in the target environment. (Just for anyone who isn't aware, the forms and reports are in the .DD* and .SE* files.)

Assuming that you are copying the .DD* and .SE* files, my first guess would be that your workstations are running with network optimization but the settings aren't making them update. Unfortunately, Alpha put some of the most critical items for network optimization on a tab called "Options" and I know for a fact that some people have ignored it because of the name. Here's a demo video I did for someone else awhile ago.