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Alpha Five vs FileMaker

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    Alpha Five vs FileMaker

    I am a long time user of FileMaker Pro, I really like its abilities with the exception of a few areas that the FAQ's and documentation of Alpha Five address to my satisfaction. The one thing I need that I can't find addressed is the ability to call an external program (*.exe) Can anybody give me some insight on a comparison between the two products and issues involved from transitioning from FMP to Alpha Five.

    Thanx,
    GarryP

    #2
    RE: Alpha Five vs FileMaker

    Download the XBasic help CHM if you haven't already:

    SYS_SHELL()

    Syntax

    SYS_SHELL( Program_Name as C [, Window_Mode as N ] )

    Argument
    Description

    Program_Name
    The name of the program to run.

    Window_Mode
    Optional. Default = 2. Determines the mode of the window in which the application runs. The Window_Mode options are:

    Window Mode
    Description

    1
    Normal

    2
    Minimized

    3
    Maximized


    Description

    SYS_SHELL() executes the specified Windows program (Program Name). The optional Window_Mode parameter is a number that determines the mode of the window in which the application runs. If you omit this parameter, the window will be minimized by default. Contrast this command with the higher level SYS_OPEN() command, which is equivalent to double clicking on a file in the Windows Explorer.

    Example

    This script displays the A5.INI file from the windows directory using the Windows Notepad application.

    x = sys_shell("c:\windows\notepad.exe c:\windows\a5.ini",1)


    This script decodes a Alpha Five alias. Assume you have a setting that says: [System] = C:\WINNT\System32\ .

    sys_shell(filename_decode("[System]Calc.exe"),1)


    See Also

    System Functions, SYS_OPEN(), FILENAME_DECODE()

    Supported By

    Alpha Five Version 5

    Comment


      #3
      RE: Alpha Five vs FileMaker

      Perhaps this thread will help:

      http://www.alphasoftware.com/products/a5v5/a5vsfileMaker.asp

      -- tom

      Comment


        #4
        RE: Alpha Five vs FileMaker

        Garry,

        I saw what the answers were to your question and that will work fine.

        I will say this. There is very little comparrison between the 2 products other than they each can hold data. Alpha Has always hade FMP covered all around and I have a lot od experience with FMP. Specifically, I have replace it in a number of business's that needed a real relational application.

        Good Luck
        Dave

        Comment


          #5
          RE: Alpha Five vs FileMaker

          Hi Garry,

          Another simpler method is to use Action Scripting and just select the predefined function "Open a non Alpha Five File"

          This will take whatever file you specify (literally or via a variable) and open it with it's host application. i.e. Word, Excel, Powerpoint, etc...

          Marc
          www.a5solutions.com
          Marc King
          A5solutions

          Comment


            #6
            RE: Alpha Five vs FileMaker

            Thanks to all of you for your very informative and timely responses, it looks like I have alot of homework ahead of me in evaluating Alpha Five.

            Comment

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