Sql server

[emilyjacin]

if we connect to sql server then access all the tables, Are the tables treated like native alpha dbf tables? or shall i say, is it like working with dbf tables in alpha five wherein we can set filed rules and validations, make forms out of it by click and drag?

[SNusa]

Re: Sql server

This thread never received a reply.... I've actually been wondering the same thing myself recently.
I presume that some of the X-basic hand coding may be different when working with these tables but....

What about the majority of the a5 gui features? Do the genies work? How about action scripts? (and how about operations?)
My "gut feeling" (or hope actually) is that the Alpha DAO connection exists specifically for this purpose????

I ask this question in the context of using an active link table (lets say a mySQL table) using the AlphaDAO default.
(right click on tables tab to create an active link table)

~Also, what are the major pitfalls users tend to encounter when migrating from .dbf's to other back-end databases? (on the desktop side)

I've been researching this but presumably (just like the OP),... "I can't quite make the connection here." I ask this with the intent of beginning the migration to either mySQL or MS SQL (which I'm familiar with) but I don't know whether I'm ready yet, relative to my experience with a5...... I don't want to "add too much too soon."

[turbojack]

Re: Sql server

If you are using tables they become active link tables. I have been playing around trying to take a db desktop app and change to sql. A lot of things do nto work correctly and when something works it is very slow.

[SNusa]

Re: Sql server

If you are using tables they become active link tables. I have been playing around trying to take a db desktop app and change to sql. A lot of things do nto work correctly and when something works it is very slow.

Things not working... ~ That's what I am concerned with....
I do wonder whether starting from scratch with SQL makes a huge difference too, as opposed to trying to convert an existing application.
How did you convert existing forms to become based on a SQL table? Are you recreating / copying them, or are you doing something else?

Regarding the "slow factor": Where are is your sql data located? Is it on the same computer, same internal lan, or are you connecting to the tables over the internet? ~And how did you connect to the active linked data? - Did you right click on the table tab, or did you setup a connection string. (AlphaDAO, or ADO)

(Up front, I'm guessing you used AlphaDAO / or added the active link table from the control panel while in the tables tab.)

[Ted Giles]

Re: Sql server

If you really want to have fun, load and launch Toad for MySql (free) and create some tables.
Now launch Aplha and create active links.
Split the screen to show both products.
Now you can follow changes and timings immediately after a refresh.

[turbojack]

Re: Sql server

SNusa,

Using mysql on same server as the app.
I created the active link tables & loaded with the data by using the "Databse Upsize Genie".
Connected to the database via connection string you make when you start the upsize gene.

I was thinking that the active link tables was just a converter from the sql database to your application that was based on tables. When I do a query it is wanting to load the table up with a large amount of data from the sql database, not just the data that is needed.

[SNusa]

Re: Sql server

If you really want to have fun, load and launch Toad for MySql (free) and create some tables.
Now launch Aplha and create active links.
Split the screen to show both products.
Now you can follow changes and timings immediately after a refresh.

I'm going to give that a shot. (Unless you're implying it's going to be a "rocky road for me.") I think you've seen enough of my posts here lately to get an idea of my "present level of knowledge re: using a5".... (So from my posts, do you think I'm ready, or should i just stay within the realms of .dbf's for a while?) ~ I don't want to end up with a "brain-dump" due to info-overload.

~Also Ted, any feedback on the following response by turbojack (thanks in advance):

SNusa,

Using mysql on same server as the app.
I created the active link tables & loaded with the data by using the "Databse Upsize Genie".
Connected to the database via connection string you make when you start the upsize gene.

I was thinking that the active link tables was just a converter from the sql database to your application that was based on tables. When I do a query it is wanting to load the table up with a large amount of data from the sql database, not just the data that is needed.

I think there is some setting for that. Also, I wonder if restructuring the query, or using stored procedures etc. would change this.....
Ted G - PLS HELP!

[Ted Giles]

Re: Sql server

Robert, I'm not an SQL user really, just a tinkerer.
You won't have any rocky road issues, and with the speed you type it should be a breeze.
Can't help with the Turbojack comment - not really into it that deeply myself and not tried the Upsize Genie.

To answer Emily's question the Active Link Tables seem to work like Aplha tables and the Field Rules I tried get writtem back to the SQL Dataset.
I had a few issues with Sets and Conflicts, so I'll perservere and see if I can get around the issues. It's me - it always is!

[turbojack]

Re: Sql server

I think if you use large data tables with active link tables is where the slow down is. There may be a way to make thinks work but I think it mainly is uncharted terriorty. Alpha is spending all of there time with the web & sql now and kind of letting the desktop side slide. I have sent some bug reports in where items work perfect with dbf table, but when changed to active link tables things just do not work right.

[SNusa]

Re: Sql server

I think if you use large data tables with active link tables is where the slow down is. There may be a way to make thinks work but I think it mainly is uncharted terriorty. Alpha is spending all of there time with the web & sql now and kind of letting the desktop side slide. I have sent some bug reports in where items work perfect with dbf table, but when changed to active link tables things just do not work right.

I had speculated this. Kind of unfortunate the desktop has been "put aside." ~ After all, it is "the core" of a5. The world is so excited about living in a 0 configuration browser environment. With the exception of smartphone & tablets, desktop apps still have much appeal. I don't "desktop programs" are going anywhere... (Same goes for full powered PC's & notebooks.) ~And due to data security issues, up-time concerns (not to mention the "trust factor"), I think this "cloud thing" is way over-rated....

"Let the client run code, and let "SQL serve" from the cloud." ~ Not a bad balance, if you ask me!
Besides, the web browser presentation layer has become so darn complicated and browser dependent....... It's "messy" by comparison.