[2680] in comp.os.os2.announce archive
BETA: RXDbase 0.84
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (Massimiliano Marsiglietti)
Sun Mar 23 04:47:28 1997
To: os2ann.DISCUSS@bloom-picayune.MIT.EDU
Date: 22 Mar 1997 17:23:28 GMT
From: maxmars@pianeta.it (Massimiliano Marsiglietti)
Reply-To: maxmars@pianeta.it (Massimiliano Marsiglietti)
Reply-to: maxmars@pianeta.it (Massimiliano Marsiglietti)
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BETA: RXDbase 0.84
RATIONALE:
Some years ago I have developed some database functions for REXX. In 1996 I
did start looking into NetRexx and Java programming as a part of my job; one
of the first things done in the process of mastering those languages was the
porting of my database.
Now I have pretty much completed what I had in mind for a simply-to-use, yet
not dumb database.
THE PRODUCT:
MaxBase is a database front end written in NetRexx (a language that gets
translated into Java code) that exploits RXDbase, my db library (which is also
written in NetRexx). Anyone can use it, provided that they have a decent 1.0.2
Java runtime installed on their computer; in fact it can be used as a normal
OS/2 stand-alone application by executing the runme.cmd command that comes
with the package, and it even has an icon. Speed isn't bad either.
Being the thing written in Java it runs also on other OSes, so you can use it
to ship platform-neutral catalogues to your clients and the likes.
But there is more: MaxBase relies on RXDbase, also found in the package and
that comes with a exhaustive manual (an ASCII file); any Java or NetRexx
programmer can use it in their Java/NetRexx app.
The database front end, MaxBase, comes with sources so you can expand its
capabilities without having to re-invent the wheel every time.
For semi-experienced users, MaxBase gives the ability to expand the core
functions by means of plugins: by writing a very few lines of code you can add
features to the database frontend without touching the main MaxBase program;
as an example, the provided plugin which shows on screen images and text
taking their file names from the database is only some 3k in size (source file
with many comments). By writing a plugin you create a program that can be
shared with other MaxBase users.
[My fiancee uses it to store her recipes and I made for her a plugin that
shows the recipe, gives advice and keeps track of timings. :-)]
Finally, all menus for MaxBase are customizable by means of a simple ASCII
file (I have included both English and Italian language support in the
package) and you can also remove features which have to remain hidden (say to
prevent someone deleting the db) to the end user without having to modify the
MaxBase sources.
PRICE:
The app is still in beta (but I call it this way only because I am open on
adding features - the app 'per se' is finished and working pretty well), and I
am open to suggestions on price issues by end users.
Right now I am inclined to let the program be a freeware for the *non
commercial user* as long as this strategy turns out to be good both for me and
the users. Having many people using it, writing plugins, reporting bugs etc is
a big plus for me; for example a MaxBase user (Giuseppe Aprile) made a plugin
to convert DB III files to RXDbase and vice versa; this function has been
included in the package.
I also plan to make commercial users pay for this program. I am interested in
hearing your comments and proposals for price. Of course if even a home user
wants to donate money I won't refuse. O:-)
I am presenting this beta to OS/2 users first because I know that here the
average user is more experienced, and I develop it directly on OS/2 so the
support should be less of an issue. I don't have that much time on my hands
(else I'll be finishing Psyberball :-) ).
In the future I will announce and present the package also to other
communities (eg Win32, Mac, Solaris, etc). Anyway if someone wants to test
this app also on other platforms you're welcome.
As I said I am open to suggestions, so please if anyone is interested in such
an application please download it and, most important, report your feedback.
(see below for info)
REQUIREMENTS:
A working 1.0.2 Java runtime. I will add 1.1 support as soon as IBM release it
for OS/2.
I strongly suggest you to get the latest 1.0.2 release from
ftp://ftp.hursley.ibm.com/pub/java/fixes/os2/102/runtime.exe
(Currently there is the 13 March release)
HOW TO GET IT:
>From time to time I upload the package to HOBBES (hobbes.nmsu.edu), the
latest is rdb084R2.zip; anyway the best source where to grab it is my home
page:
http://www.GeoCities.com/SiliconValley/Park/4218
Follow the link for RXDbase, and download rdbbeta.zip (it is equivalent to the
HOBBES one).
Have a nice day!
--
Max Marsiglietti,
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