Programming with dBASE

Author

Compile

Omar Mohammed

2006-10-31, 7:13 pm

Hi everyone.

I have a situation regarding reporting (this isn't for the reports NG
though).

What I want to do is create a 'custom' reporting tool for my users.
Crystal Reports is too expensive (plus I'm not sure if it works with
dbf7 tables).
Additionally, sometimes my clients simply need to change just a few
things, which can be accomplised via code only.
Also, one of my applications is a Point Of Sale app that prints to a
receipt (dot matrix) printer.
I use code (like the following) in a prg file to print to the printer

set printer on
printjob

? print_item(i.fields["company_name"].value)
IF len(ltrim(rtrim(i.fields["address"].value))) > 0
? print_item(i.fields["address"].value)
ENDIF
IF len(ltrim(rtrim(i.fields["address2"].value))) > 0
? print_item(i.fields["address2"].value)
ENDIF

....etc etc

Now let's say they need to make a change to an item.
Suppose they want the company_name bolded. If they have access to the
prg file (which I have no problems giving to them) all they need to do
is open notepad and make a change. Question is:
Can I (and how) compile this prg file into a pro file without the IDE?
This will save me having to go to the customer to install the pro file
(most retail stores do not have or are not allowed internet so emailing
the file is out).

Thanks in advance

Omar

Jean-Pierre Martel

2006-11-01, 5:12 am

In article <MPG. 1fb1bf72e7edb4339896
a3@news.dbase.com>,
omarAT@progmatix.biz says...
>
> What I want to do is create a 'custom' reporting tool for my users.

Give a look to:
http://www.dbasedeveloper.co.uk/dBulletin/bu18_d.htm

Jean-Pierre Martel, editor
The dBASE Developers Bulletin
Blue Star dBASE Plus Core Concepts Graduate

Omar Mohammed

2006-11-02, 5:12 am

> Give a look to:
> http://www.dbasedeveloper.co.uk/dBulletin/bu18_d.htm
>
> Jean-Pierre Martel, editor
> The dBASE Developers Bulletin
> Blue Star dBASE Plus Core Concepts Graduate
>

Thanks

I did take a look at this a while back for this exact purpose.
It's a great tool, no doubt, but I'm either not good at using it or it
may not do what I want. As an example, my paper size is 3" wide by any
length (the receipt). I didn't see a way that this can be done, that's
why I went with the prg file.
Also is it customisable to the extent that I can draw lines where I need
and create borders etc (like a lined tabular form)? I didn't see that
when I was doing it. What I saw this is was a way to create ad-hoc
reports. And like I said, a very good tool.
If it can do what I need (e.g. draw lines etc.) you can just reply yes
and I'll look into it further. And believe me, I'm getting to realise
more and more that customers want form as well as function, so if the
report isn't layed out properly, and bordered and aligned, etc. they
make a big fuss over it

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