dBASE PLUS 8 is the latest version of the legendary database management system used by millions worldwide with new support for Windows® 8 and Windows® Server 2012.  This major release significantly improves data access with support for ADO, new components, updated user experience, and a wealth of additional new features.  The new product increases the overall productivity by adding new features to the Project Explorer, a professional graphics package, new SQL Designer for advanced queries in ADO and BDE, and advanced programming features that include Callbacks and a high precision math library.  In addition, dBASE PLUS 8has updated the look and feel of the product to make it more modern and user friendly.

 

The following list of new features includes the top-level ones that have been introduced in the new dBASE PLUS 8.  If you are looking for the full list of fixes and changes included dBASE PLUS 8 with ADO, you fill find that here:  dBASE PLUS 8 with ADO

 

ADO Support – Components

 

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Being able to use an ADO data source is great, but we did not stop there.  We have also added in several custom ADO components that make working with ADO a breeze in dBASE PLUS 8.

 


 ADO Support – Connectivity

 

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More has changed under the hood of dBASE PLUS 8 than just support of Microsoft’s latest operating system.  We have also added support for connecting to ADO datasets.

 

ADO Support – UDL

 

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The new support for ADO includes the ability to create and use Microsoft based UDL files.  A UDL File stands for universal data link (.udl) file is essentially a text file that contains the connection string for an OLE DB data source.  This connection string can then be loaded into dBASE and used by the components and tools to connect to ADO data sources.

 

Backgrounds and Textures

 

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dBASE PLUS 8has a wide range of new graphical features, that include Icons, Application Themes, new components, and also new textures.  Developers can now use these textures to create modern looking interfaces that are very common today.  These textures are used in the background property of the form and the product supports all common window sizes for easy application building.

 

Drag and Drop SQL Builder

 

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Completely redesigned, the SQL Designer can be used to quickly pull all of your data together in a visual way.  You can see the relationships between each dataset, and create result sets that meet the true business needs of your application.

 

Enhanced Project Navigation

 

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One of the important features of an MDI interface, which dBASE PLUS 8 is based, is the ability to quickly find Windows, Wizard, tool windows in the interface.  The new Window tab manager can be customized to the developer’s desire and really help find and manage open windows.

 

High Precision Math

 

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Implemented via 128 bit decimal floating point numbers that support up to 34 digits of precision.  A decimal floating-point number is stored using a base 10 value, which reduces conversion errors that normally occur switching back and forth to base two floating-point values.

 

Included Glyfx Icons and Graphics

 

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There is more to staying current than just maintaining functionality.  While the user interface for dBASE PLUS 8has itself been enhanced to look more modern, we realize that the applications dBASE users have created also need to be updated with the times.  That is one reason dBase, LLC has partnered with Glyfx to provide a rich set of visually stunning graphics that can be used to enhance the look of any dBASE application.

 

Modern Application Themes

 

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The new IDE supports Microsoft’s themes, these are packaged colors, fonts, and window looks.  The current themes supported in dBASE PLUS 8include most of the standard themes using in Microsoft office 2007 and 2010.

 

Project Explorer

 

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The updated project file allows users to build applications with all needed resources (tables, forms, queries, bitmaps, and so on).  In addition to keeping things organized, having a project file lets you Compile and build a project.  It also allows you to set properties for the project as a whole and set properties for individual files.  It will allow you to designate which file should be the first to open when your executable file is run.

 

Revised Help System

 

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Getting help when and where you need it is important to everyone.  In dBASE PLUS 8 we have updated the content and enhanced the in app help system just as we have been expanding our available training solutions for dBASE users.  Knowing how to get things done right in dBASE PLUS 8is as important to us here at dBase, LLC as it is to you.

 

Tool Palette Docking Support

 

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In addition to supporting themes inside of dBASE PLUS 8, it also support docking of tool windows.  Therefore, tool windows like Component, Format, Fields, and the Inspector can now be docked to the sides of the screen, stacked on top of each other with a tab interface, or strategically laid out to the developer content.  In addition to supporting tool windows, the product also supports movable menus as well.

 

Updated Look and Feel

 

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dBASE PLUS 8 now includes an updated and modernized interface.  These additional features include new professional icons, updated wizard graphics, and support for Microsoft Themes.  The product appearance has been updated as the new default theme is based on the black color scheme, which is configurable by the user at any time including while the product is running. 

 

Running on Windows 8 and Windows Server 2012

One of the biggest concerns on the minds of current dBASE users is the future.  Will dBASE continue to work on future operating systems.  With dBASE PLUS 8, we have certified that all major and minor features of the product continue to work well on Microsoft’s latest operating system, Windows 8.

 

Addition of ActiveX Controls

introduced with dBASE PLUS 8 are a series of ActiveX components that can be added to your application.  These components will add the ability to...

 

Callbacks

A callback allows you to write a function or method in dBL code and setup a pointer to it that can be passed to an external program - such as Windows or the BDE or some other 3rd party software that supports callbacks.  Callbacks can be used to notify your program of specific events occurring with an external program OR to allow your program to modify what an external program is doing.