This is a simple discussion of a technique I use to create new Paradox reports quickly that are similiar to existing ones, yet functionally different in their purpose. Screen shots are included to illustrate the method I utilize.

This article describes an objectPAL reporting program I made that accepts a purchase order date range and a non-purchase order date range. It will report customers who bought during the purchase time period, but not during the non-purchase time period. The purpose of this report is to reveal those customers with declining sales. Screen shots are included to illustrate how the reporting program works.

Recently, one of our message board visitors asked if was possible to connect to - and use - an existing Paradox databases with Visual Studio .NET. The answer is "Yes!"

Using spaces within database column names may be "legal," but that doesn't mean it won't make your life harder. It's legal in Paradox tables and most database systems but you might want to avoid using spaces. Here's why - and one way to use spaces if you're using Paradox tables under .NET.

If you have an existing Paradox system you can keep using it but you'll need to skip the Vista operating system and either stick with Windows XP or move to Windows 7. Because better tools exist, you may very well want to put a plan together now for converting to another development tool or at least understand what the future is likely to hold. If you're a power-user or researcher working with data, stick with Paradox.

Bottom line is you should skip Vista and either stick with XP or move to Win 7. If you have to use Vista, you might be better off with Paradox 9.

Does Corel Paradox for Windows run on Vista? If so, are there any issues? What about Windows 7?

Procedure for fixing the Could Not Initialize BDE" error.

Instructions to install Paradox 9 for Windows on Vista.

Paradox 9, 10, 11, etc. install easily on Windows 7! You do have to download WinHelp to get the Paradox help files to work properly.

Paradox for Windows has two primary file types: source files and delivered files. Source files in Paradox are binary but can can be opened in later versions of Paradox and even in earlier versions if you don't use any new features: .FSL = Form, .RSL = Report, .SSL = Script, and .LSL = Library. Since Paradox source files do not compile to an EXE, Paradox developers tend to use a startup form or script to start the application.

Paradox does not remember desktop settings. I just installed Paradox 11 on a new computer and my working directory and other settings do not stick when I restart Paradox. Why?

Paradox 9 versions for SP1 through SP4. Plus version info on Paradox 10 and 11.

Use a file server (not a workstation) to store your data, disable Oplocks on the filer server, and configure the BDE (local share to true and optimize if desired). Finally, if workstations are crashing, fix em so they don't. You want clean running computers that don't crash.

Covers ALL Paradox tables from version 4 on including a description of the various Paradox table structures, limits, and specifications.

Step by step instructions for repairing your Paradox tables.

If you've never programmed in ObjectPAL, spend 10 minutes and see how easy it is to program Paradox for Windows.

This detailed ObjectPAL primer will get you up and running developing in Paradox/ObjectPAL within a few hours.

Part 3.

Think levels when you code in the Pardox ObjectPAL development environment.

Common comparison operators:

In ObjectPAL, an empty variable can be unassigned (essentially null) or blank (equivalent to ""). You have to use both isBlank and isAssigned to check for an empty string.

ObjectPAL logical operators:

Step by step instructions for setting some of Paradox's more useful preferences.

Be Your Own Expert! Form building techniques.

Using loop structures in ObjectPAL (for, forEach, scan, while, and looping with timers).

Exploring ObjectPAL's TCursor object type.

Paradox has a built-in report writer that will suffice for nearly all reports you wish to create. You base a report on one or more tables or on a query. It uses a banded approach so you think in terms of records, pages, and report. Except for the record band, each section has a header and a footer. Paradox also offers a quick report which is useful for printing data quickly.

You can use Format | Filter while viewing a table to apply a secondary index.

Some time ago I created a calendar form that I have been using instead of attaching to Microsofts calendar. This calendar works better for me than the OCX version from Microsoft did, so I thought that I would share it with you.

Cliff's Corner by Cliff Suttle: Feb/Mar/Apr edition.

Using Paradox internet features. Content from chapter 25 of my "Paradox Power Programming: The Official Guide" book.

Using extended uses in ObjectPAL example.

Paradox for Windows Command-Line Options, runtime registry settings, adding menu items to Paradox, and manually setup a Vista shortcut.

Listing of Paradox features NOT available in Paradox Runtime.

Forward to my book Paradox 9 Power Programming: The Official Guide. The forward is by Michael Cowpland (Chairman, President and CEO, Corel Corporation).

Chapter 4, "An Introduction to ObjectPAL" from Paradox 9 Power Programming by Mike Prestwood.

Chapter 12, "Handling Reports" from Paradox 9 Power Programming by Mike Prestwood.

Chapter 16, "Handling the Keyboard" from Paradox 9 Power Programming by Mike Prestwood.

Chapter 24 "SQL and Client/Server Applications" of Paradox 9 Power Programming by Mike Prestwood.

This chapter will introduce you to creating both menus and pop-up menus. If you are going to create an application-wide menu, then I strongly recommend you use Paradox’s Application Framework. This chapter will instruct you how to create menus for non-Application Framework applications and pop-up menus you can use with both.

For maximum compatibility, use compatibility mode and adjust settings (640x480, and run in a Window, etc.).

Chapter 26 by Mike Prestwood from the book WordPerfect Office 2000 for Linux: The Official Guide. First published June 2000 by Osborne-McGraw/Hill. ISBN 0-07-212238-2.

Chapter 27 by Mike Prestwood from the book WordPerfect Office 2000 for Linux: The Official Guide. First published June 2000 by Osborne-McGraw/Hill. ISBN 0-07-212238-2.

Chapter 28 by Mike Prestwood from the book WordPerfect Office 2000 for Linux: The Official Guide. First published June 2000 by Osborne-McGraw/Hill. ISBN 0-07-212238-2.

Chapter 29 by Mike Prestwood from the book WordPerfect Office 2000 for Linux: The Official Guide. First published June 2000 by Osborne-McGraw/Hill. ISBN 0-07-212238-2.