Search My Blog

Friday, December 16, 2022

An Appeon Christmas

 

Twas the Night Before Production
adaptation by Chris Pollach
'Twas the night before Production, when all through the Appeon house
Not a creature was stirring, not even Armeen’s mouse;
The stockings were hung by the developers chimneys with care,
In hopes that St. Nick’s software would
soon be there;

The PowerServers were nestled all snug in their racks,
While their Web API services abounded, oh there were stacks;
The marketing manager Sally
in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled down for a long tester's nap,

When out in the hall there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from my Laptop to see what was the matter.
Away to the PowerServer Application I flew like Macromedia flash,
I opened the URL, it delivered the Cloud App and I enjoyed it's animations splash,

Engineering's build of PowerBuilder was like the new-fallen snow,
It gave promise of so many new features - listed below,
When, what to my wondering eyes - Santa did appear,
With PowerServer goodies in his sleigh pulled by eight tiny reindeer,

With a little native database driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment that DBMS was designed by St. Nick.
More rapid than streaming electrons the datum they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, as he categorized them by name;

"Now, Logan! now, Ken! now, Kitty!
and VIXEN!
On Julie
! on Erin! on, Danny! and BLITZEN!
To the edge of the ISP! Through the Appeon fire-wall!
Now process away! Process away! Process away all!"

As the Native Cloud applications under PowerServer they did fly,
When they met with a Cloud user their new features they did try,
So up to the menu and toolbar the mouse pointers they flew,
To display a full load of new data, images, and animations too!

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the desktop - mystified,
A message signaling a new Cloud App had just arrived.
As I pointed my Web Browser to the new URL, and was turning around,
A message alerted me that the new application was ready and it looked sound.

The project manager was dressed all in fur, from her head to her feet,
And the red robe was all polished, and she even had someone to meet;
A bundle of new Cloud applications she had flung on her back,
Most of the programmer’s had agreed, so a DataWindow she also did pack.

The Engineers faces -- how they twinkled! Their dimples how merry!
Their cheeks were like roses, their noses like a cherry!
One droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
The “Director of Customer relations” his beard on his chin was as white as the snow.

The Logs from the PowerServer he held tight in his teeth,
New ideas for PowerBuilder & SnapDevelop encircled his head like a wreath.
He had a broad face and a black belt round his belly,
Using moves he learned in TaeKwonDo, the guards shook like jelly.

The “release guy” was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself.
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And deployed all the new RESTful web services; then turned with a jerk,
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up all the PowerServers rose;

He sprang to his laptop, to his development team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew, for a beer at the pub “The English Thistle”.
But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out in the night,
"MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL, AND NO GPF’s IN SIGHT!"

   
Merry Christmas from everyone at Appeon!


Regards ... Chris

STD Integrated Framework - 2022R3 released!

  ** Hot News **

  Integrated Foundation Classes (2022R3) Released!

 "THE" Framework for PowerBuilder & PowerServer 2022!

(Framework version 2022.3.0.310 - December 14, 2022)
 

Framework can now generate a full App dump on demand!






        Software Tool & Die Inc (STD) are very pleased to announce that they have just released a new version of their Integrated Foundation Class library framework 2022R3 (build 2022.3.0.310) exclusively for PowerBuilder 2022 and PowerServer 2022 (Cloud), and InfoMaker 2022 (build 1892) - with new features, enhancements and upgrades!
  
     STD are also very excited as this release represents another significant enhancement to the Integrated framework that really further exemplifies the power of the Appeon PowerBuilder 2022 build 1892 development environment! The updated framework combined with the current PowerBuilder and/or PowerServer products, positions developers to take advantage of today's Agile and DevOps methodologies. Plus it further enhances a newer GUI "punch" in your Native and Cloud based Apps without buying expensive add-on products. Especially, since the framework is free!

     For a summary of the previous framework version's new & revised features for 2021 through 2022, please follow these links - 2021R5, 2022R1  and 2022R2. Note that STD has now released 3 new versions of the Integrated framework in 2022 and 5 releases in 2021. 
STD also has more features planned for the Integrated framework in the 2023 year time frame!
   
   The following are some of the key highlights of the new 2022R3 Integrated Foundation Class library for Appeon PowerBuilder 2022 build 1892, as follows:
 
  • Removed  all object classes related to their system classes that were removed in PB2022
  • Refactored external API's to conform to C++ v 2019 used in PB 2022.
  • Updated code to be W10 and W11 version 22H2 compliant
  • Updated the framework to support the new PB built-in GetInstalledRuntimes() method

Debug now shows all instantiated NVUO's & their Parent!

Debug now shows all Windows with their current active status!


     The latest Integrated framework version contains the following updates and has been tested with the latest MS-Windows 10 O/S (22H2 build 19045.2364), MS-Windows 11 O/S (22H2 build 22621.963), PB 2022 build 1892 and the PowerServer 2022 build #1.3.0. Testing inside of PB included Win32 (both P-code & M-code) and Win64 (P-code) deployments. Testing inside of PowerClient and PowerServer included both 32bit and 64bit deployments.

Note: All the STD frameworks are free and can be downloaded from its STD Foundation Classes SourceForge project website and licensed under Apache 2.0 open source.

Release 2022.3.0.310 - Major Release (2022R3) - change highlights ...  

  1. Migrated the framework from being based on PB2021 MR Build 1509 to PB 2022 Build 1892
  2. Refactored external API's to conform to C++ v 2019 used in PB 2022
  3. Updated code to be W10 and W11 version 22H2 compliant
  4. Updated the framework to support the new PB built-in GetInstalledRuntimes() method
  5. Added code to log the App computer's USB drives when in DEBUG mode
  6. Revised "nc_app_controller_master" to rename the method "of_os_get_version" to "of_get_os_version".
  7. Added support for the built-in GPF() method for TRY..CATCH testing
  8. Revised base window classes to "Bring to Top" to allow them open in the Foreground
  9. Revised "vc_master" to display a MessageBox to the developer for non-FC objects being present (if run from the IDE). Prior version only logged this state.
  10. Revised "wn_log_master" to resort the log list for the proper date/time sequence after a Filter()  command was executed.
  11. Revised code to be PB 2022 MR01 fix compliant.
  12. Removed more Appeon Mobile & Appeon Web code (framework is now 1M smaller than PB2019 versions)
  13. Added base ancestor classes for the new: PDFDocument, PDFModel & PDFSecurity object classes
    • Note: More PDF classes will be added in PB2022 R2 when PDF feature moves from Beta to a GA release

      The OrderEntry example application and the Integrated Framework's Documentation has also been updated to the new Integrated Foundation class 2022R3 framework version. You can download the example application from here. Also, check out the online "getting started" video series to accelerate your assimilation of the best framework for PowerBuilder & PowerServer (Cloud) applications!
 
Visual Expert's STD Framework Summary Analysis



   STD would also like to thank Novalys Corporation for their support of the Foundation Classes by supplying the VisualExpert product for the framework's documentation. 
 
 
 Enjoy!

Wednesday, August 31, 2022

STD Integrated Framework - 2022R2 released!

  ** Hot News **

  Integrated Foundation Classes (2022R2) Released!

 "THE" Framework for Appeon PowerBuilder & PowerServer!

(v2022.2.0.300 - August 31, 2022)
 
Notification only shows when run via the IDE (PB developer)!





        Software Tool & Die Inc (STD) are very pleased to announce that they have just released a new version of their Integrated Foundation Class library framework 2022R2 (build 2022.2.0.300) exclusively for PowerBuilder 2021 and PowerServer 2021 (Cloud), and InfoMaker 2021 (build 1509) - with new features, enhancements and upgrades!
Note: This will be the last release of the STD framework for PB 2021. The next edition of the framework will be for PB/PS/IM 2022.
  
     STD are also very excited as this release represents another significant enhancement to the Integrated framework that really further exemplifies the power of the Appeon PowerBuilder 2021 build 1509 development environment! The updated framework combined with the current PowerBuilder and/or PowerServer products, positions developers to take advantage of today's Agile and DevOps methodologies. Plus it further enhances a newer GUI "punch" in your Native and Cloud based Apps without buying expensive add-on products. Especially, since the framework is free!

     For a summary of the previous framework version's new & revised features for 2021 through 2022, please follow these links - 2021R1, 2021R2 , 2021R3, 2021R4, 2021R5  and  2022R1. Note that STD has now released 5 new versions of the Integrated framework in 2021 and 2 releases in 2022. 
STD also has more features planned for the Integrated framework in the
2022 / 2023
year time frame!
   
   The following are some of the key highlights of the new 2022R2 Integrated Foundation Class library for Appeon PowerBuilder 2021 build 1509, as follows:
  • Removed all the Extension classes & its associated PBL (allow Apps to use their own).
  • Removed all the Java classes & its associated PBL (deprecated in PB2022).
  • Revised all the External Functions declarations for PB 2022 compatibility (VS 2019 C++) .
  • Revised support for updated TopwizWeb product.
Application log now shows if PB.INI file is present at runtime!

     The latest Integrated framework version contains the following updates and has been tested with the latest MS-Windows 10 O/S (21H2 build 19044.1889), MS-Windows 11 O/S (21H2 build 22000.918), PB 2021 build 1506 and the PowerServer 2021 build #1.3.0. Testing inside of PB included Win32 (both P-code & M-code) and Win64 (P-code) deployments. Testing inside of PowerClient and PowerServer included both 32bit and 64bit deployments.

Note: All the STD frameworks are free and can be downloaded from its STD Foundation Classes SourceForge project website and licensed under Apache 2.0 open source.

Release 2022.2.0.300 - Major Release (2022R2) - change highlights ... 
  1. Migrated the framework from being based on PB2021 Build 1506 to PB2021 MR Build 1509
  2. Removed all "Extension" layer classes & PBL so that each App can provide their own (if necessary)
  3. Removed all of the last Appeon Mobile product dependent classes, methods and global functions.
  4. Removed all of the last Appeon Web product dependent classes, methods and global functions.
  5. Revised all the External Functions declarations for PB 2022 compatibility (now using VS 2019 C++)
  6. Added code to detect any accompanying PB.INI file & alert the developer (run under IDE) & always Log this condition
  7. Removed all "Java" classes & its PBL as Java is being deprecated in PB 2022.
  8. Optimized the DataStore "cleanup" code
  9. Optimized the "Window" class tracking code
  10. Optimized the "About" tab in the About Window for PowerClient and PowerServer based Apps!
  11. Added code to the Web Browser control base ancestor to restore the previous mouse pointer on completed navigation
  12. Fixed the GDI Resources display tab page when running in 64bit mode!
  13. Added event "oe_edit" & code to allow the built-in web browser control to enter "edit mode".

      The OrderEntry example application and the Integrated Framework's Documentation has also been updated to the new Integrated Foundation class 2022R2 framework version. You can download the example application from here. Also, check out the online "getting started" video series to accelerate your assimilation of the best framework for PowerBuilder & PowerServer (Cloud) applications!
 
Visual Expert's STD Framework Summary Analysis



   STD would also like to thank Novalys Corporation for their support of the Foundation Classes by supplying the VisualExpert product for the framework's documentation. 
 
 
 Enjoy!

Regards ... Chris

Friday, June 10, 2022

PowerBuilder 2022 Customer Beta Released!

 ** Hot News **


PowerBuilder 2022
Customer Beta  

 

Help Appeon to improve this upcoming release by sharing your feedback before July 31.


PowerBuilder Highlights

More Productive. More Secure. More Compatible.

  • Tabbed code editor
  • Quick code search
  • Inheritance for UI Themes
  • TLS 1.3 and HTTP/2 protocol support
  • Two-way TLS authentication
  • Windows 11 and Windows Server 2022 compatibility
  • Learn More

 


PowerServer Highlights

More Productive. More Secure. More Performant.

  • Integrated cloud debugger
  • Simplified configuration process
  • TLS 1.3 and HTTP/2 protocol support
  • .NET 6 managed code runtime
  • Faster JSON parsing/generation
  • Brotli text compression
  • Learn More

 

 

 

Enjoy ... Chris

Thursday, May 19, 2022

STD Framework - PowerBuilder 2021 to Java!

 

** New Feature **

STD Integrated Framework

PowerBuilder 2021 to Java Interoperability!


    Software Tool & Die Inc. are pleased to announce the release of the updated PowerBuilder to Java interoperability example application (PB2Java)! The updated PB2J example (2022R1) application is also built from the latest STD Integrated Framework (version 2022.2.0.185 released on 2021-01-16) and the newest Appeon PB2021 release (build 1509). Now the ability of a PowerBuilder native based application to "consume" a Java class and call its methods is even easier than before and totally encapsulated into the STD Integrated Framework for PB developer productivity!

    The PowerBuilder IDE since early 2000 has had the ability to call EJB (Enterprise Java Beans) due to the introduction of the Java based Application Server by Sybase named EAServer. With EAS came the ability to call a remote EJB in any J2EE based application server by using RMI (remote method invocation) that was exposed as the "Home" interface. The EJB Home Interface though can be either local or remote in nature. Thus when dealing with a native MS-Windows PB application that has Java classes deployed along side of it, we can use the local Home interface to interact with it from a PB application. This is, as long was we expose the Java application as an EJB (that is .. follow the EJB construction rules).

   When the Java developer creates a Java class, they can also create a Home interface or what PowerBuilder would refer to as an EJB "proxy". A Proxy is a Class/Method signature that allows PB to treat the Java application as a "bean". According to the generally accepted definition of a Java proxy is as follows: "A proxy class is a class that implements a list of interfaces". Since CORBA (Common Request Object Broker Architecture) support was added to PowerBuilder a long time ago - PB understands "proxies" very well. So if we can get your PB application a list of proxy classes it needs to deal with an EJB, it can then communicate with it. First of all, we can build a Java Class and then build a HOME interface for that using your standard development environment - even "notepad" for us poorer folk. Once completed, you can just compile the EJB class and its Home class using the JAVAC compiler, as follows:

  Now that we have an EJB and a Home class to serve as a "proxy" road-map for PowerBuilder, we can use the Classic IDE to build the necessary interfaces for us in a PowerBuilder Library (PBL) to use in our application. To perform this step, we need to call on the IDE's Project Painter to help us with this task. When creating a new project, we can then select EJB Client Proxy option. This will build a a PB Project object that can build all the necessary proxy interfaces for you. All we need to do is specify the Java Bean  class and its HOME (interface) class to the proxy painter. for example:

  Once the EJB Client Proxy project is properly configured, the next step will be to run the project, as follows:

    Now that we have the "proxies" required for the Java interface (Home) class, we can now instantiate the EJB by using its proxy in your PB Application. The only challenge beforehand, is loading the Java Virtual Machine (JVM) and activating its JNI (Java Native Interface) JDK to inter-operate with your Java EJB. Luckily, this is where the STD Integrated Framework steps in to help you. All you need to do is call a new "of_create_instance" method in the Application Controller supplied by the framework and it will perform all of the JVM the house keeping for you including: loading, reusing, unloading, garbage collection, etc of the PB to JVM infrastructure! So now the PB Developer can just concentrate on using the EJB's methods & processes, for example:
 
 
  To make this easier to follow, STD have created a working example of this PB to Java mechanism for you to examine, learn and move forward with your organizations Java interoperability within your PowerBuilder project. You can download the PB2Java example built from the STD Integrated Framework by clicking here!
   
Enjoy!

Regards ... Chris

Friday, May 6, 2022

STD Foundation Classes - PowerBuilder Cryptographic Example

** Hot News **

STD Foundation Classes

Updated CRYPTO Example Application released!


           Software Tool & Die Inc. are very pleased today to announce the release of an updated CRYPTO Encoding / Decoding example application for PowerBuilder, PowerClient and PowerServer2021. This latest release of the CRYPTO application is are all written in the latest PowerBuilder 2021 version and is also using the latest STD Integrated Framework (2022R2 Beta)  ... 
 


 
   The latest release of the Crypto example has had some major updates, as follows:
  • Built using PB2021 build 1509
  • Using STD Integrated Framework  v2022.2.0.185
  • Supports PB2021 Theme feature
  • Includes integrated Client & Server App logging
  • Incorporates MS-Windows notification utility
  • Deployment examples in 32/64bit and M-Code / P-Code
  • Tested the Crypto App code on W10 version 21H2 build 19044.1645
  • Tested the Crypto App on W11 version 21H2 build 22000.613
  • Ready for PowerClient or PowerServer 2021 deployment as well!


     Click here to download the example application source code!
 
Enjoy!

Regards ... Chris


Friday, April 29, 2022

STD Integrated Framework - PowerBuilder 2021 DDE Example!

  Hot News!

PowerBuilder DDE Application

Built using the STD Framework!

        Software Tool & Die Inc. are very pleased today to announce a new example application that demonstrate a fully working Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE) Client and Server application! This latest release of the DDE Client/Server applications are are all written in the latest PowerBuilder 2021version and are also using the latest STD Integrated Framework (2022R2 Beta)  ...


    In this original release, the DDE Demo Apps include the following features:

  • Built using PB2021 build 1509
  • Using STD Integrated Framework  v2022.2.0.185
  • Supports PB2021 Theme feature
  • Includes integrated Client & Server App logging
  • Incorporates MS-Windows notification utility
  • Deployment examples in 32/64bit and M-Code / P-Code
  • Tested the DDE code on W10 version 21H2 build 19044.1645
  • Tested the DDEcode on W11 version 21H2 build 22000.613
  • Ready for PowerClient or PowerServer 2021 deployment as well!

Actual DDE Client and DDE Server in action exchanging various messages & data!
 

    The deployed EXE's for the DDE Client and DDE Server are also included in the DDE App download. You can run either the Client or Server in mixed modes. For example a 32bit client and a 64 bit server (or vise versa), a P-Code client and an M-Code server (or vise versa), or any combination of the various DDE EXE's built from the STD Framework. The DDE features will work with any combination of the above EXE's. So this feature is just another tool in the PBToolBox that PB Developers can use to accomplish inter-application communication!

  You can download the new STD Framework DDE Demo App for PB2021 build 1509, as follows:

DDE Demo AppDownload 

STD Framework:  Download  (latest OrderEntry App using the Beta framework!)

   Enjoy ... please let me know what you think & if you have any feature suggestions that you might like me to add for future releases!

Regards ... Chris

 

\

 

 

Thursday, April 21, 2022

STD Integrated Framework - PowerBuilder 2021 BASE64 Example!

 ** Hot News **

STD Foundation Classes

Updated BASE64 Example Application released!

 

     Software Tool & Die Inc. today are very pleased to announce an updated Base64 Encoding / Decoding example application for Appeon PowerBuilder that was built from the latest STD Integrated Framework (version 2022.2.0.285 beta ) and the newest Appeon PowerBuilder PB2021 Maintenance Release release (build 1506. The min changes in this release are:
  • Migrated the code to PB2021 build 1506
  • Added "Theme" support for PB2021
  • Added "Corrupt" Base64 file handling check
  • Updated the BLOB processing feature (SQLAnyWhere v17)
  • Converted MessageBox() commands to STD Framework's "Message Box" feature. This allows a resizable message dialogue, automatic centering within the App and multiple monitor support.
  • Update the STD Framework to the latest version 2022.2.0.285
  • Tested the Base64 code on W10 version 21H2 build 19044.1645
  • Tested the Base64 code on W11 version 21H2 build 22000.613
  • Corrected GetFileOpen() bug
  • Added PowerClient App deployment project
  • Added PowerServer App deployment project

 
Base64 example from an ANSI text file!

     Base64 encoding and decoding is a critical  feature when processing XML and JSON files that contain binary datum. As well as using PowerBuilder's PBDOM feature, an XML DataWindow or interacting with Web Services that pass binary data back and forth (ie: JSON in a RESTFul web service). The received binary data will be in base64 encoded format - which is unusable to your PB application unless decoded (converted back) to its original binary state. Conversely, binary data that your PB application needs to send to other XML or JSON based applications must be converted (encoded) into the base64 standard.
 
PowerClient based Base64 example using Unicode text file!
 
Error handling for corrupt (incomplete) or wrong encoded Base64 files.


    The Base64 Example application utilizes standard Microsoft Base64 API's supplied by the MS-Windows O/S. These API's are now embedded in the framework's "nc_crypto_master" object class and easily called from your PowerScript code, as follows:
  • lo_crypto.of_base64_stringtobinary ( lblb_image , ls_base64 )

Base64 file translation into an image (or any other binary format for that matter)!
 

    The latest Base64 Example - along with the STD Integrated Framework is also able be used with PowerClient and PowerServer (Cloud) applications. Thus, the Base64 Example application can also be deployed to your favourite Web Server for convenient deployment. 
 
    You can download the Base64 Example application from the STD Framework's website by clicking here! You can also download either of the free open source STD frameworks for PowerBuilder, InfoMaker and PowerServer2021 by clicking here!

Enjoy!

Regards ... Chris
 

Thursday, April 14, 2022

AscentialTest fully supports Appeon PowerBuilder!

The only solution supporting ALL PowerBuilder Items

What if you could test your application automatically
as often as you want?

AscentialTest by Zeenyx fully supports PowerBuilder

  • It can manipulate any PB item for testing, especially Datawindows.
  • Cut down testing costs and eliminate regression bugs at the same time!
  • Define your tests once and run them anytime
  • Implement Continuous Testing

 

Learn More

 

Try AscentialTest

 

Automate the tests of your
PowerBuilder, PowerServer, and PowerClient apps

user-friendly

1. Create tests by pointing & clicking on your PB objects

2. Run or schedule tests as often as needed

3. Generate test reports and find regression bugs

DON'T re-create your tests
when the UI changes

Tests rely on application objects, not on screen recordings.
When a new version comes up, you can reuse most of your tests.

 

AscentialTest