PowerBuilder/PowerServer 2022 R2 Build 2819 - Released!

 

    Appeon are excited to announce that the PowerBuilder / PowerServer 2022 R2 version and the InfoMaker 2022 R2 version, build 2819, have been officially released and are available for downloading!

New Features and Bug Fixes

• Newly supported databases
• SQL Server 2022 (supports MSOLEDBSQL 19.3 using TLS 1.3)
• PostgreSQL 15.x
• Oracle 23c (supports TLS 1.3)

• PowerBuilder
• Supports TabbedView for MDI window.
• Supports Autocomplete for DDDW & DDLB.
• Provides SMTPClient and MimeMessage for native email support.
• New PDF Builder offers a full-set of objects and functions for generating and manipulating PDF documents with text, graphics, images, and interactive elements such as watermarks.
• Enhanced RichTextEdit control to support form fields, tables, and text frames, for which a list of new functions are added.
• Changed the WebBrowser engine from Chromium Embedded Framework (CEF) to Microsoft Edge WebView2.
• Upgraded the ADO.NET database drivers to .NET 6 for more secure database connection.

For more new features and detailed information, please see here.

For bug fixes & known issues, please see here.

• PowerServer
• The PowerServer project deployment has been further simplified. Eliminates the need to deploy client apps and Web APIs separately. With just one click, you can deploy your app to an IIS server, saving time and hassle.
• Supports IBM DB2 UDB 11.x.
• Adds Cursory (ultra-fast) to allow developers to quickly validate fixes without waiting for a full build.
• Adds a new encryption type "Strict” to support TDS 8.0 in SQL Server 2022.
• Adds the UserExtensions object and the MaxSPCache setting to the PowerServer C# solution.

For more new features and detailed information, please see here. All the new features listed in PowerBuilder are also applicable to PowerServer.

For bug fixes & known issues, please see here.

• InfoMaker
• Adds the AutoCompleteMode property to the DataWindow object properties dddw.property and ddlb.property to support the following features:
• Supports automatic completion of data input in DropDownDataWindow & DropDownListBox.
• Supports filtering data according to the data input in DropDownDataWindow & DropDownListBox.
• Supports identity column for Oracle.
• Adds a new encryption type "Strict" to the Encrypt Data option in the DB profile. The "Strict" encryption type enables SQL Server 2022 to leverage TDS 8.0.
• It is now possible to enable NativePDF option for the entire application.
• Upgraded the ADO.NET database drivers to .NET 6 for more secure database connection.

For more new features and detailed information, please see here.

For bug fixes & known issues, please see here.

Upgrade Notes

For how to upgrade PowerBuilder applications, please see here. If your application uses WebBrowser, please read carefully the WebBrowser engine changes and evaluate the impact of the changes to your application before the upgrade.

For how to upgrade the PowerServer projects, please see here.

Downloads

To obtain either the new PB 2022 R2 or IM 2022 R2, please download either the PowerBuilder Installer or InfoMaker Installer from our Downloads portal.

 Regards .. Chris

PowerBuilder 2022 - DDE Example Updated!

 Hot News!

PowerBuilder DDE Example Application

Built using the STD Framework!

        Software Tool & Die Inc. are very pleased today to announce an updated 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 2022 version and are also using the latest STD Integrated Framework (2023R1)  ...

    In the updated release, the DDE Demo Applications include the following changes:

• Built using PB2022 build 1892
• Using STD Integrated Framework  v2023.2.0.326
• Updated to support the PB2022 Theme feature
  
• Now includes  Client & Server App logging auto delete at EOJ
  
• Incorporates MS-Windows notification utility built from PB 2022
  
• Deployment examples in 32 & 64bit and M-Code / P-Code
  
• Tested the DDE code on W10 version 22H2 build 19045.2788
• Tested the DDEcode on W11 version 22H2 build 22621.1413
• PowerClient or PowerServer 2022 deployment ready 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 Example Applications download. You can run either the Client or Server in mixed modes. For example a 32 bit 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 PB2022 build 1892, as follows:

DDE Demo App:  Download 

STD Framework:  Download  (latest OrderEntry Demo App that uses the framework!)

Note: Older DDE examples and STD Frameworks are available in their respective "Archive" sub-folders found in the above links.

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

Alert:  Ticket # 10034 has been opened for the 64 bit execution mode. It does not work in PB 2022 whereas it does work OK in PB 2021. I suspect that the problem lies in PB 2022's use of the  VC++ 2019 compiler whereas PB 2021 uses VC++ 2010 compiler to build the PB runtime.

Regards ... Chris

STD Integrated Framework - 2023R1 released!

  ** Hot News **

  Integrated Foundation Classes (2023R1) Released!

 "THE" Framework for PowerBuilder & PowerServer 2022!

(Framework version 2023.1.0.325 - March 23, 2023) 

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 2023R1 (build 2023.1.0.325) 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 milestone to the Integrated framework that really further exemplifies the power of the Appeon PowerBuilder 2022  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 the Integrated framework had 3 releases in 2022 and 5 releases in 2021 - so that it's always leading edge feature rich! STD also has more features planned for more Integrated framework in 2023 as well!

   

   The following are some of the key highlights of the new 2023R1 Integrated Foundation Class library for Appeon PowerBuilder 2022 build 1892, as follows:

• All obsolete object system classes were removed to align with PB2022
  
• Continued to refactor external API's to conform to C++ v2019 used in PB 2022.
  
• Tested code compliance with W10 / W11 & W2019 / W2022 22H2 builds.
  
• 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 19045.2728), MS-Windows 11 O/S (22H2 build 22621.1413), PB 2022 build 1892 and the PowerServer 2022 build #1.3.0. Testing within PB Apps included Win32 (both P-code & M-code) and Win64 (P-code) executable deployments. Testing inside of PowerClient and PowerServer included both 32bit and 64bit Apps & PowerServer App/Server (Web API) deployments.

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

Release 2023.1.0.325 - Major Release (2023R1) - change highlights ...  

1. Migrated the framework from its version 2022.3.0.310 to 2023.1.0.325
2. Continued to refactor external API's to conform to C++ v 2019 used in PB 2022
3. Revised "nc_app_controller_master" to add "is_appl_startup_file_name" variable (support Apps starting up from a BAT file)
4. Revised "nc_app_controller_master" adding "of_get_appl_exe_name" method to Return the Application's EXE name
5. Revised "nc_app_controller_master" object's "of_set_powerbuilder_environment_info" method to log information about the current default printer
6. Revised "nc_app_controller_master" object's "of_set_powerbuilder_environment_info" method to ensure that search for PB.INI uses "absolute path".
   

      The OrderEntry example application and the Integrated Framework's Documentation has also been updated to the new Integrated Foundation class 2023R1 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 & free framework for PowerBuilder, PowerClient & PowerServer (Cloud) based 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 analysis & documentation!

 

 

 Enjoy!

PowerBuilder 2022 - 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 2023.1.0.325) and the newest Appeon PowerBuilder PB2022 Maintenance Release release (build 1892). The highlights in this release are:

• Migrated the code to PB2022 build 1892
• Updated "Theme" support for PB2022
  
• Updated "Corrupt" Base64 file handling check
  
• Updated the BLOB processing feature for SQLAnyWhere v17 build 17.0.11.7058)
• Converted Application Messages to use the new framework supplied "dw_messages_app_e" DataWindow object that is now used to store application specific messages.
  
• Update the STD Framework to the latest version 2023.1.0.325
• Tested the Base64 code on W10 version 22H2 build 19045.2728
• Tested the Base64 code on W11 version 22H2 build 22621.1413
• Updated for PowerClient 2022 App deployment
• Updated for PowerServer 2022 App deployment

 

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) v2022 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 PowerServer version 2022 by clicking here!

   Note: The Archive folder on SourceForge contains older versions of the PB Base64 application for older versions of PB!

Enjoy!

Regards ... Chris

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!