Integrated Framework (2026 R2) - Released to Production!

 ** Hot News **

  Integrated Foundation Classes (2026 R2) Production Released!

 "THE" Framework for PowerBuilder / PowerServer 2025 !

(New Framework version 2026.2.0.475 - May 28, 2026)

 

        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 2026 R2 (build 2026.2.0.475) exclusively for PowerBuilder 2025 MR (build 3726) and PowerServer 2025 (Cloud), and InfoMaker 2025 MR (build 3726) environments - with many 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 2025 GA development environment! The updated framework combined with the current PowerBuilder products for building Native Client, PowerClient and/or PowerServer applications, 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 2025/2026, please follow these links to 2025R2, 2025R3 & 2026R1 respectively. The STD Integrated framework has now had 3 releases in 2025 so that it stays leading edge and feature rich! STD also has more features already ready for the Integrated framework for 2026 R2 release to match the planned Appeon PB 2025 R2 release coming soon - so stay tuned!

 

     The OrderEntry example application and the Integrated Framework's Documentation have also been updated to the new Integrated Foundation class 2026R2 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 Native PowerBuilder, PowerClient & PowerServer (Cloud) based applications!

    

    The following are key details of the new 2026 R2 Integrated Foundation Class library for Appeon PowerBuilder 2025 MR build 3726, as follows ...

 

Detailed list of updates between 2026 R1 => 2026 R2 ... 

1. Added function 'fn_get_all_printers" to get all printers registered on the App user's machine.
2. Modified class "nc_app_controller_master" method "of_findwindow_partial" code to exit the loop immediately if Class found - hence a significant performance improvement!
3. Created class "nc_net_user_group" with new methods to MS-windows credentials for single sign-on
4. Created class "nc_regexp" REGEXP (Regular Expression) implementation in PowerScript
5. Created class "nc_string_master" to add advanced String manipulation functions
6. Modified class "vs_gb_master" to add "oe_hit_test" User event to allow mouse detection
7. Modified class "nc_app_controller_master" to Remove Controller Check instance variable. Now handled by wn_master
8. Modified class "wn_master" to Revise code to check for open instance limit
9. Modified class "nc_app_controller_master" to Add support for the new "HighDpiMode" feature in PB 2025 R2
10. Modified class "wn_ribbonbar_master" to allow Font selection from fonts installed in the O/S
11. Modified class "wn_tabbedview_master" to allow Font selection from fonts installed in the O/S
12. Added various R2 code ("commented out") to support new features in the upcoming PB 2025 R2 release! Will remove comments when the framework is released for the PB 2025 R2 GA!

 Installed Printers: (New - framework now introspects and logs all O/S installed printers) 

RibbonBar Dialogue:  (Updated to allow the selection of any O/S font)

 

 TabbedView Dialogue: (Updated to allow the selection of any O/S font)

 

 Font Preview Dialogue:  (New - Allows the App user to preview the selected font effects)

 

 Font Selection:  (New - exposes MS-Windows O/S built-in dialogue)

 

 

STD Framework 2026 R2 Download: https://sourceforge.net/projects/stdfndclass/files/FrameWork/Integrated

STD OrderEntry Demo App Download: https://sourceforge.net/projects/stdfndclass/files/Applications/PowerBuilder/OrderEntry

Tip: PB  Demo Database downloads

A special thank you... 

 

Now over 122,000 lines of code!

 

   STD would like to thank Novalys Corporation for their support of the Foundation Classes by supplying the VisualExpert product for the framework's analysis & its automated documentation!

 

 

 

 Enjoy! 

Regards  .. Chris

STD Framework recognized on PBTV

 

 ** Hot News Item **

STD Framework on PBTV !

 Software Tool & Die Inc. (STD) are please to announce that it has been recognized for it's work on the STD Framework and PowerBuilder on PBTV!  To view the article, click  here!

Regards .. Chris

Integrated Framework (2026 R1) - Released to Production!

 ** Hot News **

  Integrated Foundation Classes (2026 R1) Production Released!

 "THE" Framework for PowerBuilder / PowerServer 2025 !

(New Framework version 2026.1.0. 467 - April 9, 2026)

 

        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 2026 R1 (build 2026.1.0.467) exclusively for PowerBuilder 2025 MR (build 3726) and PowerServer 2025 (Cloud), and InfoMaker 2025 MR (build 3726) environments - with many 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 2025 GA development environment! The updated framework combined with the current PowerBuilder products for building Native Client, PowerClient and/or PowerServer applications, 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 2025, please follow these links to 2025R2 & 2025R3 respectively. The STD Integrated framework has now had 3 releases in 2025 so that it stays leading edge and feature rich! STD also has more features planned for the Integrated framework for 2026 R2 release to match the planned Appeon PB 2025 R2 release coming soon - so stay tuned!

 

     The OrderEntry example application and the Integrated Framework's Documentation have also been updated to the new Integrated Foundation class 2026R1 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 Native PowerBuilder, PowerClient & PowerServer (Cloud) based applications!

    

    The following are key details of the new 2026 R1 Integrated Foundation Class library for Appeon PowerBuilder 2025 MR build 3726, as follows ...

 

Detailed list of updates between 2025 R3 and 2026 R1 ...

1. Removed base object class "vs_ole_web_browser_master" as Microsoft Internet Explorer is no longer included in W10 & higher
2. Removed object class "wn_ie_web_browser" as Microsoft Internet Explorer is no longer included in W10 & higher
3. Removed all descendants of "wn_ie_web_browser" class 
4. Removed all support for Chromium Web Browser as his is no longer supported by PB 2025 and higher.
5. Aligned code where possible to better work with PB 2025 Revision #2
6. Modified "fn_copy_transaction" to add "AutoCommit" assignment to the copy list    
7. Modified "nc_app_controller_master" class to add "of_get_microhelp_class" method
8. Modified "nc_app_controller_master" class to set current Theme if INI file setting is also TRUE
9. Modified "nc_app_controller_master" class to Network Adapter logging back into the App start-up
10. Created "ns_ps_label_master" class and then added "oe_documenation" & "oe_postcontructor" events
11. Modified class "wn_master" to add ib_ps_label_active variable to monitor PowerServer SQL merging
12. Modified class "ns_sqlca_master" to add "ib_ps_label_processing" tracking variable for PS SQL merging
13. Modified class "ns_sqlca_master" "of_update" method to Added code for PowerServer "Label" processing
14. Modified class "mu_application_master" to add "mi_ribbonmenu" item to control Menu <=> RB switching
15. Modified class "mu_application_master" to correct a black theme check mark issue
16. Modified "nc_app_controller_master" class to Set MDI App behaviour as the "default"    
17. Modified "vs_lv_master" class to clean up path if running as EXE
18. Modified "vs_tv_master" class to clean up path if running as EXE
19. 19) Modified "wn_tracing_options_master" class to delete PBDebug cache 
20. Created "fn_get_all_printers" class to locate all printers on the current App's machine
21. Modified "nc_app_controller_master" class to exit the loop immediately if Class found on "of_findwindow_partial" method
22. Created "nc_net_user_group" class to get UserID & Groups of the current Windows App user
23. Created "nc_regexp" class to allow easier MS-Windows registry processing
24. Modified "vc_tp_about_general" class to grab the PB runtime version & display it
25. Created "nc_string_master" class to facilitate comre complex string processing than found in PB
26. Modified "vs_gb_master" class to allow mouse detection over object via "oe_hit_test" user mapped event
27. Modified "wn_controller_master" class to Remove Controller Check instance variable. Now handled by "wn_master" class
28. Modified "wn_master" class to check for open instance limit more efficiently & track instances open    
29. Modified "nc_string_master" class to add new "of_parsetoarray" method

 

STD Framework 2026 R1 Download: https://sourceforge.net/projects/stdfndclass/files/FrameWork/Integrated

STD OrderEntry Demo App Download: https://sourceforge.net/projects/stdfndclass/files/Applications/PowerBuilder/OrderEntry

Tip: PB  Demo Database downloads

A special thank you... 

 

Now over 122,000 lines of code!

 

   STD would like to thank Novalys Corporation for their support of the Foundation Classes by supplying the VisualExpert product for the framework's analysis & its automated documentation!

 

 

 

 Enjoy! 

Regards  .. Chris

Multi-Media App updated - 2026 R2 Released!

 **  Hot news **

Multi-Media App updated for PB2025!

    Software Tool & Die Inc. are please to announce the release of its updated all PowerBuilder built MS-Window's Multi-Media Player version 2026 R2 build 2026.2.0.40 example application that is all written in PowerBuilder 2025 build 3726! This application demonstrates the power of using the STD Integrated Framework plus its new "vs_ole_media_player_master" object class. The latest application release was designed with the following in mind:

• Updated the App to a RibbonBar (final planned step for this App's new look)!
• Created a PB 2025 R2 Beta version of the App as well! 
• Tested M-Code 32bit and P-Code 32/64 bit EXE's on W11 version 25H2 build 26200.8039

RibbonBar Version (new)

Latest release using the new PB 2025 "Display Menu As Ribbonbar" feature!

 

Themed Version

Second release using the PB 2022/2025 "Themes" feature!

 

Original Version

First release as an SDI based App

 

    For a list of recent features, please click here!

 

   Unlock the "Power" in PowerBuilder applications by using the STD Integrated framework! The Multi Media Player is just one example of building a PB application from this powerful all free & open source Framework! Click here to download the 2026 R2  Multi-Media Player example application! Note that the PB 2025 R2 Beta version has also been provided located in the Beta folder on the above link.

 

Tip: Use the "vs_ole_media_player_master" object class from the framework to add live application "how to" media to your PB business applications! 

Enjoy ... Chris

 

New Capture Demo Application - 2026 R1 Released!

 ** Hot News Item **

NEW Digital Capture Application Released!

    Software Tool & Die Inc. (STD) are please to announce a brand new Digital Image Capture  application built from the STD Framework for PowerBuilder. This application allows the PowerBuilder application to select an object class (ie: Window, Application, Screen, Control, etc)  and capture them as a digital image using MS-Windows API's!

 

   The STD Framework was used for building this application. So features like for example: Zooming, Print Preview, Tabbed Dialogues, Ribbon Bar UI, Logging, Debugging, Themes, Multiple monitor support, automatic dialogue centering, MS-Window notifications,  consistent message box displays, etc are already in the application by default just through inheritance!

 

Key Application features ...  

• Built using PB 2025 build 3726 and the STD Framework 2026 R1
• Upgraded App for PB 2025 R2 Beta #2 build 6324 for Beta testing 
• Demonstrates the use of the  "nc_capture_master" NVUO to perform image captures
• Tested the Capture Application on W11 version 25H2 build 26200.8037

  

   The Capture application is another great example of a PB App that it is all driven by the STD framework. This allows the PB developer to easily build modern GUI Application interfaces and features that are  required / desired with all the "bells & whistles" just by changing object inheritance. The framework based app also allows the PB developer to be exponentially more productive!

 

    To use the Capture Demo application, just click on a command button to generate a digital image of an application resource (ie; Window, App, Control, etc). The Capture application uses a new User Object (NVUO) named "nc_capture_master". You can direct the NVUO to capture any object class as a digital image and return it either as Blob data or optionally, copy the Digital Image to the MS-Windows clipboard, as follows.

 

Capture Demo App allows you to generate a digital image of App classes!

 

Select a object classification!

 

Get a confirmation that a digital image was captured!

 

View the digital capture in your favourite imaging tool!

  

    Tip: You can also optionally have the digital image capture of any class into a PB Blob variable where you could write this into a DB Blob column, external file, etc under PowerScript control. Check out the PowerScript in the various CB's!

         

   The Capture Demo application can now be downloaded from the SourceForge website. Please click here to download & enjoy the App!  Note that the "Beta" sub-folder holds the PB 2025 R2 beta version of the Capture Demo application as well.

 

    

Enjoy ... Chris

Multi-Media App updated - 2026 R1 Released!

 **  Hot news **

Multi-Media App updated for PB2025!

    Software Tool & Die Inc. are please to announce the release of its updated all PowerBuilder built MS-Window's Multi-Media Player version 2026 R1 build 2026.1.0.37 example application that is all written in PowerBuilder 2025 build 3726! This application demonstrates the power of using the STD Integrated Framework plus its new "vs_ole_media_player_master" object class. The latest application release was designed with the following in mind:

• Updated from PB version 2025 build 3683 to PB Version 2025 build 3726
• Updated the STD Integrated framework from 2025 R1 to 2026 R1 build 2026.1.0.467
• Updated to use the latest Windows "Notification" feature built from the STD framework
• Updated to use the latest PB2025's Theme features!
• Added support for FLAC media files!  New
• Tested M-Code 32bit and P-Code 32/64 bit EXE's on W11 version 25H2 build 26200.8037

Media Player in action on an MP3 music stream

Media Player in action on an MP4 movie stream

New FLAC media file support (from local or internet)

    What is FLAC?  FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec) files are high-fidelity, open-source audio files that offer lossless compression, reducing file sizes to about 50-60% of the original uncompressed source without losing any audio data. Ideal for audiophiles and archival, they support CD-quality and hi-res audio, featuring wide compatibility on modern media device players.

 

      The Multimedia Player will allow local files to be played & viewed from your local machine. It is also designed to allow media data streams to be played and viewed from any valid URL across the internet. The MultiMedia Player supports the following formats: .MOV, .MP3, .MP4, .AVI, .WTV, .MID, .MKA, .MKV, .MV4, .WAV, .WMV & now FLAC, just to mention the main types. More music and video formats are also supported as well.

 

Use various media sources from your PC or across the internet!

 

 

    Your MultiMedia play list is also always at your finger tips using the STD Frameworks ability to add a User Object(s) to the main Menu Toolbar on an Main or MDI Frame.

 

 

   Unlock the "Power" in PowerBuilder applications by using the STD Integrated framework! The MultiMedia Player is just one example of building a PB application from this powerful all free & open source Framework! Click here to download the Multi-Media Player example application!

 

Tip: Use the "vs_ole_media_player_master" object class from the framework to add live application "how to" media to your PB business applications! 

Enjoy ... Chris

MP3 & CD Players - Updated Apps Released!

 

  ** Hot News Item **

Updated MP3 & CD Players Apps Released!

    Software Tool & Die Inc. (STD) are please to announce an upgraded MP3 & CD Players applications built from the latest STD Framework for PowerBuilder 2025 & 2025 R2. These applications have been enhanced as the Phase I of a GUI make over.

Key Application features ...  

• Built using PB 2025 build 3726 and the STD Framework 2026 R1
• Code also ported to PB 2025 R2 Beta #2 
• Tested the on the latest W11 version 25H2 build 26200.8037

  

The MP3 Player application ...

 

 Before

 

 After

 

 

 

The CD Player application ...

 

 Before 

 

 

 After

 

 

The CD & MP3 Player applications can now be downloaded from the SourceForge website as follows: MP3 Player & CD Player. Note that the Beta folder located in the above links will allow you to grab the PB 2025 R2 Beta version of each player as well.

 

   

Enjoy ... Chris

New PowerBuilder MP3 Player Application - 2026 R1 Released!

  ** Hot News Item **

NEW MP3 Player Application Released!

    Software Tool & Die Inc. (STD) are please to announce a brand new MP3 Player application application built from the STD Framework for PowerBuilder. This application allows the PowerBuilder user to select an one or more MP3 files and play them using the framework's MCI (Multimedia Command Interface) MS-Windows API's!

 

   The STD Framework was used for building this application. So features like for example: Zooming, Print Preview, Tabbed Dialogues, Ribbon Bar UI, Logging, Debugging, Themes, Multiple monitor support, automatic dialogue centering, MS-Window notifications,  consistent message box displays, etc are already in the application by default just through inheritance!

 

Key Application features ...  

• Built using PB 2025 build 3726 and the STD Framework 2026 R1
• Tested the Colour Generator on W11 version 25H2 build 26200.7922

  

   The MP3 Player application is another great example of a PB App that it is all driven by the STD framework. This allows the PB developer to easily build modern GUI Application interfaces that are  required / desired with all the "bells & whistles" just by changing object inheritance. The framework based app also allows the PB developer to be exponentially more productive!

 

    To use the MP3 Player application, just click on a colour in either category. A hand icon will appear next to your selection and then the resulting colour values will be generated, as follows.

 

All MP3 files copied to the App's EXE's folder are automatically in the play list!

 

 

Selecting the PLAY icon will start the MP3's to be played

 

 

       Tip: You can expand the right side of the play to see the MP3 file list and you can expand the display area to see a live visual animation of what song is playing! Just click on either the expand  / collapse command buttons. 

         From there, you can also Pause, Stop, Select Next, Prior, or First in the menu or click on the play list or use the Track Control button to control the playback list. There are radio buttons as well to automatically replay a certain track or replay the entire MP3 list! You can even open the MS-Windows O/S Volume Mixer from the MP3 Player and if desired, control the output devices and the MP3 volume levels from inside the mixer. The MP3 Player app also allows you to control the Left / Right / Mute features of the O/S as well from inside the MP3 Player!

 

Volume Mixer automatically shows the PB MP3 Player!

 

  

     The MP3 Player application can now be downloaded from the SourceForge website. 

 

Please click here to download & enjoy the APP!   

 

   

Enjoy ... Chris

STD Framework Award!

 ** Hot News Item **

STD Framework SourceForge Award!

 Software Tool & Die Inc. (STD) are please to announce that it has received this prestigious from SourceForge! Check out the project itself in detail from here!

 

STD Framework - Updated Demo Apps for 2026

 ** Hot News Item **

Updated Demo Apps for 2026

    Software Tool & Die Inc. (STD) are please to announce new & updated set of Demo applications for 2026 based on the latest 2026 R1 STD Integrated Framework. Remember that the framework and the Demo Apps are free and Open Source too! These new & updated applications for 2026 are as follows:

 

Applications ...  

• Compact Disc Player
• Order Entry Demo App
• Windows Explorer
• File Explorer (new) 
• Application Statistics 

Note: In the download links, if you look at their "Beta" download folder you will also discover the downloadable version for running these Apps in the new PB 2025 R2 Beta version as well!  ;-)