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!  ;-)

 

STD Framework - New Demo Apps for 2026

  ** Hot News Item **

NEW STD Demo Apps for 2026

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

 

Applications ...  

• Colour Selection Generator
• Single Sign On
• Structure API Guide
• and many more!

  

   The Colour Generator application is a good example of a PB App that it is all driven by the STD framework. To use the Colour Generator Utility 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. The colour palettes in three categories: PB, Web & Crayola. You can also filter the colour palette search by name as well. Clicking on a specific colour gives you the Colour Code, RGB or HEX colour value that can then be used in PowerBuilder, Web or other application development tools, as follows:

 

Colour Generator in action!

      The Colour Generator Utility application can now be downloaded from the SourceForge website.  Please click here to download & enjoy the APP! 

 

 

     The Single Sign On application is another  good example of a PB App that it is all driven by the STD framework. The framework now includes a new object class named "nc_single_signon" that handles LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol), AD (Active Directory) and ADSO Active Duty Service Obligation [military]) requests to the MS-Windows operating system for your Client Server, PowerServer or PowerClient based applications. The following SSO Demo App shows you the functionality and the "code behind" guides the developer on how to use the framework get get these features working, as follows:

 

Actual Single Sign On using AD!

      The Single Sign On  Demo application can now be downloaded from the SourceForge website.  Please click here to download & enjoy the APP! 

  

 

     The Structure API Guide application is another good example of a PB App that it is all driven by the STD framework. This utility application allows you to see an MS-Windows structure from a PowerBuilder developer's perspective. Selecting the Progma, Unicode or ANSI settings then shows you both the 32 and 64 bit impact. Then clicking the "Layout" button beside the structure in question, will then show the PB developer the actual structure properties for the chosen options, as follows:

 

Structure API Guide main dialogue

The resulting Layout needed for a selected structure!

      The  Structure API Guide  application can now be downloaded from the SourceForge website.  Please click here to download & enjoy the APP! 

 

    The STD Framework also has a slew of free Demo Apps built from the framework that the PB Developer can run. These apps show the PB Developer how various features of the framework work that can then be used to deliver any conceivable PowerBuilder application functionality in a fraction of the time. These apps will then also include a plethora of advanced features just by inheriting from the framework's classes. Here are some Demo App examples that you can try ..

 

Small example of all the Demo Apps for the framework!

       All the  STD Framework Demo applications can be downloaded from the SourceForge website.  Please click here to see the entire list of Demo Apps!!!!

  

Enjoy ... Chris

NEW Colour Generator Utility - 2025 R1 Released!

 ** Hot News Item **

NEW Colour Generator App!

    Software Tool & Die Inc. (STD) are please to announce a brand new Colour Generator Utility application. This application allows the PowerBuilder developer to select a colour and then it generates both the Colour Code, RGB and HEX (web, ribbon builder, Web DW) colour values for use in PB, SNAP, Web and other Development tools!

 

   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 2025 R3
• Tested the Colour Generator on W11 version 25H2 build 26200.7462

  

   The Colour Generator application is a good example of a PB App that it is all driven by the STD framework. This now 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 Colour Generator Utility 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.

 

Colour Selection Generator in action!

 

       

     The Colour Generator Utility application can now be downloaded from the SourceForge website. 

 

Please click here to download & enjoy the APP!   

 

  

Enjoy ... Chris

Integrated Framework (2025 R3) - Released to Production!

** Hot News **

  Integrated Foundation Classes (2025 R3) Production Released!

 "THE" Framework for PowerBuilder / PowerServer 2025 !

(Framework version 2025.3.0.645 - December 04, 2025)

 

        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 2024 R3 (build 2025.3.0.640) 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 - 2024R3. & 2025R2.  Note that the 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 in 2025 R3 and above - so stay tuned!

 

     The OrderEntry example application and the Integrated Framework's Documentation has also been updated to the new Integrated Foundation class 2025R3 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 some of the key highlights of the new 2025 R3 Integrated Foundation Class library for Appeon PowerBuilder 2025 MR build 3726, as follows:

 

Ribbon Bar & Tabbed View GUI control  ...

 

Example of Dynamic Ribbon Bar settings control!

 

Example of Dynamic Tabbed View settings control!

 

 

 

 Enhanced Class Definition Viewer ...

 Even includes all extended properties added by the STD Framework to all object classes and their current values!

 

Automatic Ribbon Bar feature ...

"Look Ma no coding" when migrated to PB 2025 and the DisplayMenuAsRibbonBar property is set to ON! This feature can also be turned ON/OFF dynamically as well (see the OrderEntry Demo App)! For R3, the Menu and RB's have been optimized for a better logical display and use of Icons.

Example of Dynamic Menu / Ribbon Bar swapping!

 

Standard Menu mode

 

 

 

 

 

 

DisplayMenuAsRibbonBar mode

 

MenuChanged  Event Logging ...

Example of MenuChanged event logging

 

Windows Notification timer feature...

Example using the new framework's Notification Timer feature!

 

Window & DataWindow Resize Service... 

 Window Code Example...

 //Turn on service
THIS.of_set_resize(TRUE)
//Prevent the contents of the windows from resizing past the min width/height
inv_resize.of_setminsize(this.width, this.height)
//register objects to be resized
inv_resize.of_register(dw_upper, inv_resize.scaleright)
inv_resize.of_register(dw_lower, inv_resize.scalerightbottom)
inv_resize.of_register(cb_bottom, inv_resize.fixedcenterbottom)
inv_resize.of_register(cb_side, inv_resize.fixedright)
inv_resize.of_register(st_1, inv_resize.fixedright)
inv_resize.of_register(st_2, inv_resize.fixedright)
inv_resize.of_register(gb_1, inv_resize.scalerightbottom)

DataWindow Code Example....

THIS.of_set_resize(TRUE)
inv_resize.of_SetOrigSize ( THIS.width, THIS.height )
inv_resize.of_SetMinSize ( width, height )
inv_resize.of_register ("desc_t",inv_Resize.scaleright)
inv_resize.of_register ("desc", inv_Resize.scaleright)

STD Framework 2025 R3 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

 

Detailed list of updates between 2025 R2 and 2025 R3 ...

 

1. Migrated the framework from PB 2025 build 3711 to PB 2025 build 3726
2. Revised mu_application_master => mi_layer: Added code to make sure that Sheets become "Maxed" again        
3. Revised mu_application_master Instance Pool: Added class name of the PB 2025 RibbonBar's toolbar
4. Revised nc_app_controller_master class: Added code to support the new RibbonBar menu class
5. Revised nc_app_controller_master class: Revised the mode to "TabbedView_Mode" for clarity
6. Revised nc_app_controller_master class: Revised code to use the "RibbonBar" section instead
7. Revised wn_controller_master class: Added code for the QAT (Quick Access Toolbar) settings
8. Revised nc_app_controller_master class: The SystemFunctions class reference was removed as this is now handled in the improved PowerScript Editor!
9. Revised nc_app_controller_master class: Added "FlashWindowEx" API declaration
10. Revised nc_app_controller_master class: Overloaded of_notification_display method to add "timer" argument
11. Revised nc_app_controller_master class: Added new of_notification_display method
12. Revised nc_app_controller_master class: Added new of_set_ribbonbar_FaceName method
13. Revised nc_app_controller_master class: Added new of_set_ribbonbar_HidePanelText 
14. Revised nc_app_controller_master class: Added new of_set_ribbonbar_HidePanelText method
15. Revised nc_app_controller_master class: Added new of_set_ribbonbar_ShowQuickAccessToolbar method
16. Revised nc_app_controller_master class: Added new of_set_ribbonbar_TextSize method
17. Revised nc_app_controller_master class: Added new of_set_ribbonbar_BuiltInTheme method
18. Revised nc_app_controller_master class: Added new of_set_tabbedview_facename method
19. Revised nc_app_controller_master class: Added new of_set_tabbedview_TextSize method
20. Revised nc_app_controller_master class: Added new of_set_tabbedview_showclosebutton method
21. Revised nc_app_controller_master class: Added new of_set_tabbedview_showclosebutton method
22. Revised nc_app_controller_master class: Added new of_set_tabbedview_showicon method
23. Revised nc_app_controller_master class: Added new of_set_tabbedview_showseparator method
24. Revised nc_app_controller_master class: Added new of_set_tabbedview_showpowertips method
25. Revised nc_app_controller_master class: Added new of_set_tabbedview_showtext method
26. Revised vs_mle_master class: Added new oe_editchanged user event method to handle low level keyboard input
27. Revised vs_sle_master class: Added new oe_editchanged user event method to handle low level keyboard input
28. Revised wn_app_controller_master class: Added code to handle new DisplayMenuAsRibbonBar mode
29. Added fn_get_ancestor_class_name class: Locates the ancestor of the object class pointer
30. Revised mu_application_master class: Added code to turn on RibbonBar and TabbedView if active    
31. Revised mu_application_master class: Optimized the code for better control over menu / ribbon runtime options
32. Revised mu_application_master class: Added code to remove the Settings Menu if TV & RB are OFF
33. Revised mu_application_master class: Revised the code to handle "✔" instead of Checked property
34. Revised mu_application_master class: Added code back in to make sure that Sheets become "Maxed" again upon Arrange Sheets Layer! directive
35. Revised vs_dc_master class: Added variable to control the "No User Prompt" on errors
36. Revised vs_dc_master class: Added code to control the No Prompt on Errors setting    
37. Revised wn_app_controller_master class: Added instance variable SW for "Max all tabbed sheets" tracking 
38. Revised wn_app_controller_master class: added of_get_max_tabbed_sheets method to get Maximize Tabbed Sheets saved setting
39. Revised wn_master class: Added new MenuChanged event code to log menu changes if in DEBUG mode

 

Special thank you...

 

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!