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Friday, August 29, 2025

Integrated Framework Documentation - 2025 R2 Released!

 ** Hot News **

STD Integrated Framework

Documentation Updated for the 2025 R2 Released!

    

        Software Tool & Die Inc (STD) are very pleased to announce that they have just released an updated version of the new 2025 R2 build 2025.2.0.445 of the STD Integrated Foundation Class framework documentation! The documentation has been produced using the latest Visual Expert 2025 software tool from Novalys.
   
  
STD Framework documentation main web page!
 
Visual Expert session engaged with the Integrated Framework

    Note: All the STD frameworks and Apps are free and can be downloaded from its STD Foundation Classes SourceForge project website. You can download the new updated STD Integrated Framework documentation from here.

   STD would like to thank Novalys Corporation for their support of the Foundation Classes by supplying the Visual Expert product for the framework's automated documentation generation!

Regards ... Chris

Wednesday, August 27, 2025

Integrated Framework (2025 R2) - Released to Production!





 ** Hot News **

  Integrated Foundation Classes (2024R3) Production Released!

 "THE" Framework for PowerBuilder / PowerServer 2025 GA !

(Framework version 2025.2.0.445 - August 17, 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 2024.3.0.405) exclusively for PowerBuilder 2025 GA and PowerServer 2025 GA (Cloud), and InfoMaker 2025 GA (build 3711) 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 2024, please follow these links - 2024R12024R2 and 2024R3. Note that the Integrated framework has now had 3 releases in 2024 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 2025R2 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 R2 Integrated Foundation Class library for Appeon PowerBuilder 2025 GA build 3711, as follows:
 
Supports New DataStore WebAPI feature ...
 
 
DataStore WebAPI example
 
 
 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!

Standard Menu mode 


 

 

 

 

 

DisplayMenuAsRibbonBar mode

 


 

 

 

 

 

Drag & Drop Tab Pages within Tab Control ...

Only one property to set ON in Tab Control

 

Support for using a Web Cam ...

 

Web Browser Control Logging / Tracing ...

 

ReDisplay last Windows Notification ...

 

New 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 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

 
 
Detailed list of updates between 2022 R3 and 2025 R1 + R2 ...
 
  1. Migrated the framework from  PB 2025 GA build 3683 to PB 2025 GA build 3711
  2. Updated the framework from version 2025.1.0.436 to 2025.2.0.445
  3. Revised fn_print_screen method to support Printer pointer for 64 bit compliance
  4. Revised fn_web_browser_control_settings method to fix the "ls_RuntimeMode" setting 
  5. Revised nc_app_controller_master class to remove SystemFunctions reference as its now handled by the new PowerScript Editor
  6. Revised nc_app_controller_master class to add the new of_sleep method using the Windows Sleep API
  7. Revised wn_debug_list_master class to update the Printer pointer for 64 bit compliance
  8. Revised nc_app_controller_master class to save notification message feature to allow the App to replay the msg    
  9. Revised nc_app_controller_master class to add the of_get_last_notification method
  10. Revised vs_dc_master class to add the oe_process_enter event
  11. Revised the vs_wb_master class to add "String  ls_download_file" variable to track downloads
  12. Revised the vs_wb_master class to add code to preserve the last file name & location downloaded
  13. Revised the vs_wb_master class to add code to downloadingoperationstatechanged event to track activity
  14. Revised the vs_wb_master class to preserve the last file name & location downloaded
  15. Revised the vs_wb_master class to downloadingoperationstatechanged event to track activity
  16. Revised the wn_colour_master class to release the filter if the user clears the search field
  17. Revised the wn_controller_master class to add ReDraw ON/OFF to stop window close flickering    
  18. Revised the wn_controller_master class to add the oe_open_webcam event.
  19. Revised the wn_master class to add "mdirbb_1" exclusion check for PB 2025
  20. Revised the mu_application_master class to change the DEBUG Menu structure in preparation for PB2025's Auto RibbonBar feature!
  21. Revised the mu_application_master class to handle colour picture names under an EXE
  22. Revised the wn_controller_master class to add WebAPI variables to enable version checking of the PS App server's APIs
  23. Revised the wn_controller_master class to add variables to support PB 2025's Tabbed View & Ribbon Bar runtime mode
  24. Revised the nc_app_controller_master class to revise the code to update the INI value upon a change
  25. Revised the nc_app_controller_master class to add of_set_ribbinbar_mode method to update the INI value upon a change
  26. Revised the ns_sqlca_master class to add code to check the WebAPI version being used & log it! 
  27. Revised the vs_tc_master class to add variables for Tab Page drag & drop    
  28. Revised the vs_tc_master class to ensure that Tab Drag&Drop is required!
  29. Revised the vs_tc_master class to add the of_get_current_tabpage method 
  30. Revised the vs_tc_master class to add code to the selectionchanged event to track its activity
  31. Revised the vs_tc_master class to ensure that TAB reordering is ON
  32. Revised the vs_tc_master class to DragLeave event to support manual Drag operations
  33. Revised the vs_wb_master class acceleratorkeypressed event to track its activity & log it
  34. Revised the vs_wb_master class contentloading event to track its activity & log it
  35. Revised the vs_wb_master class domcontentloaded event to track its activity & log it
  36. Revised the vs_wb_master class estimatedendtimechanged event to track its activity & log it
  37. Revised the vs_wb_master class isdefaultdownloaddialogstatechanged event to track its activity & log it
  38. Revised the vs_tc_master class to Track the current active tab page
  39. Revised the vs_tc_master class to ensure that TAB reordering is ON
  40. Revised the vs_tc_master class DragLeave event to finish manual drag & cleanup
  41. Revised the vs_wb_master class acceleratorkeypressed event to log it's activity
  42. Revised the vs_wb_master class contentloading event to log it's activity
  43. Revised the vs_wb_master class domcontentloaded event to log it's activity
  44. Revised the vs_wb_master class estimatedendtimechanged event to log it's activity
  45. Revised the vs_wb_master class isdefaultdownloaddialogstatechanged event to log it's activity
  46. Revised the vs_wb_master class webmessagereceived event to log it's activity
  47. Revised the wn_debug_list_master class to add of_populate_class_definition method 
  48. Revised the wn_debug_list_master class to add of_get_class_desc method 
  49. Revised the wn_debug_list_master class to add "Classes" tab page
  50. Revised the wn_debug_list_master class to add oe_populate event
  51. Revised the nc_app_controller_master class to update the INI value upon a change
  52. Revised the nc_app_controller_master class to Move the "As Admin" code to the new "of_run_as_admin" method
  53. Revised the nc_app_controller_master class to add oe_win_ini_changed event
  54. Revised the nc_app_controller_master class to add "of_is_native_app" check as of PB 2021, ALL Apps are "native"!
  55. Revised the nc_app_controller_master class to add Cloud App (PowerServer) Settings via INI file
  56. Revised the nc_app_controller_master class to add of_set_cloud_environment_info method
  57. Revised the nc_pbdebug_master class of_set_pbdebug_set method to log the option setting(s) when in Debug mode
  58. Revised the nc_pbdebug_master class of_set_pbdebug_output_file_name method to log the option setting(s) when in Debug mode
  59. Revised the nc_pbdebug_master class of_set_pbdebug_delete method to log the option setting(s) when in Debug mode
  60. Revised the nc_pbdebug_master class of_set_pbdebug_option method to log the option setting(s) when in Debug mode
  61. Revised the ns_ds_master class to support the new PowerServeer 2025 SQLPreview feature
  62. Revised the vs_dc_list_master class to not clear the DataObject Name (framework bug)
  63. Revised the vs_dc_list_master class to check if the grid DWO source was modified    
  64. Revised the vs_dc_master class to remove "ib_column_refocus" variable (no longer used)
  65. Revised the vs_dc_master class to remove "ii_keyboardtype" variable (no longer used)
  66. Revised the vs_dc_master class to remove "ib_column_refocus" variable (no longer used)
  67. Revised the vs_dc_master class to remove the GetTrans() command as the framework no longer uses SetTrans() 
  68. Revised the vs_dc_master class to add code to reset the PowerServer SQLPreview OFF at end of Retrieve
  69. Revised the vs_dc_master class to add code to reset the PowerServer SQLPreview OFF at end of Retrieve
  70. Revised the wn_controller_master class to add the oe_dpi_changed event to handle DPI changed
  71. Revised the wn_controller_master class to add missing oe_postconstructor event
  72. Revised the wn_debug_list_master class to add parameter to the OpenXxx command to identify caller
  73. Added the new fn_is_webview_installed class to Introspect the O/S to see if the WebView2 control is installed
  74. Revised the wn_debug_list_master class to add support for the new SaveFomatted and SaveDisplayed
  75. Revised the nc_app_controller_master class to use a different "section" name in the INI    
  76. Revised the nc_app_controller_master class to add of_Set_Changed_Colour method
  77. Revised the nc_app_controller_master class to support checking WebView2 software presence
  78. Revised the nc_app_controller_master class to support the new "changed" data colour
  79. Revised the vs_dc_master class to add oe_saveas_displayed event
  80. Revised the vs_dc_master class to add oe_saveas_formatted event
  81. Revised the vs_dc_master class to add of_get_transaction method
  82. Revised the wn_colour_master class to handle the Changed Colour setting
  83. Revised the nc_app_controller_master class to clean up "of_get_message" code (framework bug)
  84. Revised the vs_dc_detail_master class to add oe_post_UpdateEnd event
  85. Revised the vs_dc_master class to add "ib_highlight_changes" variable to track changes visually      
  86. Revised the vs_dc_master class to add code to display settings dialogue before the save operation
  87. Revised the vs_dc_master class to add of_get_transaction method
  88. Revised the vs_dc_master class to add code to bypass Post Constructor when doing a "refresh"
  89. Revised the vs_wb_master class to add code for allowing "edit" mode ON/OFF    
  90. Revised the vs_wb_master class to add of_enable_edit_mode method
  91. Revised the wn_saveas_formatted_master class to add oe_cancel event
  92. Revised the wn_saveas_formatted_master class to add oe_cancel & oe_ok events
  93. Revised the nc_app_controller_master class to Fixed PB.ini file check for message notification 
  94. Revised the nc_app_controller_master class to load a 32 or 64 bit notification App based on current App's bitness
  95. Revised the nc_app_controller_master class to call either the 32 or 64 bit marquee    
  96. Revised the nc_app_controller_master class to set the QAT (Qucik Access Toolbar) path for PB 2025
  97. Revised the vs_tc_master class to ensure that Tab Drag & Drop is required!
  98. Revised the vs_tc_master class to ensure that TAB reordering is ON
  99. Revised the mu_application_master class to turn Sheet toolbar menu item OFF if RibbonBar active.  
  100. Revised the nc_app_controller_master class to set the C# DataStore settings from the INI file    
  101. Revised the nc_app_controller_master class to add variables to support the new C# .Net DataStore feature of PB 2025    
  102. Revised the nc_app_controller_master class to remove SystemFunctions reference. Now Handled in new PowerScript Editor
  103. Revised the nc_app_controller_master class to add of_get_Dotnet_DS_Server method 
  104. Revised the nc_app_controller_master class to add of_get_Dotnet_DS_Port method
  105. Revised the nc_app_controller_master class to set the C# DataStore settings from the INI file
  106. Revised the vs_dc_master class to add new variables to handle the new .Net DataStore feature
  107. Revised the wn_main_master class to add new oe_postactivate method
  108. Added the fn_open_window_parent class to Open a window with specific parentage
  109. Added the fn_open_window_withparm_parent class to Open a window with specific parentage
  110. Revised the mu_application_master class to make sure that Sheets become "Maxed: again
  111. Revised the mu_application_master class to capture the App's IP Address & log that information!
  112. Created the nc_dw_resize_service class to handle all DW Object resizing!
  113. Created the nc_resize_service class to handle all Window Object resizing!
  114. Revised the vs_dc_master class to support all Window class resizing.
  115. Revised the vs_sle_master class to check for text before Selecting it!    
  116. Revised the wn_child_master class to Remove "of_register_tracked_window" method as ancestor duplicate
  117. Revised the wn_child_master class to Remove "WEB" check as Appeon Web product is now deprecated!
  118. Revised the wn_logon_master class to Remove test for Appeon Web as product is now deprecated  
  119. Revised the wn_master class to support Window resizing "service".
  120. Revised the wn_messagebox_master class to support Left to Right language DataWindow
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!

Wednesday, July 23, 2025

Integrated Framework (2024 R3-1) - Released to Production!

 ** Hot News **

  Integrated Foundation Classes (2024 R3-1) Released!

 "THE" Framework for PowerBuilder & PowerServer 2022 R3!

(Framework version 2024.2.0.400 - released on July 22, 2025)
 





    Software Tool & Die Inc (STD) are very pleased to announce that they have just released a maintenance version of their Integrated Foundation Class library framework 2024 R2-1 (build 2024.2.0.400) exclusively for PowerBuilder 2022 R3 and PowerServer 2022 R3 (Cloud), and InfoMaker 2022 R3 (build 3441) latest maintenance release from Appen!
  
     This maintenance release contains a key fix to the "wn_child_master" window class that when used issues a false message that this window type has encountered a "duplicate registration" upon opening! Many thanks to Mark Goldsmith for reporting this issue. Note that this fix is now also in the latest PB 2025 R2 beta release of the framework as well.

        The OrderEntry example application has also been updated to the new Integrated Foundation class 2024R3-1 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!

 
 
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! 


Thursday, July 17, 2025

WordSearch Puzzle Builder - 2025 R1 Released!

 ** Hot News Item **

NEW WordSeach Puzzle Maker App!


    Software Tool & Die Inc. (STD) are please to announce a brand new release of a WordSearch Puzzle Maker application. The App comes in two flavours: Classic and Framework. The Classic version is a migrated version from PB 2021 to PB 2025 with some GUI image tweaks. The Framework version is an completely refactored Classic version that was remapped to use the STD Integrated Framework classes!
 
    The Classic version was originally written by me in the PB version 5.0 time frame for my children who had to make these up as their homework assignment in public school. I upgraded this in PB 2021 and now into PB 2025 GA build 3683. Now my grandchildren use the app to create the same Word Searches for their school mates! The classic version is an MDI based App and uses a pure native PB System Class objects, as follows
    
Classic version of the Word Search Puzzle Creator!

   The Framework version is a refactored classic version replacing the System Classes with the equivalent ones from the STD Framework! This means that the framework based WordSearch maker now has automatically many new features like for example: Zooming, Print Preview, Tabbed Dialogues, Ribbon Bar UI, Logging, Debugging, Themes, Multiple monitor support, Dialogue centring, MS-Window notifications,  consistent message box displays, etc
 
Key Application features ...  
  • Built using PB 2025 build 3683 and the STD Framework 2025 R2 (beta)
  • Tested SQL Extract on W10 version 22H2 build 19045.2788
  • Tested SQL Extract on W11 version 24H2 build 26100.4652
 
Framework version of the Word Search Puzzle Creator!
 
   The Framework Word Search Puzzle Creator application is a good example of refactoring a classic PB App so that it is all driven by the STD framework. This now allows the PB developer to easily build any GUI Application interface that is required / desired with all the "bells & whistles" just by changing object inheritance. The framework based app now also allows the PB developer to be exponentially more productive in the future!
 
Complete the puzzle by auto filling the empty squares!
      
     Both the Classic and Framework Word Search Puzzle Creator example applications can now be downloaded from the SourceForge website. Please click here to download & enjoy the APPs!  
 
  
Enjoy ... Chris

Thursday, July 10, 2025

Resizing Example - 2025 R1 Released!

 ** Hot News Item **

NEW Resizing Example!

    Software Tool & Die Inc. (STD) are please to announce a brand new release of an STD Integrated Framework Resizing example application that utilizes the STD framework to implement both Window and DataWindow object resizing! The resizing feature inside this application is all driven by the Window and DataWindow classes from the STD framework.All you need to do is create any Window or DataWindow control by inheriting them from the STD framework and 99% of the coding will already be done for you!   
 
   The Resizing application is a PB 2025 demonstration application that showcases the built-in STD Framework's new Window and DataWindow resizing feature (framework version 2025 R2 - now in Beta). You can now accomplish this resizing task with just a few lines of code! The implementation is very similar to the PFC resizing so if you know that framework, then the STD resizing feature will be very easy to assimilate!
 
Key Application features ...  
  • Built using PB 2025 build 3683 and the STD Framework 2025 R2 (beta)
  • Tested SQL Extract on W10 version 22H2 build 19045.2788
  • Tested SQL Extract on W11 version 24H2 build 26100.4652
 
Window and DataWindow resizing demo dialogue!
 
   The Resizing demo application is all driven by the STD framework which allows the PB developer to easily build any GUI Application interface that is required / desired. The framework also allows the PB developer to be exponentially more productive!
 
Actual code to start automatic Window resizing!
    
     The STD Resizing example application can now be downloaded from the SourceForge website. Please click here to download & enjoy the APP! The code behind this Resize Example demonstrates that with PB & the STD Framework, you can easily build any type of GUI App & has the functionality that you & your users need! 
 
Enjoy ... Chris

Friday, June 27, 2025

OCR / Imaging Example - 2025 R1 Released!

 ** Hot News Item **

Updated OCR / Imaging Example!

    Software Tool & Die Inc. (STD) are please to announce the updated release of an STD Integrated Framework OCR / Imaging example application that utilizes the STD framework to implement both OCR scanning and Image management! The OCR / Imaging feature inside this application is all driven by DataWindow controls and utilizes the free and open source Tesseract and ImageMagicK products for OCR and Image management! 
 
   The OCR / Imaging application is a working prototype of a real life application that was actually put into production. It emulates a "web" look & feel with controls and menus leveraging DataWindow technology. It allows language switching, OCR data location, Image redaction and foreground text Escapement to signify a completed redaction of payment card information. The application also demonstrates security, reporting, work queue management and drag & drop data targeting!
 
   The OCR / Imaging application is a;; driven by the STD framework which allows the PB developer to easily build any GUI Application interface that is required (desired). The framework also allows the PB developer to be  exponentially more productive!
  
Bilingual Welcome Screen

 
Login dialogue utilizes Active Directory services

    Once you are past the the Login dialogue (any password is accepted in this demo app), you are presented with the main working dialogue for the application. Note that the Header band is a DataWindow that allows the application user to a) switch language, b) return to the "home" screen, c) Logout, d) View the App log (if they are an Admin User) and e) enter the App's Help information via an HTML URL. The main working menu on the left is also a DataWindow!
 
Main application working dialogue using DataWindow top & left menus
 
    The next step would be to select the "Administration" section of the left side DataWindow menu. This allows the App user to a)  Manage App users (if they are an App Admin) or b) Reassign work that is "in progress" in the assigned work queue. Note that the latter feature would be used where an App user is on vacation, sick, leaves the department, etc and there is "work in progress" that needs to be reassigned to another valid app user in order for it to be completed.
  
OCR / Image user security rights administration

    The next part could be the reporting section where privileged users and/or App Admin can get information about WIP (work in progress) by various status (completed, redacted, or reviewed). These areas (as well as the above mentioned Administration section), are just a standard PB Tab Control plus Tab Page that includes standard PB DataWindow controls to drive the show!
  
Example of Tab Page user object with DataWindow reports

    The "meat and potatoes" though of the application  is within the "Redaction" side of the left menu DataWindow. This brings into play a User Object Tab Control plus Tab Page that contains three DW's a) top main processing menu, b) right side image handling menu DW and c) a center DW that is used for displaying images, OCR, targeting, image manipulation, redaction and task completion, as follows:
   
Main image handling tab page with surrounding menu DW's!
 
    From here the App user can rotate the images, use the "Find" on the top tool bar to OCR the image to locate possible credit card information, use the right DW menu to manually target credit card information, redact and then complete & save the image back to the DBMS (of course all the time, using PB's BLOB handling commands). Note that because all the dialogues are DataWindow control based, the entire App then becomes Zoomable!
  
Image flip & rotation handling

Using OCR to locate possible credit card data within a form
  
Redacted credit card information on the image within the DW!
 
Final image redacted & saved back the the DB BLOB table.

     The STD OCR / Image PowerBuilder example application can now be downloaded from the SourceForge website. Please click here to download & enjoy the APP and the code behind that demonstrates that with PB, you can build any type of App GUI & functionality that you need! 
 
    
Enjoy ... Chris

Thursday, June 26, 2025

SQL Extract Utility - 2025R1 Released!

 ** Hot News **

Updated SQL Extract Utility! 

for Appeon PowerBuilder 2025

    Software Tool & Die Inc. (STD Inc) have just released an updated version of the SQL Extract utility version 2025.1.0.45 that can reverse engineer Appeon PowerBuilder's proprietary SQL format known as a PBSELECT format into either ANSI, PL/SQL or T-SQL format from within any DataWindow (TM) object. The updated version of the SQL Extract utility was designed to allow it to forward & reverse engineer the DataWindow source code from any Unicode based PowerBuilder library. This means that DataWindow source from PowerBuilder version 10 through PB 2025 can be parsed & the SQL run-time generated from a PBSELECT format just like when your DataWindows are actually running under control of your PowerBuilder based production applications! The utility will also identify DataWindows that are not using a PBSELECT format that may be already causing performance, migration or cross-DBMS issues and may require a review.

 
    The output of SQL Extract is a textual based .SQL file that can be input directly into SQL syntax analysis  products like: SQL Parser; SQL Doctor; Aqua Data Studio; DB Optimizer; etc (to name a few products) for further SQL analysis, formatting, & tuning. STD has successfully tested the new version of SQL Extract with SAP's latest SQL Anywhere & ASE 16 as well as SQL Server 2022, PostGreSQL 17  DBMS systems. SQL Extract can also handle other DB access mechanisms, such as: OLE-DB, ADO.net, MSOLEDBSQL, etc. Support for the ODBC db driver is still standard, but PB's native db drivers are fully supported as per the Appeon PB 2025 product feature set. Older DBMS client DB Drivers are also supported - for example the Open Client (SYC) native DB driver access mechanism for ASE.

    The updated of the SQL Extract utility will also work with Appeon's InfoMaker 2025, PowerClient & PowerServer 2025 development projects as well, as those products also utilize the same DataWindow technology. The new features of SQLXTract v2025 are as follows:
  • Migrated the App code from PB2017R1 build 1681 to PB 2025 build 3683.
  • Enhanced the SQL extraction logic to support "on the fly" DataWindow source conversion syntax
  • Tested SQL Extract with SA 17 and the new "PB Demo DB V2025" database
  • Added new Project for 64bit deployment
  • Tested SQL Extract on W10 version 22H2 build 19045.2788
  • Tested SQL Extract on W11 version 24H2 build 26100.4349
 

    The SQL Extract utility application is open source and thus royalty free to use. You can download the SQL Extract application source code from its current location on the SourceForge website.



Enjoy!

Regards ... Chris

Tuesday, June 24, 2025

InfoMaker Framework - 2025R1 Released!

 ** Hot News **

Updated InfoMaker Framework

of Reusable Functions


    Software Tool & Die Inc. (STD) are pleased to announce today an updated subset of their Integrated Framework that has been developed for the latest Appeon InfoMaker 2025 GA release build 3683. The updated STD InfoMaker Framework is a set of reusable functions that can be used in any InfoMaker Report or Form object where expressions are used to obtain, format, validate, derive, compute, etc various values. In this release as well, all the functions have been now documented by the Visual Expert 2025 product from Novalys, as follows

 
Visual Expert generated documentation in HTML format!


         The updated InfoMaker framework includes a library of reusable functions. These functions can perform a variety of value-added services to any InfoMaker set of Report or Form objects. The Functions are well documented internally. You can add these to your InfoMaker product by amending the IM library list to include the "STD_FC_IM_Functions.pbl" library. This will immediately give you access to all these global functions.

Step#1 - Select the Library List in the InfoMaker IDE
 

Step#2 - Add the STD InfoMaker Framework's library to your project


 Note: All the STD frameworks are free and can be downloaded from its STD Foundation Classes SourceForge project website. The new InfoMaker framework can be downloaded from here.

 In the near future, Software Tool & Die will also be adding more functions and another new area called Style Sheet Ancestors to this framework.
 
   STD would also like to thank Novalys Corporation for their support of the various STD Foundation Frameworks by supplying the VisualExpert product for the framework's documentation! 
 

Enjoy!
Regards ... Chris

Sunday, June 22, 2025

Send Message - 2025R1 Released!

 ** Hot News Item **

Updated Send Message Example!


    Software Tool & Die Inc. (STD) are please to announce the new release of an STD Integrated Framework example application that utilizes the STD framework to implement O/S messaging! The Send Message feature inside PowerBuilder has been around since PB version 2.0. However, it is not a well documented and known feature of the PB development tool. The STD Send Message example goes even further by allowing applications to communicate across processes. The STD framework allows the PB developer to easily implement messaging. The framework also allows the PB developer to be  exponentially more productive!
  
    The Send Message example application utilizes the latest STD Integrated Framework version 2025.1.0.436 released on 2025-05-19 and the newest Appeon PowerBuilder 2025 release build 3683 to locate external applications. In turn, the framework then facilitates external applications written in PB or almost any development language - to send messages back to  PB applications using a Send() command (PB or Windows API).
 
    The download includes three applications, Sender, Receiver and SendReceive. The SendReceive application demonstrates locating any object class in your PB App and its address (handle). Once an object class handle is found the calling object can use the PB Send() command to send it an O/S message. The messaged control can then send back information (ie: its Class Name) to the caller by using another Send() command. Note the PB Send command is the same as the MS-Windows API Send command. So using the Windows API allows non-PB Apps to send messages to a PB App.
 
SendReceive example using Send() to introspect other objects!

    The Integrated framework also allows you to send messages from one application to another (different processes). The Sender and Receiver applications in the download provide this example between applications (processes). These PB applications can be running as either a Native, System Tray or System Task process. They also demonstrate the use of the "Custom User Event" to be able to receive messages between any App and your PB App.
    
    The 2025 Send Message applications have also been updated to use the new PB Themes, TabbedView and DisplayMenuAsRibbonBar features of  PB 2025.


Sender & Receiver example of inter-process Send Messages

     The STD Send Message PowerBuilder example applications can now be downloaded from the SourceForge website. Please click here to download & enjoy!
  

Enjoy ... Chris