Francois

>The problem is possibly that the move of VFP seems pretty steep
>especially for Fox aficionados who think data constructs first,
>hi-level interface objects second and some hi-level snippet coding
>in the end. Not really C or C++.

Have you seen Delphi? Database and datasource objects? SQL properties? Easy-to-use methods to download/update rows?

JBuilder looks just like that. You can develop just the way you describe, as long as your clients don't mind your using something from Borland, I mean Inprise. <g>

Have you seen Supercede? Connect to a database and table, enter your SQL, drag fields onto the form and have them automatically databound. Gee, where have I heard that before? <g>
Run the form. Let CORBA manage true C/S for you for maximum portability. Or import your VB form and let Supercede convert it. That's right, you get a Java form with JADO to match your VB. Then you can run it on your Mac.

Have you seen Visual Cafe? Run the database Wizard. It generates the UI and code for data access so all you need to do is position the objects. Personally I hate the #$%^& wizard but it works for simple things.

Oh I forgot, all 3 offer grids with automated databinding. Not as slick as the VFP grid (which is 1995 vintage, lest we forget) with dynamic properties etc but good enough to compete with the current flexigrid.

Have you seen VJ++? If you can force your way past the crashes to look at the UI, it looks pretty good. Very good, actually, almost good enough to make me want to use, except that the Beta is apparently over which means it will still be buggy +++.

The reality is: Java is no longer JAVAC and text editor. There are good IDEs, as good as VB. It is a real option, and the clients are excited.

When you look at the Java forums, you see enthusiasm and buy-in that used to characterise the FP forums on compuserve all those years ago. Java is big, real big.

Yes, I'd like to see a Java forum here as well. <g>

Regards

JR