It has been my experience that a programmer's skill with a particular tool varies inversely with the number of tools the programmer attempts to master. There are a few very "gifted" programmers to which this does not apply, however, this is true for most of us.

Case in point: From time to time, I work with a guy who was Ashton Tate's Chief Architect for dBase III+ and dBase IV (post Wayne Radcliff era) without which it would be unlikely that FoxPro would even exist. In addition to being one of the best C programmers I have ever met, this guy has written alot of books including one of the first books on VFP 3.0. Whenever I need to sub contract some C code, he's the man - can't find anyone better. But I would never engage him in a VFP project because he lacks VFP skills even though he wrote a book on it!

If I need C code, I go the best C guy I can find. If I need a super-slick-widget ActiveX control for a VFP app, I go to the best VB guy I can find. If I need VFP or VB programmers, I find the best - and the best RARELY have a deep knowledge of more than one tool.

The best programmers make it their mission to have an intimate knowledge of their tool - they learn all the nooks and crannys, tricks, work-arounds. As a result, they do their work fast and bugs are minimized. They also know what features are legitimately lacking or needed. For example, alot of people on the UT bitch about the lack of OOP menus - they should design their own - I did - VFP provides the tools to do so. To an extent, alot of people whine, bitch and complain about this and that because they either lack the skill or are too lazy to find solutions.

The moral of this story is to choose your weapon (VFP, VP, Delphi, or whatever) and learn how to use it - become an expert at it. If you have a problem with something, the UT is a great forum to find solutions - there are alot of smart people here with alot of experience. If you would like to see a new feature or enhancement, tell Microsoft (they DO listen) - don't whine, bitch, or complain about it here.