>> >>ME: What do you know about creating/using COM servers in VFP? >> >>THEM: you just create object >>THEM: then use it like any other foxpro object >> >>ME: have a VFP9 service that I wrote that now needs to be used if possible, or at >>least the class it utilizes, in the EM app, called from code/form (@...SAY) to send >>data to a port. I would like to use the same class that only works in VFP9 - someone >>said it could be done using a COM server. >> >>THEM: if you create an instance of the com object in fms at the start of the main >>routine then it will be available as a global object in any routine and you should be >>able to call its methods >> >>THEM: you can build a com object as an exe or as a dll >> >>ME: which is preferred and why? >> >>THEM: the dll is called an in process com object. when started it runs within the >>memory and treading of the calling exe. the good part is it is fast the bad part is >>if it blows up it takes the exe with it. >> >>THEM: an exe is called an out of process com object it runs in its own memory and and >>own thread. which means interprocess comunication wich is slow. but if it blows up it >>does not nessicarily take down the exe >> >>ME: Pretty much what I though - I might try to go with the dll then. How are those >>registered, etc? >> >>THEM: i dont think you need to register it as long as it is in the same dir as the exe >>but im not sure about that >> >>ME: I think you may be right - that sounds familiar. So, a dll is just like an exe as >>far as how I develop it in VFP? Just how I compile it that is different? Can I take a >>visual class, drop it on a non-visible form and just reference it in my code? >> >>ME: Or do I even need the form? >> >>ME: The problem is that the class that i'm using was not written by me - it has properties >>methods unavailable for editing - I would like to reuse this class in the next part of my >>development. The class is visual, not code based >>