>I have been programming in Clipper (DOS) for 10 years
>and have just started with foxpro windows. I liked the
>old days where you used code and program files but now
>wonder if I should try to convert and use all the Design
>programs in VPF to program.
>
>Do "Real Programmers" use the Project manager, Form Designer and so on. I can see that there are ways to do all this with code but I want to try to move forward in my programming if it is right.
>
>Thanks - Dennis

Dennis,

I'm a former Clipper programmer. At first, I was relunctant to use the tools given us, but there is no way I would try to write an application without them.

First, it is impossible to create an APP or an EXE without the project manager, so the requirement is there to use it. But, it adds some great productivity enhancements: you can keep better tabs on what files are needed and where they are at.

As for the form designer, you're coming from a DOS world, where every screen fits in a finite 80x25 area and every character takes up exactly the same space on the screen. This made it easy to hand code a screen, or even a report for that matter. But, in the world of Windows, where you dealing with proportional fonts, it just about impossible to hand code a screen and have it look good.

Stick with the tools. Once you get over the learning curve, you'll never go back to the old way.

Craig