>>I am evaluating using Mere Mortals Framework for my applications but When I read the manual I am concerned about a few issues.
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>>1. Can you use a generic form and design it the way you want to without using a "codebook" like design?
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> Not sure what you mean by a "codebook" like design, but you're not forced to use the forms in any particular manner. Just use one of the base forms and build from their. I've got a form in one of my apps that's far from a "standard" MM form. You can let the framework handle as much or as little as you'd like.
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>>2. Is there certain objects you must include on a form to make it function properly?
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> You do need to base your forms or controls on the base controls included in the framework. Beyond that, no. Once you've subclassed the controls you can pretty much do anything you'd like.
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>>3. I need to have it interface with SQL Server 7.0 as the back end. My data will need to have unique ids assigned but I don't know where or how I do that in Mere Mortals.
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> I haven't had the opportunity to try this, so YMMV. You probably could just put in a call to NewID() in the default value of the remote view. If you're not using a RV, you probably will have to roll your own via SP or using the built-in ID generator in SQL Server.
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>>4. Can you use other controls not included with Mere Mortals like from FoxPro Advisor or are you limited to only those controls.
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> To an extent, yes. Instead of basing the controls shown in magazines, etc. on the default controls just make sure you use the framework ones instead. You may also have to call DODEFAULT in some places but that shouldn't be too big of a deal. Otherwise things should work OK.
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>>The framework just seemed so restricted and that concerns me to only be able to design and be limited to what is included.
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> To a certain extent you should follow (or at least agree with) the design philosophy of the framework. If you don't, you'll find yourself fighting with the framework more than just letting it do what it does best. There is definitely a learning curve to doing that, although the manual goes a long way towards minimizing it. In fact, it was one of the main reasons I bought it.
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> Out of curiousity, what types of things are you seeing that you think will limit you?


When I read through different threads it seems that many users complain about speed problems. This concersn me about the efficiency of the code.

I have had the product for a couple months and have never received a patch. There seems to have been many fixes since then. How often do you get updates? Are ther emailed? Lastly, is there a place where fixes can be found since the last patch release?

Thank you for helping me understand this. I really want to find out the pitfalls of the framework before I commit to a HUGE application to begin developing with it.