>I have been developing in FP and VFP for about 2 years now. I would like to learn more about VFP and would like to know what is the shortest route and most efficent route to this end?
>
>If anyone could point me towards some resources, or would have time to reply, I would appreciate it.
>
>Here is my proposed plan so far...
>
>1. Develop, Develop, Develop
>2. Lurk in the Universal Thread
>3. Do the Mastering Visual Foxpro CD
>4. Take courses in the Microsoft Solution Provider curriculum
>5. Purchase a VFP framework
>6. Join the Vancouver VFP User Group
>7. Read Foxpro Advisor
>
>Are any of these more valuable than any of the others? Is there anything that I have left out?

1. Development is obviously the most important. Create projects for yourself and go at it! The best part of programming is being able to do stuff you find exciting and interesting.

2. The UT is a great source of information and reference. It is much more valuable, however, if you have specific questions you are looking for. Participate in the threads. If you have questions, ask them. If you know the answer to someone else's question, answer it!

3. I found the Mastering VFP CD rather useless for any but the most inexperienced VFPer.

4. IMHO, the MS Solution Provider certificates and tests are most useful as something to put on your resume or mention to a prospective client. They will not make you a great VFPer in and of themselves.

5. Purchasing a framework is a good idea. Use the framework in a few of your projects. When you feel you know it well and you know what you feel is good and bad about the framework _develop your own_. Developing a framework is an invaluable learning tool. In addition once you create your own framework it will be much easier to complete your projects.

6. User groups can be very useful. However, my philosophy is that you learn primarily by doing, not by asking or watching other people do.

7. The Foxpro Advisor and other Foxpro related magazines and newsletters are excellent sources of information. They give you new avenues of thought and offer insight into how other VFPers solve a particular problem.

8. Remember, VFP is not only about programming, but also about theory and database design. It's a good idea to read books/magizine articles about object oriented design and methodology and database design. These will give you a better overall picture of what you are trying to accomplish in your database application, why you are trying to accomplish it and the best methodology to do so.

It is my belief that excellent programmers, in any language, first and foremost enjoy what they are doing. From that enjoyment comes dedication, excitement and creativity. If you enjoy what you are doing you will eventually become a VFP expert.