>>If I am working with others I find that a framework like Visual FoxExpress is good. On the other hand – if I am working alone – I use Visual MaxFrame Professional. Just a matter of personal preference but this combination works for me.
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>Thanks Thomas, so what is it about the two that makes the difference when you're working alone vs in a team?
>
Sarah;


The two frameworks have a basic difference - one (VFE) is container centric and the other (VMP) is form centric. Each is best suited for a specific programming path. Once you start it is hard to change.

IMO, Visual FoxExpress lends itself well to a team approach. You can have one person in charge of the "library", while others are in the process of application development. I find that more time is spent with VFE to accomplish a task because you tend to first "think out" a problem and insure what approach to take. This may require creating new classes or subclasses.

With Visual MaxFrame Professional I find that I can quickly create applications and add additional functionality required by the client.

The learning curve for a form centric framework is less than one that is container centric. If you require an n tier approach VFE is ready to go - now. VMP will be n tier enabled upon it's next release. However, if you want to you can add an n tier approach to VMP. If my client requires an n tier application I use VFE. For me I use what works best for the client and takes the least amount of time to develop. No reason to re invent the wheel.

It is difficult to put into words - and perhaps others can express their findings. Both products are great and again there are others out there that people enjoy using.

This might really be a question similar to two musicians in a orchestra who ask each other - which is the "best instrument". There is no best – each one has its place.

Do your best to understand your clients needs for today and tomorrow and how to accomplish that task. That is a job itself!

Tom