>> I think VFP( and VB 6.0) developers need to invest in learning .NET now, while they still have work and whild time is on their side.

Conversely, my view is that VFP developers who do this are probably headed for a very crowded and captive space where returns will surely be lower than industry average.

Not saying .NET isn't cool, just saying don't believe everything you see on TV.

For the vast majority of people, avoiding the early pioneering costs is the better tactic, and this means not blindly thinking you have to act now because "time is on your side" or, worse, "while they still have work". That's a borderline unethical pronouncement, which leads me to ask, Rod, give me a single example where not being exposed to version one software has hurt anybody.

What you are telling people is "Act Now!" before anyone can identify the .NET rookie mistakes. That's unconscionable. All this does is flock innocent people, people who respect your opinion, towards expensive and potentially client ruining escapades based on mediocre books, mediocre training, and mediocre software engineering. The level of insight into applications with .NET is very low, and this isn't something we can just wish away like a billion dollars can wish away vital parts a development tool's lifecycle.


**--** Steve


>Thanks for the good reply.
>
>I would like to add to your comments.
>
>Yes people are still doing lots of development using VB 6.0 and Visual FoxPro, etc. I am still doing lots of both. I don't think it's realistic to just begin rewriting applictions wholesale.
>
>However, the future of development for the MSFT platform is pretty clear. MSFT is moving forward rapidly with .NET. Hell, I see commercials on TV about .NET. VFP developers need to be prepared for the future and now is the time to get ready.
>
>I think VFP( and VB 6.0) developers need to invest in learning .NET now, while they still have work and whild time is on their side.
>
>Instead of developing that web service in VFP why not do it in ASP.NET. The VB.NET language is not that different from VFP. Yes there is a learning curve for people but that's most of the fun isn't it ?
>
>Is .NET mature ? Hell NO! For instance; we are doing .NET dev now and are using some 3rd party grid controls. These controls have problems but are sufficient for now. Will it get better ? Absolutely!
>
>Visual FoxPro programmers now have the chance to be some of the best .NET programmers. Why not take that OOP experience and put it to work in this new and uncharted territory.
>
>That's it for now
>
>ROdman