Hi!

I understand you, but do you know current number of VFP community members to compare how it is improved? What you're saying requires accurate statistics, that seems is not available because nobody questioned people about VFP.

As about number of downloads, this could not be used for correct statistics, as I already pointed.

I do not think VFP would get larger user base, if yes, then not too much. There are no _conceptually_ different features compare to VFP7, except better XML support. I agree, VFP8 is much better, but it is much better for VFP developers, not for marketing.

For better marketing, VFP requires to have support of call-back functions, creating of ActiveX controls using VFP, and simplification of language elements/development, because it is too complex to learn completely and not comfortable to search for required feature because tonnes of functions and commands. Compare to VB - it has much less functions and commands, but uses a lot of components. So, instead of searching through tonnes of functions I can type an object name (for example, File System Object) and get list of functions in that chpater only (files handling). This saves a lot of developer's time if that developer is newbie, because remembering of each function/method/system variable name is hard and lengthy process, and searching through help file takes time. To bring more newbies to VFP, it require some simplification for newbies, otherwise they will go for VB just after first look to VFP monster :-)


>I know it would be difficult for them to keep track of such information. I was really more curious as to how many had downloaded it because I think making a free public beta like this will get people who normaly wouldnt try it to experiment with it. If that happens then perhaps VFP will get a larger user base - which of course means VFP's life-span gets longer and then more jobs available.
>



>>Hi!
>>
>>If there is such information, it will show number of downloads and not a number of people. I know a few developers around that downloaded it 2 and even 3 times.
>>
>>Also, I do not think it is possible at all because VFP 8 beta download is now available from many WEB sites. Do you know what is needed to track all these WEB sites? :-)
>>
>>Also, I do not think this information is needed for MS either. They probably would not account number of beta downloads to claculate price for VFP8 final release or something like that. So why they would track this at all? < s >
>>
>>>I would like to know how many people have downloaded VFP8 Beta. Does anyone know if Microsoft would release this kind of information?