>Hello everybody,
>
>I'm a VFP Fan.
>I'm at the PDC right now.
>I just saw what will the new Windows Longhorn applications look alike. And what the new technologies (Avalon, Indigo, Smartdevices development) enable and how to use them in .NETR managed code.
>Of course there will be a complete .NET class libraries to work with all the new Longhorn and Avalon (the visual presentation layer) features.
>
>My question is:
>
>How do you think we, in VFP will be able to keep up with this evolution ?
>
>The way I see it, the .NET world gets to use all the novelties of the platforms and other technologies but we don't.
>
>All comments will be apreciated
>
>Thanks

Francisco;

Everyone’s reality it different. The following is my opinion based upon my experience.

I have been using so called xBase since 1982, and Fox products from about 1985. My observation is (especially the last 11 years), that FoxPro has in many cases contained implementations of Microsoft technology that are often lacking in one way or another, compared to other tools such as VC++ or VB.

We jump through hoops and use bandages to make some things work. After we scream loud enough we sometimes are heard and some particular feature is improved. There are those who do an outstanding job attempting to integrate Fox Pro and other Microsoft technologies, using third party tools or useful concepts.

My take on .NET or any technology is to understand your needs and use the appropriate tool. This is important if you have clients and deadlines to meet. I do not expect Microsoft to make Fox Pro compliant with .NET. We have ways to play in the .NET sand box using Fox Pro. We will not have all the means and features that the .NET framework allows.

Saying anything that may be understood as a negative comment about VFP on this forum can be risky but that is not my problem. It is like telling a parent that they have an “ugly child”! Very risky indeed but reality does hurt some people.

Tom