Hi Kevin:

>This is a curiosity question...what specifically are you looking forward to in Europa?

Nothing specifically - just the general improvements that a new release brings, greater interop with other technologies eg., SQL server, XML, the features they haven't told you about yet <s>, bug fixes etc.,

>2) Why do you believe that the lack of a formal computer background makes it more difficult to drop a tool and learn a new technology? I'm not sure I understand the connection.

I don't believe it to exlusively be a hindrance. I have not had a formal computing background - I adopted computing over a 20 year period from an insurance background. I can see how things would have been a lot easier for me had I studied computing at a University. I am referring to a category of Fox/Dbase developer that have become very proficient with a high level tool over a period of time and will doubtless have a hard time making the change to learning a new language, middleware, backend and so on. We have been so spoiled in VFP over the years by having so many great tools in just one box. However, its true what you say, almost anyone can come into computing and learn to program and be very good. It is largely down to aptitiude, hard work and ability.

>This profession is one of the more eclectic ones around, and I think there are many factors that contribute to learning a new development tool...passion/courage, intelligence, the ability to write well, experience, a bit of creativity, (and yes, necessity, the mother of all invention).

You are right on the money here.

>Fox developers who do not learn another set of tools (some combination of SQL Server or >Oracle, .NET, Java, etc.) are now at comparatively greater risk.

Its quite a problem for a lot of developers. Just what direction do you go in? It more than a language thing, its more platform based decisions. I remember going to an MS seminar a few years ago and they were pushing their "Windows DNA" method to a bunch of developers. It never really got off the ground and now we have the big .NET push. However, there are now alternatives viz., Linux and Java to name but the obvious ones. There is only so much time in a day and I think a big problem for a lot of Fox developers is exactly which way to go. Its not that obvious for VFP developers to go straight to .NET. For a lot of smaller shops or independent developers, Linux could be a massive growth area but just where is the RAD tool in that domain? If a VFP like tool appeared in that area, then there might just be a mass exodus, not just from Fox but from the Windows/MS camp. Personally, I am much more interested in internet related core technologies and have been enjoying my studies and work in these areas very much indeed. So, there are a lot of places to move into but the precious commodity, as always, is time. So, when people decide to move, they need to have faith in the platform and the tools and be sure in their own mind that they are making the right decision before committing the necessary time (and grief <s>) that is inevitably required.

>The main reason I was able to keep my job in 2002 was because I started learning and >building an app in .NET. THAT is when reality sets in.

I bet it did <s>.

>Good discussion...

Agreed.