Our office uses Delphi and VFP. I can understand your dilema. However, looking at Dentrix, I didn't notice anything in its features that VFP couldn't handle. Even the scribbles (one of the new features) could be done using VFP and a tablet pc:

VFP8 support for Tablet and PDA Thread #776472 Message #776472

http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/default.asp?url=/library/en-us/dnfoxgen8/html/creatingtabletpcappsinvfp.asp

In the below article VFP stored the data:
http://www.internetnews.com/bus-news/article.php/3114441

For resizing, we subclass the _resizable control in VFP8's FFC controls. So far it has worked fine.

As to the other requirements and tools, have you downloaded VFP9 beta and played with it? I recommend you do.

I don't notice much difference between our Delphi and VFP apps as far as the GUI and appearance is concerned. Getting good icons for your buttons is the key. Most controls are very similar and work similarly. Setting up the data for each form in Delphi is somewhat different though and Delphi beats VFP hands down on web development and the ease in connecting to different backends. However, nothing (to me) beats VFP's ease with manipulating data. To me, if you do not need the web tools then VFP is a better choice, but if you need to switch out backends easily and develop webapps then Delphi would be my tool of choice. Yet if you are seriously considering Delphi as a tool, why not .net?

I didn't look at your code too closely but you can access web services with VFP also. It all depends on your requirements.

Tracy



>First attempts at OOP.
>
>I've been writing or attempting to write what I consider prime requisites for "converting"
>my DOS application to Windows.
>
>I'm deeply torn between staying with Foxpro (VFP9) as the primary platform, or Delphi as the
>development tool and Foxpro as the DBMS.
>
>My biggest fear is getting six months into the project just to find out "I can't do that.".
>
>I'm a huge fan of Foxpro and it's community, but having said that. The marketplace is littered with Foxpro Solutions that just couldn't make it.
>
>Many because the developers where less skilled, but many because VFP just couldn't create a commercially acceptable product in many markets. VFP products are very identifiable just from the GUI features, or lack there of.
>
>One clear example that comes to mind is software for Dentists. There was a large number of very good Foxpro Applications, but when the next generation like Dentrix (written in Delphi) came along, they all died. This scenario has been repeated in many niche markets (VFP's forte).
>
>Like these products, mine is primarily a Desktop Application, Foxpro's true strength.
>
>I have little interest in .NET or WEB Enabled applications (as of now). When I do, there are numerous options superior to VFP for the purpose, which still access the VFP DBMS.
>
>I'm a "Developer" not a "Programmer", so my take on VFP is slightly different than those looking for a career as a VFP Programmer.
>
>It would seem that the days of working with one tool are long gone and it is necessary to be fluent in at least a couple of development languages.
>
>The learning curve in VFP will be much shorter than Delphi or C++, I have no interest in VB. But, the Development Environment and tools available to Delphi are very impressive.
>
>After putting together a concept(RAD)from the DOS program all the pieces are there and look great. The programming is a different story. Every line is a new learning challenge.
>
>When I go back to VFP it's the opposite. The coding is not problem, but I feel severely limited in trying to create a visual interface that to some extent works like the DOS application (I.E.; the trademark features). I have the Codemine Framework which provides many of the tools that come with
>Delphi, but even then it's like I would have to create a large number of new components that are readily available in other environments.
>
>Here are the specific questions:
>
>Many of the tools are available as ActiveX components. These all seem to have some limitations in placement on forms and re sizing... (Calendars for instance). Is that true or is it just me..?
>
>A favorite tool in Delphi is the "Panel", which allows for easy placement of objects on a form and automatic re sizing, as well as a few "Style" tricks. Can some or all of this be emulated in VFP..?
>
>I will need to access a major Internet Site and integrate into the APP.. They provide assistance in integration with sample code for VB and Delphi. I have attached the VB Sample.
>
>What tools are necessary and what are the basic steps for accomplishing this task in VFP...?
>
>The Invoice System (DOS) is a major requirement. Currently it is all procedural code using modules for Header,Body,Breaks,footers, etc... Code loops through the main table Items (objects)each have different print styles. Text enclosed in boxes with title in the box frame. Many print options, like trailing dots from item to price. Formatted Tables.
>
>Items are in "outline" form with a descriptive caption line (created automatically) with lines and boxes to include subject titles.
>
>Since I have never used the built in Report Writer, can this sort of process be created in VFP9..?
>
>If I had to leave VFP, there are only two thing that are irreplaceable. Hentzenwerks Books and the VFP Community.
>
>Here is the sample VB code:
>
>

>'*******************************************************************************
>' WorldPac Client Automation Protocol
>' WorldPac DIAL / WCAP.DLL Demonstration
>' For information about wcap see www.worldpac.com/wcap
>' For more information about wcap.dll see www.worldpac.com/wcap/wcapdll.html
>'
>' Visual Basic Edition
>'*******************************************************************************
>
>Option Explicit
>'*******************************************************************************
>'Start server
>'*******************************************************************************
>Private Sub btnStartServer_Click()
>  WCAPStartServer
>
>End Sub
>
>'*******************************************************************************
>'Register callback procedure with DLL
>'*******************************************************************************
>Private Sub btnRegisterReceive_Click()
>  WCAPRegisterReceive AddressOf Module1.CalledBack
>
>End Sub
>
>'*******************************************************************************
>'Connect to DIAL
>'*******************************************************************************
>Private Sub btnConnect_Click()
>Dim bRes As Boolean
>
>  If Not WCAPConnected Then
>    bRes = False
>    If WCAPConnect("localhost", 17943) Then
>      bRes = True
>    End If
>  End If
>
>End Sub
>
>'*******************************************************************************
>'Send properties of this application to DIAL
>'*******************************************************************************
>Private Sub btnSetProps_Click()
>Dim sWork As String
>  If WCAPConnected Then
>    sWork = "<?xml version=""1.0"" encoding=""UTF-8""?>"
>    sWork = sWork & "<?xp Request=""805349""?>"
>    sWork = sWork & "<!DOCTYPE SetClientProperties SYSTEM ""http://www.worldpac.com/wcap/SetClientProperties.dtd"">"
>    sWork = sWork & "<SetClientProperties>"
>    sWork = sWork & "<Caption>XML'er</Caption>"
>    sWork = sWork & "<Win32WindowHandle>" & Form1.hWnd & "</Win32WindowHandle>"
>    sWork = sWork & "</SetClientProperties>"
>    sWork = sWork & "<?xp /?>"
>
>    WCAPSend sWork
>  End If
>
>End Sub
>
>'*******************************************************************************
>'Show Price and availability in DIAL
>'*******************************************************************************
>Private Sub btnShowPnA_Click()
>Dim sWork As String
>
>  If WCAPConnected Then
>    sWork = "<?xml version=""1.0"" encoding=""UTF-8""?>"
>    sWork = sWork & "<?xp Request=""1234""?>"
>    sWork = sWork & "<!DOCTYPE ShowPnA SYSTEM ""http://www.worldpac.com/wcap/ShowPnA.dtd"">"
>    sWork = sWork & "<ShowPnA>"
>    sWork = sWork & "<ProductID>140 830 05 70</ProductID>"
>    sWork = sWork & "</ShowPnA>"
>    sWork = sWork & "<?xp /?>"
>
>    WCAPSend sWork
>  End If
>
>End Sub
>
>'*******************************************************************************
>'Send request to get makes table
>'*******************************************************************************
>Private Sub btnGetMakes_Click()
>Dim sWork As String
>  If WCAPConnected Then
>    sWork = "<?xml version=""1.0"" encoding=""UTF-8""?>"
>    sWork = sWork & "<?xp Request=""78GetMakes""?>"
>    sWork = sWork & "<!DOCTYPE GetMakes SYSTEM ""http://www.worldpac.com/wcap/GetMakes.dtd"">"
>    sWork = sWork & "<GetMakes/>"
>    sWork = sWork & "<?xp /?>"
>
>    WCAPSend sWork
>  End If
>
>End Sub
>
>'*******************************************************************************
>'Disconnect socket connection from DIAL
>'*******************************************************************************
>Private Sub btnDisconnect_Click()
>  WCAPDisconnect
>
>End Sub
>
>'*******************************************************************************
>'Close application
>'*******************************************************************************
>Private Sub btnClose_Click()
>  End
>
>End Sub
>
>
>'*******************************************************************************
>'Form is unloading, disconnect DLL socket connection from DIAL
>'*******************************************************************************
>Private Sub Form_Unload(Cancel As Integer)
>  WCAPDisconnect
>
>End Sub
>