Probably the most important aspect is acceptance by developers and existing code base of which undoubtedly C and Basic have more of than VFP. However, I think VFP is still strong in both regards(partially thanks to MS!). My argument would be that MS is trying to force the issue and it's not a natural progression at all as far as the current state of VB6 and VFP and MS's push to get everyone on the .NET bandwagon..
>Claude;
>
>There are so many factors that affect the lifespan of a software development tool such as but not limited to:
>
>1. Marketing.
>
>2. Technical obsolescence. This involves hardware and software. (I call this “hitting the wall”)
>
>3. It no longer plays well with new technology.
>
>4. Profit on investment.
>
>5. Development cost.
>
>And the list goes on. :)
>
>Tom
>>Well, C and Basic have been around in one form or another for quite a while and it seems like there's still signs of life <g>. Better to improve/morph an existing tool than scrap it .. .
>