Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rutgers!cs.utexas.edu!uunet!pmafire!rickf
From: rickf@pmafire.UUCP (rick furniss)
Newsgroups: comp.databases
Subject: Re: filePro
Keywords: filepro
Message-ID: <1990Aug20.151639.7359@pmafire.UUCP>
Date: 20 Aug 90 15:16:39 GMT
References: <2@jassys.UUCP>
Reply-To: rickf@pmafire.UUCP (rick furniss)
Distribution: usa
Organization: WINCO Computer Engineering
Lines: 34


   Sounds like you have been using Filepro since the beginning like myself,
with one exception.  Ive tried converting and using Unify, Dbase, & Informix
along with a few others since.  Though I have a few complaints myself with
Filepro, like no higher builtin math functions,  I,ve not found anything else
to compare it with.   It is a 4GL for sure because of the production time
reductions.  It is a relational/flat model both, but must be setup for
relations as with all DBs.  The relational model setup is a pain to keep
coded correctly and complex tables are slow, but you can get done with 
ease what no other DB can do without a year of programming.

Other benifits: Runs across all platforms, MESdos,Unix, Xenix, HPux, VMS.
                Machines from a PC to the CRAY including HP, DEC.
		Runtime debugging
                Software site passwords
                Runtime versions (though a little to high in $$$) 
                Networking versions.
                Reports can be coded for ANY type printers, cept PostScript.

   If the models you are creating are not too complex, it cant be beat.
   If the models are complex, it still cant be beat!.

   For best results, run Unix, or Xenix versions to access external programs
to make up for missing functions like higher math etc.

   Though I have some complaints with Filepro, I,m unable to find anything
that can touch it so far.  Where I have complex the same Dbs runing on
Xenix, mssdos, and Unix, converting is going to have to be worth it for sure.

  Other than disk space ,why would you want variable lenght records ???

Standard disclaimer

Rick Furniss