Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rpi!usc!elroy.jpl.nasa.gov!hacgate!ashtate!dbase!tomr
From: tomr@dbase.a-t.com (Tom Rombouts)
Newsgroups: comp.databases
Subject: Re: Superbase 4 Windows
Message-ID: <1991May13.190151.1683@dbase.a-t.com>
Date: 13 May 91 19:01:51 GMT
References: <1877@srhqla.SR.COM>
Reply-To: tomr@dbase.UUCP (Tom Rombouts)
Organization: Ashton-Tate
Lines: 46

In article <1877@srhqla.SR.COM> ncs@srhqla.SR.COM (Sekar) writes:
>
>	We obtained a demo version for Superbase-4-Windows from Precison Inc.
>	(a U.K. based company with offices in Irving,TX)
>	Supposedly dBaseIV compatible(?) but works with Microsoft Windows.
>	Demo looks impressive.
>
>	Does anyone have any info/opinion/comments on this product ?

Superbase 4 is still the only real 4 GL available for MS-Windows, 
although just about everyone else (including us) is working hard
on Windows versions of their DOS database products.

I would hardly call Superbase "dBASE IV compatible".  First, its
programming language is a variant of BASIC.  Secondly, it can view
or report on .DBF files directly, but they must be imported to
be modified.  Also, I see no mention of memo field (.DBT) support
in their import chapter.  On the other hand, if you have some
experience with BASIC, you may prefer this.

To me, its most notable features are the use of Windows-style
windowing and menuing, as well as some simple DDE support.
(Commands to create these have been added to their programming
language, if that is not obvious.)

One somewhat odd (to me, at least) quirk is its use of a VCR
metaphor from some of its menus.  That is, you can fast forward
or rewind through records via on-screen buttons that look like those
found on a VCR.  

If Microsoft's alleged "Thunder" project ends up re-establishing
BASIC as a major development language, Superbase may become more
popular in the future.  Otherwise, I think dBASE-like products,
and possibly Paradox, will be more common, and thus, more standard,
under Windows, due to their large installed base in plain old DOS.

DISCLAIMER:  I have a vested interest in Ashton-Tate.  Also, the
above are my own opinions and do not represent or suggest any
sort of official statement or position by anyone about anything.


P.S. to original poster:  Can one get "Silent Radio" at home?


Tom Rombouts  Torrance 'Tater  tomr@ashtate.A-T.com