Dataflex
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DataFlex originated in around 1980 as a database cum programming language, self-described as an applications development database. It is a relatively early example of a fully fledged and commercially used fourth-generation programming language (4GL). In its early forms, DataFlex was available for UNIX, VAX/VMS, CP/M and the MS-DOS operating systems.
To date, DataFlex has lasted the course as a niche application development environment. The DataFlex product supports the big four database environments, Oracle, MS-SQL, IBM DB2 and Pervasive SQL as well as any ODBC database. DataFlex applications are used by around 3 million users worldwide.
The DataFlex programming language is used in the following development environments:
- DataFlex. The latest iteration of the original console mode application is available as a Console Mode application for MS-DOS, Microsoft Windows and Unix Variants (notably Linux)
- Visual DataFlex. This is the flagship development environment from Data Access Corporation. The current version is 10.1 (2004). VDF is available for Microsoft Windows only. Visual Dataflex is a GUI development language in a style comparable withVisual Basic, Delphi, [[C++]]
- WebApp Server. Available for Microsoft IIS and ASP only. WebApp Server can be used to develop thin client applications such as: Browser based applications (both full class browsers such as Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox but also WAP browsers such as Opera). Developers can also create WebService client and server applications.
DataFlex is produced by the Data Access Corporation located in Miami. Data Access Corporation was founded in 1976.
DataFlex is an advanced object-oriented 4GL designed for developing database applications.
The DataFlex language differentiates itself from other programming languages in the following ways:
- Easy switch between database backends, no code change needed. No compilation needed.
- Variables are loosely typed. The virtual machine takes care of conversions.
- Flexibility; you can define your own commands.
- Code compiles to an intermediate Byte-Code which makes the programs easily portable between operating systems.
- No threads or multi-tasking
- Methods can be defined or redefined inside the object definition.
- Automatic delegation of messages in the Object Oriented Programming environment
- Embedded Database access is ISAM based. Can be used royalty free.
External links
- Data Access Worldwide (http://www.dataaccess.com/) website
- VDF-Guidance (http://www.vdf-guidance.com/): DataFlex programming language resources.
- Dataflex Newsgroups (news://news.dataaccess.com/)
- DataFlex International Software Developers (http://www.disd.ws/) website
- DataFlex Developers & Users Group (Australia) (http://www.ddug.org/) website
- Decompile DataFlex programs to restore lost source code (http://www.decompile.com/) website