Visual Basic - Informix

"Ganesan, Nick" <GanesanN@cts.db.erau.edu> wrote: Has anyone used visual basic as the front end to access Informix server? I know the Informix 4GL - PC Versions have the Windows development environment but I found it really doesnot give you the look and feel of the real windows application. I would like to know if anyone has attempted to use Visual Basic or someother third party products that have rich set of windows resources. Thanks Rick and All: I think you'll find good success with Visual Basic. Especially with the release of Version 3.0 Pro, using the "JET" database engine, it has become an excellent Client-Server front end. Keep in mind that you'll likely also want to obtain some of the Visual Basic third-party VBX's, depending on the nature of your application. As Visual Basic works through ODBC, you'll also need an Informix driver. Q+E software provides one for Informix, and many other systems. Besides Visual Basic, you may also want to look at MS-Access. With Version 2.0 it becomes a much stronger client-server development system. Even if you plan to use Visual Basic, Access has several features that make easier to develop your databases, and should be obtained as a development aid. You will also want to get the Access Developer's ToolKit, for the upgrade to the Access JET database engine. Another product to look at is PowerBuilder. I am currently using it as a front end for an Informix based system. It has some excellent features, such as its object-oriented nature (with a good base application library, you can "inherit" objects, allowing for some very fast RAD). But the learning curve can be EXTREMELY STEEP. Expect to spend many weeks learning the product before becoming productive. It also has some major bug problems. It "GPF's" more than most Windows programs I've worked with. And to connect with Informix, you will need the "Enterprise Version", which costs around $3000 (The $250 PowerBuilder Desktop product only works with XBASE, and other "local" databases)! You may also want to look at ObjectView. Another "High-End" product like PowerBuilder, it has similar capabilities. They have recently released a "low-end" version for $199, to compete with PowerBuilder DeskTop. Dave Finley Vector Research Inc.