Re: Considering moving from PowerBuilder to Python
Wolfgang Keller wrote: But I also really would like to find something very close to Sybase's patented datawindow technology -- it's a real time-saver. BTW: As most readers (including me) probably don't know Powerbuilder: What is a Datawindow? Some kind of data-aware GUI widget? Sincerely, Wolfgang Keller Exceprted from the PowerBuilder Journal... The DataWindow is nothing more than an array of structures with many powerful and fast functions wrapped around it. True, one of the things it can do is generate SQL statements based on the data in this structure array, but this is by no means its only use. Many PowerBuilder developers think of using DataWindows or DataStores only when database access is involved. As a result they often create extra, unnecessary work. For example, I've often been astonished to see structure arrays declared and manipulated manually in PowerBuilder applications. What's the point of doing this when you can load your data into a DataStore and work with it using fast, precoded DataStore functions? Why loop through a structure array to find a particular value when you can use the Find() function? DataStores are structure arrays on steroids. ... end of excerpt I really wish I could find a crystal ball and determine (once and for all) the best new language to use. C#.NET is proving to be a much more complex system than I think it needs to be. In my mind, the best language would be one that takes care of EVERYTHING that can safely assumed -- I should never have to write another low-level routine. Although the comparison is far from perfect, I remember being able to roll-out a small database application using R:Base in about 60 minutes (including 3 data entry forms and 3 reports). Nowadays, if I use PowerBuilder, it takes me at least 4 hours. In C#.NET, I'm afraid it will take at least 10 hours. thanks, Norm -- http://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/python-list
Considering moving from PowerBuilder to Python
I've posted a previous question about IDEs and got some good feedback, thanks, but it does seem that everyone has their own favourite IDE -- in other words, no IDE was repeatedly recommended. So, is there any data on the popularity of IDEs (most users), or is there a chart comparing the most popular versions. I'M NOT AFRAID TO SPEND SOME MONEY TO GET THE RIGHT IDE (but I don't want to change products once I've chosen). Also, can I use Sybase's SQL Anywhere with Python? I'm really only interested in programming for Windows XP. But I also really would like to find something very close to Sybase's patented datawindow technology -- it's a real time-saver. Finally, is there any (realistic) way to mix PowerBuilder and Python? For instance write a Python shell that calls PowerBuilder methods (or vice versa). Thanks again, Norm -- http://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/python-list
New Arrival to Python
Hi Everyone, I'm totally captivated by Python so far. I want to develop professional-looking Win32 applications with the least effort. I have many years experience with PowerBuilder, PowerBuilder Foundation Class, and SQL Anywhere. I would really like to leverage as many of these skills as possible. Recently I've been learning C#.NET but am concerned with the anticipated longer development times. If it matters, the IDE I choose should also allow for simpler web development. thanks in advance, Norm QUESTIONS: 1. What IDE should I use? 2. If Wing IDE is really good, which version Professional or Personal? 3. Can Sybase's SQL Anywhere Studio be fully integrated with Python? 4. How about versions that integrate with MicroSoft's Visual Studio. Are they generally considered a smart idea? 5. How does Python compare to PowerBuilder's DATAWINDOW technology? 6. What books are worthwhile? My O'Reilly's Safari network has these books: -Core Python Programming; Wesley J. Chun -Python Developer's Handbook; André Dos Santos Lessa -Python Essential Reference, Second Edition; David M Beazley -Perl To Python Migration; Martin C. Brown -Programming Python, 2nd Edition; Mark Lutz -Python Standard Library; Fredrik Lundh -Python XML; Fred L. Drake, Jr., Christopher A. Jones -Python Cookbook; Alex Martelli, David Ascher -Python Pocket Reference, 2nd Edition; Mark Lutz -Learning Python; David Ascher, Mark Lutz -Python Pocket Reference; Mark Lutz -Python Programming on Win32; Mark Hammond, Andy Robinson -Python: Visual QuickStart Guide; Chris Fehily -Python Programming with the Java™ Class Libraries: A Tutorial for Building Web and Enterprise Applications with Jython; Richard Hightower -Python in a Nutshell; Alex Martelli -Text Processing in Python; David Mertz -Learning Python, 2nd Edition; David Ascher, Mark Lutz -Game Programming with Python, Lua, and Ruby; Tom Gutschmidt -Python Programming for the absolute beginner; MICHAEL DAWSON -Python Cookbook, 2nd Edition; David Ascher, Alex Martelli, Anna Ravenscroft -- http://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/python-list
