Running application from client

[DarrenWard]

A little while ago there was a thread about whether to run you application from the server or client PC, this got me thinking and i can see the benefits of running the application locally.

I want to copy all the application on to the client PC and then check for updates each time the user logs in, but instead of one large .EXE i want to place the individual form files that make up the application onto each clinet machine, i can do this and write the auto update proceedures that will copy any form down that has been updated, but my problem is that the .SCT file is no more than a text file so this will be placing my source code on every client machine in the organisation, i obviously have problems with this, is there anyway around as i cant see a way of compiling a form.

Darren

GuiltyMaggot - The best rock band in the world!

 

[Mike Lewis]

Darren,

It should be possible to delete the source code from the SCX. The form will still run, because the object code will still be in place. Obviously, you won't be able to use that copy of the SCX to modify the source code, but that won't be an issue, as you will have your own copies to work with.

I've never actually done this, but it seems to me that it should work. Give it a try (but make sure you have a backup).

Mike


Mike Lewis
Edinburgh, Scotland

http://www.ml-consult.demon.co.uk

 

[DarrenWard]

Hi Mike,

As far as i can see the form in code is made up of two files, .SCX and .SCT, the .SCT file contains all of the source code for the form, deleting the source code from this would surely stop the form from actually doing anything.

I am looking to compile a .EXE that logs the user in, displays a user defined manu and checks all the forms for any updates, the menu system within this .EXE would 'do form xxxx' but instead of form xxxx being in the .EXE the .SCX and .SCT files would be local to the PC.

This seems like a decent way of running and keeping up to date an application that has many forms.

Darern

GuiltyMaggot - The best rock band in the world!

 

[Mike Lewis]

Darren,

You are right that a form consists of an SCX and an SCT. However, they are both logically the same file.

In fact, a SCX is nothing more than a DBF with a different extension. The SCT is the corresponding memo file.

So just do this:

USE MyForm.SCX
BROWSE

then look for the memo fields containing the source that you want to delete (its called Methods).

Or, simply do this:
USE MyForm.SCX
REPLACE ALL Methods with ""

(did I mention the need for a backup?)

Mike


Mike Lewis
Edinburgh, Scotland

http://www.ml-consult.demon.co.uk

 

[craigsboyd]

Darren,

As Mike pointed out the objcode field will still hold the compiled code so it will still run. It is akin to distributing your VCX class libraries and you don't want to give away the source code you worked so hard on.

Slighthaze = NULL

[ul][li]FAQ184-2483
An excellent guide to getting a fast and accurate response to your questions in this forum.[/li][/ul]

 

[DarrenWard]

Thanks Mike and SL,

Looks like just what i need, will have a play today.


Darren

GuiltyMaggot - The best rock band in the world!