What is RaSQL/B for FoxPro?

RaSQL/B is FoxPro library that lets your program access Btrieve files with FoxPro-like functions that look like the same commands and functions you use to access DBF files. Several examples: N_XUse(), N_XSeek(), N_XSkip(), N_XScatter(), N_XGather() instead of Use, Seek, Skip, Scatter and Gather, respectively. In addition, FoxPro source code routines are provided that emulate Browse and Edit.

Why do I need RaSQL/B?

If you need to access Btrieve files from your FoxPro application, RaSQL/B will make it fast and easy.

What is the latest version of RaSQL/B? What is “new and improved” about it?

The latest version is 2.1. It is a major upgrade over 1.0. It adds support for FoxPro Windows, Btrieve 6.x, extended indexes (up to 119 segments), and a client-server Set Filter command.

I am not currently using Btrieve, why would I consider it?

Btrieve is the longtime leader in industrial strength database engines. That is the reason it is used by more popular vertical market applications than any other single database engine. It's main strengths are:

• Data integrity -- which means no more corrupted data or indexes!
• Performance on a network -- since Btrieve is a client-server engine, as the network gets busier and busier, the performance of a Btrieve-based application over a DBF-based application looks better and better.
• Portability -- Btrieve files are supported on almost every platform: FoxPro, Clipper, VB, Cobol, to name a few. While most platforms can import or export DBF files, they usually do not support all the variations of DBF index files (CDX, MDX, NTX, etc.).

You said that Btrieve is a client-server engine. What do you mean?

On a non-client-server system such as DBF+CDX, the workstation maintains all the data as well as all the indexes. Every time you add or modify a record, the workstation must update the index files on the server. Every time you Seek a record, the workstation must read the index files to lookup the key value. With Btrieve, all indexes are maintained on the server: when you add or modify a record, the server updates the indexes automatically. When you Seek a record, RaSQL transparently sends the key value to the server: the server looks up the key value and sends only the record to the workstation. This can result in an enormous improvement in network throughput.

Can I have the server select records, too?

The RaSQL/B function N_XFilter() works similarly to FoxPro Set Filter command. However, RaSQL/B directs the server to process the filter, instead of the workstation. This can increase performance dramatically when browsing or reporting.

Do I need to rewrite my program using SQL commands?

RaSQL/B, notwithstanding the name, uses standard FoxPro-like functions: N_XUse, N_XSeek, N_XSkip, N_XGoto, etc. No SQL is needed.

Does RaSQL/B use ODBC?

RaSQL/B communicates directly with Btrieve, bypassing ODBC overhead. We call it the “NODBC” solution.

What vertical market applications use Btrieve?

Platinum, Macola, Great Plains, Dac Easy, SaleMaker, and PeachTree for Windows, just to name a few. A more comprehensive list is available.

Isn't Btrieve an old technology?

Btrieve has been around since the early 1980's. However, ever since Novell spun it off back to its originators, Btrieve Technologies Inc (BTI), it has again become cutting edge technology. Major new releases include Btrieve 6.15 for DOS, Windows, Windows NT and Windows 95.

What is new about the new Btrieve?

Btrieve 6.x is significantly faster than earlier versions of Btrieve. In addition, it supports up to 119 index segments, as opposed to 24 in earlier versions. The new DOS version runs in extended/expanded memory, thus taking up much less “real” memory.

Doesn't Btrieve still come bundled with NetWare? Do I have to buy anything else to use RaSQL/B?

Btrieve does come with NetWare, so there is no need to purchase anything else. However, the version that comes with NetWare is not guaranteed to be the latest one. If you will be using Btrieve for mission-critical applications, we strongly recommend that you contact Btrieve Technologies or us for the latest versions.

Does RaSQL/B require a network?

RaSQL/B will work equally well with networked or stand-alone Btrieve. No program changes are needed.

Can I use RaSQL/B with other libraries?

What versions of FoxPro does RaSQL/B support?

RaSQL/B includes support for FoxPro DOS 2.0 through 2.6 and FoxPro Windows 2.5 and 2.6. A Visual FoxPro version will be available soon.

Does RaSQL/B support Windows 95?

The current version, RaSQL/B 2.1 will work with FoxPro 2.5 or 2.6 running under Windows 95. RaSQL/B version 3.0, coming soon, will also support VFP running under Windows 95.

Can a RaSQL/B program run in a Windows 3.1, Windows 95 or OS/2 “DOS box”?

Yes to all.

What if I try RaSQL/B and decide I don't need it?

No problem. You can use it for 30 days and return it for any reason. Simply delete all RaSQL/B files from your hard drive and destroy any applications you may have created using RaSQL/B.

If I use RaSQL/B will I find many other users to “network” with?

RaSQL/B has been around since 1989 and has over 10,000 users world-wide, so you will easily find other users who may be willing to exchange their tips and tricks.

Can FoxPro applications created with RaSQL/B be distributed?

Yes, with certain limitations. They must be distributed as executable applications (EXE) and may not include source code, project files, or any other mechanism for the end-user to rebuild the application. If the user receiving your application will need to modify and rebuild it then the user needs their own copy of RaSQL/B. Alternatively, you can contact us for volume discounts or distribution licenses.

Can RaSQL/B be installed on a server for group use by several programmers?

Each programmer creating programs with RaSQL/B needs their own license. Even if you install RaSQL/B on the server, you must purchase a license for each person using it.

Can I distribute Btrieve.exe with my application?

If you need to distribute the standalone Btrieve EXE or DLL, you need to obtain a distribution license, unless your client already owns them. As a developer you can obtain a specially priced, unlimited distribution license from Btrieve Technologies Inc.

Is RaSQL/B support available on CompuServe? On the Internet?

Communication Horizons has both a CompuServe forum section and an Internet home page. On CompuServe, GO NETLIB and select section 19.

Why should I use RaSQL/B when there are other shareware and even freeware libraries out there?

RaSQL/B is designed to be immediately intelligible to FoxPro programs. In addition, most freeware and shareware Btrieve libraries (as well as many commercial ones) are created by consultants “doing the library thing on the side.” Since product development and support is not their first priority, you may be in for a rude awakening when you desperately need support for your mission critical application.

Since 1986 Communication Horizons has been dedicated to product development, support and enhancement. Don't trust your mission critical application to anything less.

Who is Communication Horizons?

In a business where companies and products come and go seemingly every month, Communication Horizons has been a fixture on the PC software landscape since 1986. Their flagship product, NetLib, was introduced in 1986, and has won either “best of” or “honorable mention” in the DataBased Advisor Readers Choice Awards every year since 1989.

RaSQL, introduced in 1989, has almost single-handedly raised the awareness in the "Xbase" community to the benefits of Btrieve. Between the two, Communication Horizons' products have been used by tens of thousands of developers world-wide.

Besides providing the highest quality software, Communication Horizons aims to provide the highest quality support whether by CompuServe forum, Internet web site, phone or fax. In fact Neil Weicher, the main developer of NetLib and RaSQL still oversees technical support.