Multitasking with Multi-Engines in OpenInsight
By: Kevin Fournier
It has happened to everyone. A large select has just been executed for a report. Now it is time to wait...and wait. What else can we do? For us who are more "efficiency" minded, we conveniently execute the report just before we need to go refill our coffee. How wonderful life would be if other application work could be done while the report is processing.
No longer do we have to be subject to the mercy of a busy engine. With the advent of OpenInsight 4.1, developers can now delve into an exciting realm of possibilities with the new multi-instance OpenEngine, giving us the ability to provide simulated multitasked and multithreaded operations. Additionally, applications can use the same technology to make direct calls to OpenEngines running on remote machines. In this presentation we will demonstrate how to:
- Use multiple engines to divide large tasks
- Use remote engines for process server functionality
- Allow the OpenInsight application to remain available to the end user while executing large processes
A white paper will be passed out containing complete steps and source code from this presentation. However, participants will comprehend this better if they are generally familiar with Basic+ and OpenInsight events.
The Professional GUI - Not Just Another Pretty Face
By: Don Bakke
Designing a graphical user interface (GUI) is often perceived as a necessary evil. For those developers who are still clinging to their much beloved character-based interfaces, the prospect of diving into a sea of pixels and color palettes is frightening business. Quite often, converted applications appear less attractive, perform slower, and leave everyone scratching their heads while asking, “What was the point of migrating to Windows?” Nevertheless, operating systems continue to move forward forcing even the most robust and enduring legacy applications to face the “brave new world” of the graphical paradigm.
Never fear, this presentation will give you the road map for navigating though the rough terrain of GUI design. We will demonstrate basic principles for graphical interfaces that are easy to create and that enhance user productivity…and all this without a degree in interior decorating. Discussion topics will include:
- Common challenges facing AREV and Rev/G programmers
- Suggestions for migrating character based interfaces (DOS) to a graphical ones (Windows)
- Form Designer setup tips for easier window development
- Simple rules for creating professional looking windows that add functional value to the application
Most examples will come out of applications developed within SRP’s FrameWorks product. Even though the principles demonstrated are generally available using native OpenInsight tools, the design and functional benefits of using third-party OLE controls will be explored. This will include OLE controls specifically designed for OpenInsight that are commercially available from SRP.
Downloads
Multitasking with MultiEngines in OpenInsight White Paper
