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    16Jan, 2012
    Server Application Development

    Server Application Development

    Server-side applications in the managed world are implemented through runtime hosts. Unmanaged applications host the common language runtime which allows your custom managed code to control the behavior of the server. This model provides you with all the features of the common language runtime and class library while gaining the performance and scalability of the host server.
    The following illustration shows a basic network schema with managed code running in different server environments. Servers such as the Microsoft Internet Information Server (IIS) and the Microsoft SQL Server (MS-SQL) can perform standard operations while your application logic executes through the managed code.

    Server-side managed code

    ASP.NET is the hosting environment that enables developers to use the .NET Framework to target Web-based applications. However, ASP.NET is more than just a runtime host; it is a complete architecture for developing Web sites and Internet-distributed objects using managed code. Both Web Forms and XML Web services use IIS and ASP.NET as the publishing mechanism for applications, and both have a collection of supporting classes in the .NET Framework.
    XML Web services, an important evolution in Web-based technology, are distributed, server-side application components similar to common Web sites. However, unlike Web-based applications, XML Web services components have no UI and are not targeted for browsers such as Internet Explorer and Netscape Navigator. Instead, XML Web services consist of reusable software components designed to be consumed by other applications, such as traditional client applications, Web-based applications, or even other XML Web services. As a result, XML Web services technology is rapidly moving application development and deployment into the highly distributed environment of the Internet.
    If you have used earlier versions of the ASP technology, you will immediately notice the improvements that ASP.NET and Web Forms offer. For example, you can develop Web Forms pages in any language that supports the .NET Framework. In addition, your code no longer needs to share the same file with your HTTP text (although it can continue to do so if you prefer).
    Web Forms pages execute in native machine language because, like any other managed application, they take full advantage of the runtime. In contrast, unmanaged ASP pages are always scripted and interpreted.
    ASP.NET pages are faster, more functional, and easier to develop than unmanaged ASP pages because they interact with the runtime like any managed application. The .NET Framework also provides a collection of classes and tools to aid in development and consumption of XML Web services applications. XML Web services are built on standards such as SOAP (a remote procedure-call protocol), XML (an extensible data format), and WSDL ( the Web Services Description Language). The .NET Framework is built on these standards to promote interoperability with non-Microsoft solutions.
    For example: the Web Services Description Language tool included with the .NET Framework SDK can query an XML Web service published on the Web, parse its WSDL description, and produce C# or Visual Basic source code that your application can use to become a client of the XML Web service. The source code can create classes derived from classes in the class library that handle all the underlying communication using SOAP and XML parsing. Although you can use the class library to consume XML Web services directly, the Web Services Description Language tool and the other tools contained in the SDK facilitate your development efforts with the .NET Framework.
    If you develop and publish your own XML Web service, the .NET Framework provides a set of classes that conform to all the underlying communication standards, such as SOAP, WSDL, and XML. Using those classes enables you to focus on the logic of your service, without concerning yourself with the communications infrastructure required by distributed software development.
    Finally, like Web Forms pages in the managed environment, your XML Web service will run with the speed of native machine language using the scalable communication of the Microsoft Internet Information Server (IIS).

    16Jan, 2012
    Client Application Development

    Client Application Development

    Client applications are the closest to a traditional style of application in Windows-based programming. These are the types of applications that display windows or forms on the desktop, enabling a user to perform a task. Client applications include applications such as word processors and spreadsheets, as well as custom business applications such as data-entry tools, reporting tools, and so on. Client applications usually employ windows, menus, buttons, and other GUI elements, and they likely access local resources such as the file system and peripherals such as printers.
    Another kind of client application is the traditional ActiveX control (now replaced by the managed Windows Forms control) deployed over the Internet as a Web page. This application is much like other client applications: it is executed natively, has access to local resources, and includes graphical elements.
    In the past, developers created such applications using C/C++ in conjunction with the Microsoft Foundation Classes (MFC) or with a rapid application development (RAD) environment such as Microsoft® Visual Basic®. The .NET Framework incorporates aspects of these existing products into a single, consistent development environment that drastically simplifies the development of client applications.
    The Windows Forms classes contained in the .NET Framework are designed to be used for GUI development. You can easily create command windows, buttons, menus, toolbars, and other screen elements with the flexibility necessary to accommodate shifting business needs.
    For example, the .NET Framework provides simple properties to adjust visual attributes associated with forms. In some cases the underlying operating system does not support changing these attributes directly, and in these cases the .NET Framework automatically recreates the forms. This is one of many ways in which the .NET Framework integrates the developer interface, making coding simpler and more consistent.
    Unlike ActiveX controls, Windows Forms controls have semi-trusted access to a user’s computer. This means that binary or natively executing code can access some of the resources on the user’s system (such as GUI elements and limited file access) without being able to access or compromise other resources. Because of code access security, many applications that once needed to be installed on a user’s system can now be deployed through the Web. Your applications can implement the features of a local application while being deployed like a Web page.

    15Jan, 2012
    20+ years programming computers

    Your business can safely save tons of money contracting your software development needs with us.  We have over 20 years of experience developing microcomputer software for the entire array of Microsoft Servers and Work Stations.
    We accept programming contracts for clients who want customized software almost anywhere in the world. All applications are developed “in our facility”, according to a predefined set of specifications.

    Software Development Steps

    Preparing a set of “software specifications” require an in-deep analysis of both, the information needs of your clients and end users, and the overall information system structure of your business. Our RAD/JAD Technologies help us to ensure a successful application deployment. There are several determining factors the can contribute to easily understand what a software program is all about, whether or not you need it, and how long will it take to implement it.
    Software programs usually have a direct relationship with “information systems”. They can be a stand alone application, or a part of an integrated system. Whatever is the case, programs are developed according to a predefined set of specifications; and, to ensure success you and I must carefully define and study the following:

    • The project proposal.
    • The hardware and software requirements
    • A preliminary system design
    • A preliminary cost-benefit analysis
    • The source code specifications
    • An indeep analysis of the methodologies to accomplish all requirements
    • The hardware and software selection
    • A prototyping
    • The development and implementation
    • Any necessary training to users and administrators
    • Any possible after-sale maintenance
    • The maintenance of existing systems
    • The integrating systems
    • Any future consultant-client relationship

    Factors to Determine

    We develop useful software systems in compliance with:

    • PLATFORMS
    • DATA
    • REPORTS
    • ALGORITHMS
    • INTEGRATION
    • USER INTERFACE
    • BACKUP AND RECOVERY REQUIREMENTS
    • SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

    Developmental Software

    Selecting a computer language facilitates program development. The choice of a language is critical, every programming language have different strengths and weaknesses. We develop custom applications for the entire line of Microsoft Windows Servers and Workstations, using the best and latest 2GLs, 3GLs, and 4GLs available in the market. We use all Microsoft Visual Studio Professional platforms.

    Programming Languages Supported

    We support the following programming Languages: Basic, SuperBASIC, PowerBASIC, Visual Basic, Visual Basic .Net, MapBasic, C/C++/C#, Database Management Languages, (DBMS), (xBASE), Clipper, FoxPro/Visual FoxPro, MS-Access/VBA, SyBase, MS-SQL (T-SQL), MySQL, and any SQL compatible language (ex: SQLite, CompactSQL).
    We can also program and design “Internet Applications” using “sockets” and develop/deploy Websites for both the Internet and the Intranet using HTML/HTML5, DHTML/XHTML, ASP/ASP.NET, VBScripts, JScripts, JavaScripts, using ADO, DAO, and ODBC connectivity modules and interfaces. Depending on each individual case, we will delivery the finished product as a source code, as a script file, or as an auto-executable file; tested and documented.

    Key Benefits

    • Fast, compact code.
    • Commented source code.
    • Properly tested and documented.

    Fees

    Our fees are negotiable based on the following different criterias:

    • Platform,
    • Frequency ,
    • Expertise Required,
    • Accessibility; and,
    • Deadline.

    To learn more about estimates, and fees and other terms, please visit:
    http://www.daprose.com/?p=1352

    15Nov, 2011
    Get the current username

    Get the username of the currently logged on user.

    Option Explicit

    Private Const UNKNOWN = _
    "(Value Unknown Because System Call Failed)"

    Private Declare Function GetUserName Lib "advapi32.dll" _
    Alias "GetUserNameA" (ByVal lpBuffer As String, nSize _
    As Long) As Long

    Public Function GetCurrentUserName() As String

    Dim l As Long
    Dim sUser As String

    sUser = Space$(255)
    l = GetUserName(sUser, 255)

    &qt;&qt;strip null terminator

    If l 0 Then
    GetCurrentUserName = Left(sUser, InStr(sUser, Chr(0)) - 1)
    Else
    Err.Raise Err.LastDllError, , _
    "A system call returned an error code of " _
    & Err.LastDllError
    End If

    End Function

    15Nov, 2011
    Change the Extension of Files in a Specified Folder

    This function will allow you to change the extension of files within a specified folder. You can either change the name of all files, or files with a specified extension. A reference to the Scripting Runtime is required. See code comments for details and example.

    Public Function ChangeExtension(ByVal FolderName As String, _
    ByVal NewExtension As String, Optional ByVal OldExtension As _
    String = &qt;) As Boolean

    Dim oFso As New FileSystemObject
    Dim oFolder As Folder
    Dim oFile As File
    Dim sOldName As String
    Dim sNewName As String
    Dim iCtr As Long
    Dim iDotPosition As Integer
    Dim sWithoutExt As String
    Dim sFolderName As String

    sFolderName = FolderName
    If Right(sFolderName, 1) "" Then sFolderName = _
    sFolderName & ""
    Set oFolder = oFso.GetFolder(FolderName)
    For Each oFile In oFolder.Files

    sOldName = sFolderName & oFile.Name
    sNewName = &qt;
    iDotPosition = InStrRev(sOldName, ".")
    If iDotPosition > 0 Then
    If OldExtension = &qt; Or UCase(Mid(sOldName, _
    iDotPosition + 1)) = UCase(OldExtension) Then

    sWithoutExt = Left(sOldName, iDotPosition - 1)
    sNewName = sWithoutExt & "." & NewExtension

    On Error Resume Next &qt;&qt;file may already exist
    &qt;&qt;if you don&qt;&qt;t want to let
    &qt;&qt;this slide, remove this
    &qt;&qt;line
    Name sOldName As sNewName
    Err.Clear
    On Error GoTo ErrorHandler
    End If
    End If
    Next
    ChangeExtension = True
    ErrorHandler:
    Set oFile = Nothing
    Set oFolder = Nothing
    Set oFso = Nothing

    15Nov, 2011
    Better App.Path Function

    App.Path returns a string with the "" character at the end if the path is the root drive (e.g., "C:") but without that character if it isn&qt;t (e.g., "C:Program Files"). Most of the time we need the "" at the end, so this function saves you the inconvenience of adding it every time.

    Public Function AppPath() As String

    Dim sAns As String
    sAns = App.Path
    If Right(App.Path, 1) "" Then sAns = sAns & ""
    AppPath = sAns

    End Function

    15Nov, 2011
    Add a Web Site to the Internet Explorer Favorites List

    PURPOSE: This program adds a favorite to IE 4 or 5 “List of Favorites”
    INPUT: SiteName = Name of Web Site
    URL = URL FOR THE WEB SITE
    RETURNS: TRUE IF SUCCESSFUL, FALSE OTHERWISE

    Option Explicit
    Public Enum SpecialShellFolderIDs
    CSIDL_DESKTOP = &H0
    CSIDL_INTERNET = &H1
    CSIDL_PROGRAMS = &H2
    CSIDL_CONTROLS = &H3
    CSIDL_PRINTERS = &H4
    CSIDL_PERSONAL = &H5
    CSIDL_FAVORITES = &H6
    CSIDL_STARTUP = &H7
    CSIDL_RECENT = &H8
    CSIDL_SENDTO = &H9
    CSIDL_BITBUCKET = &HA
    CSIDL_STARTMENU = &HB
    CSIDL_DESKTOPDIRECTORY = &H10
    CSIDL_DRIVES = &H11
    CSIDL_NETWORK = &H12
    CSIDL_NETHOOD = &H13
    CSIDL_FONTS = &H14
    CSIDL_TEMPLATES = &H15
    CSIDL_COMMON_STARTMENU = &H16
    CSIDL_COMMON_PROGRAMS = &H17
    CSIDL_COMMON_STARTUP = &H18
    CSIDL_COMMON_DESKTOPDIRECTORY = &H19
    CSIDL_APPDATA = &H1A
    CSIDL_PRINTHOOD = &H1B
    CSIDL_ALTSTARTUP = &H1D ‘ // DBCS
    CSIDL_COMMON_ALTSTARTUP = &H1E ‘ // DBCS
    CSIDL_COMMON_FAVORITES = &H1F
    CSIDL_INTERNET_CACHE = &H20
    CSIDL_COOKIES = &H21
    CSIDL_HISTORY = &H22
    End Enum
    Private Declare Function SHGetPathFromIDList _
    Lib “shell32.dll” Alias “SHGetPathFromIDListA” _
    (ByVal pidl As Long, _
    ByVal pszPath As String) As Long
    Private Declare Function SHGetSpecialFolderLocation _
    Lib “shell32.dll” _
    (ByVal hwndOwner As Long, _
    ByVal nFolder As SpecialShellFolderIDs, _
    pidl As Long) As Long
    Private Declare Sub CoTaskMemFree Lib “ole32.dll” _
    (ByVal pv As Long)
    Public Function AddFavorite(SiteName As String, _
    URL As String) As Boolean
    Dim pidl As Long
    Dim psFullPath As String
    Dim iFile As Integer
    On Error GoTo ErrorHandler
    iFile = FreeFile
    psFullPath = Space(255)
    If SHGetSpecialFolderLocation(0, CSIDL_FAVORITES, pidl) _
    = 0 Then
    If pidl Then
    If SHGetPathFromIDList(pidl, psFullPath) Then
    psFullPath = TrimWithoutPrejudice(psFullPath)
    If Right(psFullPath, 1) <> “” Then psFullPath = psFullPath & “”
    psFullPath = psFullPath & SiteName & “.URL”
    Open psFullPath For Output As #iFile
    Print #iFile, “[InternetShortcut]”
    Print #iFile, “URL=” & URL
    Close #iFile
    End If
    CoTaskMemFree pidl
    AddFavorite = True
    End If
    End If
    ErrorHandler:
    End Function
    Public Function TrimWithoutPrejudice _
    (ByVal InputString As String) As String
    Dim sAns As String
    Dim sWkg As String
    Dim sChar As String
    Dim lLen As Long
    Dim lCtr As Long
    sAns = InputString
    lLen = Len(InputString)
    If lLen > 0 Then
    ‘Ltrim
    For lCtr = 1 To lLen
    sChar = Mid(sAns, lCtr, 1)
    If Asc(sChar) > 32 Then Exit For
    Next
    sAns = Mid(sAns, lCtr)
    lLen = Len(sAns)
    ‘Rtrim
    If lLen > 0 Then
    For lCtr = lLen To 1 Step -1
    sChar = Mid(sAns, lCtr, 1)
    If Asc(sChar) > 32 Then Exit For
    Next
    End If
    sAns = Left$(sAns, lCtr)
    End If
    TrimWithoutPrejudice = sAns
    End Function