CDE2/Report Writer 2.5 v. Oracle Objects API <-> C++, multimedia,

CDE2/Report Writer 2.5 v. Oracle Objects API <-> C++, multimedia, and how to test it all !

Please can anyone help me in any of the following 3 areas :-

1. CDE2/Report Writer 2.5
2. Client-server development, perhaps Oracle Objects API to C++.
3. Testing tools

I have particular concerns to address, in addition to general enquiries, as we start to investigate the new client-server tools and techniques as alternatives to our current Forms3/Pro*C/Oracle 6 development.

1. CDE2/Report Writer 2.5

I would like to find out if Report Writer 2.5 (ie. CDE2) allows for the following situation (which we are currently coding round in Pro*C) :-

The user can specify one of a number of reports but then once the report has been selected there is further customisation of the report layout either at the request of the user or triggered by the data, ie. there are a large number of output formats (this project has cost millions of pounds already). Initially the team considered using Report Writer and balked at the number of separate reports they would have to produce, and how it would all look to the user, and they went for coding the whole thing in Pro*C.

We have been using Forms 3 with Oracle 6 on VAX/VMS, but are now planning to move to Oracle 7 and more up to date tools for development including putting the load of report generation onto PCs.

I understand that CDE2 is just becoming available for Windows 3.1 via the beta release, I assume that this includes Report Writer 2.5 ?.

2. Oracle Objects API for use by C++

I understand that Forms 4.5 MAY be a direction to take, but generally I have a distruct of 4GLs (ie. along the lines that they are great until they don't do what you want), and sympathise with the "do it in C++ and stay in control" idea.

In general I am interested to find out as much as possible about Oracle/client-server developent including :-

1. the interface/method of use of Oracle Objects, ie. I'd like to see a definition of the API if possible. I am currently using a database called Polyhedra and SQL embedded in C++ which is passed to the Client API of Polyhedra which provides a callback mechanism as rows become available, queries (including active queries)/transactions complete - is Oracle Objects/Glue used in the same way ?
2. any interaction between Oracle Objects and CDE2 products (since they are both potentially residing together under Windows 3.1).
3. The extensions to the current system will include the ability to handle graphics/multimedia.
4. Testing tools

I would also be interested to know if there are tools which can help with automating the testing of Forms and/or Report Writer developed software.

Thank you very much for any help and information you can provide.

        Regards,

                Geoff Benn
 



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    Geoff Benn BSc. CEng. MIEE, UK, geoff_at_funhouse.win-uk.net   Senior Systems/Software Engineer, Systems Manager, Team Leader

    Geoff Benn BSc. CEng. MIEE, UK, geoff_at_funhouse.win-uk.net   Senior Systems/Software Engineer, Systems Manager, Team Leader