Visual FoxPro 7.0 Intensive

Target Audience
The course is designed for individuals who are new to Visual FoxPro and require an intensive introduction to the available functionality. Delegates may be users of existing database who need to build local departmental applications or reporting modules; members of a programming team planning to implement a large database application; or technical evaluators looking at the place of Visual FoxPro as part of an information strategy.

Pre-Requisites
Before attending this course, students should have the following pre-requisites:Familiarity with Windows and database concepts.Knowledge of xBase programming or attendance onCourse F1012, Visual FoxPro 7.0 xBase Programming.

Purpose
This course introduces the key features and functionality of Visual FoxPro with an emphasis on the rapid implementation of database applications. An emphasis is placed on using the Visual Design Tools as much as possible. During the course the delegate will develop a complete application which pays attention to usability issues and conforms to Windows design guidelines. Course contents may alter slightly from those stated.

Course outline

1. Visual FoxPro Overview
2. The Project Manager
3. Introduction to Data Handling
4. Programming & the Program Editor
5. Objects, Properties and Variables
6. Report Writing
7. Understand the use of the Query Designer
8. Creating Tables Using the Database Container
9. SQL Commands
10. Local Views
11. Rushmore
12. Database Container
13. Form Design
14. Form Controls
15. Form Properties, Events and Methods
16. VFP Classes & Class Libraries
17. Work with the Grid
18. Menu Designer
19. Object Oriented Programming
20. Component Gallery
21. Data Buffering and Multi-User Programming
22. Debugging
23. Error Handling
24. Building the Application

Module 1:Visual FoxPro Overview

• Be aware of the Technical Features of Visual FoxPro
• Use the Menu structure
• Understand the Toolbar
• Use the Option window for changing system settings
• Use the Data Session Window
• Use the Browse Window
• Create and Change Indexes on a Table
• Use the command window to set system configurations

Module 2:The Project Manager

• Understand the use of a Project Manager
• Know the tasks Project Manager can perform and create a project
• Add, Edit, Remove Items
• Know Standards and Naming Conventions
• Know how to compile an application

Module 3:Introduction to Data Handling

• Use commands to open databases and tables, set index orders and relations
• Know how to LOCATE records
• Set a Filter on a Table
• Understand xBASE Syntax
• Understand the Scope, For and While clauses
• Perform Calculations on Table Data

Module 4:Programming & the Program Editor

• Using Intellisense
• Editor options
• Code Layout and style
• Bookmarks & Shortcuts
• Document View Window
• Use the Task List
• Some essential functions
• Text Merge Options

Module 5:Objects, Properties and Variables

• Understand the data types of variables and properties
• Understand the scope of variables and Object Properties
• Understand variable naming conventions
• Assign values to variables & display variables
• Strong typing and early binding
• The Object Browser

Module 6:Report Writing

• Understand the use and limitations of Report Wizards
• Understand the use of the Report Designer
• Understand, manipulate and format Report Objects
• Select Page Layout options
• Preview report output
• Be able to use the controls from the Report controls toolbar
• Be able to group data
• Create calculated fields
• Be able to use report variables, user defined functions.

Module 7:Understand the use of the Query Designer

• Know how to order a query
• Be able to select data using the full range of selection options
• Create multi table queries
• Use equi-joins and outer-joins
• Create calculated fields and use aggregate functions
• Be able to output queries to other formats

Module 8:Creating Tables Using the Database Container

• Understand the purpose of the Database Container
• Know the Data Types available with VFP
• Create Databases and add Tables
• Use of Null values
• Set Indexes and understand their purpose
• Understand the Relationship Types and create Relationships between tables

Module 9:SQL Commands

• Use the SELECT command
• Understand the additional functionality not supported by the Query designer.
• Use the CREATE TABLE command
• Use the ALTER TABLE command
• Use the INSERT INTO command
• Use the SQL DELETE and UPDATE commands

Module 10:Local Views

• Create Local Views
• Know when and how to use Local Views
• Update with Local Views

Module 11:Rushmore

• Understand the way Rushmore works
• Understand the use of Rushmore
• Know how to set Rushmore on and off

Module 12:Database Container

• The Database Design Window
• Define Field Validations
• Define Record Validations
• Understand the purpose of and be able to define Stored Procedures
• Understand and use Triggers
• Setting foreign and primary keys
• Use the Referential Integrity Builder
• Database Events

Module 13:Form Design

• Understand the use of the Form Designer
• Have a basic understanding of Properties, Events and Methods
• Understand the purpose of and how to use the Data Environment
• Implement Private Data Sessions
• Implement Form Specific Menus

Module 14:Form Controls

• Know and use the Controls available from the Form Designer
• Understand Bound and Unbound Controls
• Use compile time constants in forms
• Create Table Navigation Buttons
• Define HotKeys on a Form

Module 15:Form Properties, Events and Methods

• Be aware of the types of Base Classes
• Understand Properties, Events, and Methods
• Discuss the Event sequence for a Form
• Understand the Event Model for a Form and its Controls
• Implement Form and Control Methods
• Create Form Properties and Methods

Module 16:VFP Classes & Class Libraries

• VFP Base classes
• Visual Class Libraries
• Non-visual classes
• Sub-classing and Inheritance
• Use the Class Browser
• Create Custom Properties and Methods

Module 17:Work with the Grid

• Define the term Grid and explain its use
• Describe the structure of a Grid control
• Add controls to Grid Columns
• Create one to many Forms with a Grid
• Use Conditional Formatting

Module 18:Menu Designer

• Be aware of Menu conventions and application structure
• Be able to create appropriate Menus
• Create Shortcut menus for Right Mouse clicks
• Form Specific Menus
• Most Recently Used feature
• Menu Icons

Module 19:Object Oriented Programming

• Object Oriented Terminology
• Referencing Objects with Variables
• Set Properties
• Call Methods
• Understand Object Hierarchy
• Create and Add Objects
• Object Variable Naming Conventions
• Explain the DODEFAULT function
• Use the reference statements: THIS, THISFORM, THISFORMSET, and PARENT
• Use the FUNC...ENDFUNC function
• Use the PROC...ENDPROC procedure
• Use the WITH...ENDWITH command
• Use Read and Clear Events

Module 20:Component Gallery

• Introduction to VFP visual classes
• Navigate around the Component Gallery
• Use components in an application

Module 21:Data Buffering and Multi-User Programming

• Review VFP's Shared Access and Data Locking
• Understand Data Buffering and the different types of Buffering
• Become familiar with the functions that support Data Buffering
• Manage data conflicts

Module 22:Debugging

• Use the Debug window to see current values
• Use the Debug window to suspend programs
• Use the Trace window to follow program execution and suspend programs
• Use the Watch window to amend variables
• Use the Locals window to display and amend local variables
• Use the Call Stack window to view currently executing programs
• Use Event Tracking and Coverage Logging

Module 23:Error Handling

• Handle errors locally
• Create an application error handler

Module 24:Building the Application

• Main calling program
• Running the menu
• Initiating Event Processing
• Shutdown routine
• Making a .exe & Build Options