Visual FoxPro 7.0 Programming

Target Audience
The course is designed for individuals who are new to Visual FoxPro and require an introduction to programming techniques. Delegates may be users of existing databases who need to code small modules. Those intending to develop large Visual FoxPro applications should use this course as preparation for Course F1013 Visual FoxPro 7 Intensive.

Pre-Requisites
Before attending this course, students should have the following pre-requisites:A familiarity with Windows and database concepts.

Purpose
The course introduces the key features and functionality of Visual FoxPro code with an emphasis on the rapid implementation of a database application. This course uses code rather than the Visual Design Tools to give a thorough preparation for Course F1013. During the course the delegate will use a broad range of VFP commands and functions, with a view to writing efficient reusable code. Course contents may alter slightly from those stated.

Course outline

1. xBase Overview
2. Introduction to Data Handling
3. Configure the VFP Environment
4. Datafile Basics in Code
5. View the Records in a Table
6. Navigating a Table
7. Datafile Analysis
8. Using Variables
9. Datafile Management Commands
10. Elementary Programming Commands
11. Create and Use Indexes
12. Import and Export Data
13. Output Reports
14. Elementary Programming Techniques
15. FoxPro Functions
16. FoxPro Expressions
17. The BROWSE Command
18. Structured Programming
19. Procedures and Sub-routines
20. User Defined Functions
21. Using The Debug Tools
22. Error Handling
23. SQL Commands
24. Use FoxDoc

Module 1:xBase Overview

• Use the Command Window
• Use the Program Editor
• Understand the Program Menu
• Use & customize the Toolbar
• Use the command window to execute commands & functions

Module 2: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 3:Configure the VFP Environment

• Change the file and directory locations
• Change the Regional and Data options
• Dock and undock windows

Module 4:Datafile Basics in Code

• Datafile Management - Work Areas
• Open Tables in work areas
• Select a particular Table Establish Relational links between tables
• Use and test a One to Many relation
• Use and test a Many to One relation

Module 5:View the Records in a Table

• Use the Browse option to view and modify data
• Modify the Browse layout to see selected fields
• Use both Browse and Change displays

Module 6:Navigating a Table

• Understand the record focus
• Move to the next, previous, top, bottom or specified record
• Search for one or more records matching specific criteria

Module 7:Datafile Analysis

• Count the number of records in a table that match specific criteria
• Summate or average values in tables
• Carry out more calculations on tables, including finding maximum and minimum values

Module 8:Using Variables

• Understand the data types of variables
• Understand variable naming conventions
• Assign values to variables & display variables
• Use the EVALUATE function
• Use macro substitution and referencing in command lines
• Assign Memory Variables with the Store command
• Use and know the different data types
• Use variables in commands
• Display FoxPro memory
• Save sets of memory variables to a file using optional wildcards and clauses
• Restore variables from a file

Module 9:Datafile Management Commands

• Use the command line to manipulate databases
• Use commands to open and close tables
• Write a program to set up the environment, open tables, set the index order and set relationships

Module 10:Elementary Programming Commands

• The xBASE Command Language
• System Configuration Commands
• Setting the environment
• Understand command syntax
• Use the help screen
• Use the command reference manual

Module 11:Create and Use Indexes

• Create simple ascending and descending indexes by modifying the record structure
• Apply indexes to change the record order
• Create compound indexes
• Find and retrieve records using the index

Module 12:Import and Export Data

• Copy records to new tables
• Copy records to different file formats
• Limit the records & fields selected for import
• Add records from other tables
• Add records from different file formats
• Limit the records & fields selected for export

Module 13:Output Reports

• Preview report output
• Send reports to a printer
• Set printer options

Module 14:Elementary Programming Techniques

• Be Able to Create and Run Programs
• Add Comments to a Program
• Provide developer information
• Beautify Code
• Use Intellisense

Module 15:FoxPro Functions

• Use FoxPro Functions within FoxPro commands
• Understand the additional scope and functionality available by using functions in commands

Module 16:FoxPro Expressions

• Use the FoxPro expression builder to store complex expressions into variables
• Use the EVALUATE function to make program commands more flexible
• Use macro substitution as the ultimate tool
• Use referencing to enable expressions to be used where names are expected in the command syntax

Module 17:The BROWSE Command

• Use the browse command and key words to protect tables
• Use key words to store browse formats so that they can be reused
• Use field clauses to protect and validate fields
• Include fields from other related tables
• Use expressions to calculate or derive new columns in the Browse

Module 18:Structured Programming

• Use essential Programming Standards
• Write programs using conditional and code structures (IF..ENDIF DO CASE..ENDCASE)
• Write programs using iterative code structures (DO WHILE..ENDDO FOR..ENDFOR SCAN..ENDSCAN).
• Use the Immediate IF function
• Understand compile time constants

Module 19:Procedures and Sub-routines

• Understand the compile option
• Store and run programs as .PRG text files
• Store and run sub-routines using different options
• Call subroutines and control program flow
• Assign Public,Local and Private Memory Variables
• Be aware of modular coding techniques
• Use the Document window

Module 20:User Defined Functions

• Write User Defined Functions (UDFs)
• Use UDFs in FoxPro commands to extend FoxPro's functionality
• Change the parameter passing method for UDFs and procedures

Module 21:Using The Debug Tools

• Use the Trace window to follow program execution and suspend programs
• Use the Watch window to set breakpoints and amend variables
• Use the Debugout window
• 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 22:Error Handling

• Trap an error
• Display Error information
• Collect environment and status information
• Use Local and Global error traps

Module 23: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 24:Use FoxDoc

• Create formatted programs
• Document program hierarchies, variable cross references etc