Subject Re: Accessing a database that is stored in dropbox
From Akshat Kapoor <akshat.kapoor@kapoorsons.in>
Date Wed, 18 Aug 2021 23:09:26 +0530
Newsgroups dbase.getting-started

Good Evening Matt,

>>
 >>> I am using dBase 2019 to create a program to automate the manufacture of HVAC components for large buildings.  As part of the security for this program, I have placed a database on dropbox with a link similar to this:
 >>>        https://www.dropbox.com/s/???????????????/ExpirationDates.DBF?dl=0
 >>> When the customer's program approaches their expiration date, I would like to access this database to see whether they have paid us to extend their expiration date. So this is not a web based program . . . just web data that needs to be accessed. How should I proceed?
 >>
 >> This will require dropbox to be installed on each and every computer.
 >> And then the path will also be different.
 >>
 >> There is an easier way out.
 >> create a prg which declares just the following.
 >>
 >> _app.last_date = {31/03/2025}
 >> _app.company_name = [Company A]
 >> (Could be licence number of the app also so that the same file is not
 >> used by all)
 >>
 >>
 >> Adjust the date according to the renewal, compile it and email it to the
 >> purchaser.
 >> All that they would be required is to place it in the app folder.
 >>
 >> In the app
 >> do xyz
 >>
 >> if _app.last_date >date() and _app.company_name = [Company A]
 >>         //do nothing
 >> else
 >>         msgbox('validity of the app has expired ')
 >>         quit
 >> endif
 >>
 >> Compiled programs are damn difficult to uncompile and hence the code
 >> hidden there is safe.
 >>
 >> Disclaimer : This approach is untested. Please test it before implementing
 >>
 >> Regards
 >> Akshat
 >
>
>
> So what I'm hearing is that there is no way for me to access a database that is stored on the internet. I was trying to update my customers without having them do anything.  I currently have a procedure I can do with their participation.
 >

I am not saying it cannot be done. But have never tried it hence cannot
say with confidence.

Some questions :
How will you update the file in dropbox.

There are ways to access data stored in tables on commercial webhosting
services but I have never used them and hence cannot help on that front.

Searching in the newsgroup you can find code of how to download html
from web pages.

That text could contain validation. This approach would require
development and update of web page as well.

I have run out of Ideas as for now. Will post if I get one.
Regards
Akshat