Subject Re: Accessing a database that is stored in dropbox
From Matt Milner <Matt.Milner@cox.net>
Date Wed, 18 Aug 2021 13:50:09 -0400
Newsgroups dbase.getting-started

Akshat Kapoor Wrote:

> 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
The database I am using needs only to be read-only by customers as I can access it locally to update data and reload to dropbox.