| Subject | Re: dBase is a legacy software? |
| From | Andy Taylor <andy.taylor.1959@outlook.com> |
| Date | Tue, 14 Feb 2023 18:55:21 +0000 |
| Newsgroups | dbase.getting-started |
Hi Eric, > an anyone help to these criticizes to dBase below? > • Vulnerability to Security Breaches: dBase code is written in a high-level programming language and can contain vulnerabilities that can be exploited by malicious actors. Potentially if you are not running a compiled app. I would argue that there is a strength in well documented high level apps which means that they can be picked up by others for future development. A compiled dBASE app has the advantage that the number of people who can reverse engineer the code and work out how to tweak it must be vanishingly small. Lastly, a compiled exe can be certified so that you know it has not been tampered with. > • Lack of Maintenance: dBase is an older programming language that is no longer widely used, which means that there is a limited pool of developers who can maintain and update the code. That is true, however those who do work with it are likely to be skilled and will have access worldwide via moderm comms. Most of my clients live and work thousands of miles away. > • Incompatibility with Modern Systems: dBase was designed for use with older operating systems and hardware and may not be compatible with more modern systems. Last release in 2019 does not make it incompatible. Just mention OOP, inheritance, 2-way design, etc. > • Limited Functionality: dBase is a relatively limited programming language compared to more modern languages and may not have the functionality needed to support complex applications. Is it really? With ADO support you can house the data on more mainstream database engines if the complexity is the number of users. I think it depends what you mean by complex? > • Lack of Support: dBase has limited community support, and there may not be many resources available for resolving technical issues or updating the code. Compared to what? I've seen answers within minutes on the newsgroups. There are plenty of people who will update code for a fee. > • Obsolescence: As dBase is an older programming language, it is becoming increasingly obsolete and may not be supported by modern operating systems or hardware in the future. Predicting the future is never easy. I'd just point to the long history and comparatively recent releases... which run on Windows 11. Andy | |