Migrating to Genero v4

Abstract

Genero version 4 brings in lots of new features that make it well worth upgrading to.  The new version introduces several changes that you’ll need to be aware of if upgrading from an earlier version though.  This article covers some of the challenges we faced, and the solutions found to resolve them.

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Migrating to Genero v42024-02-19T15:49:42+00:00

A Number of Reasons to Upgrade to the Latest Genero Release

Abstract

Originally developed as a GUI replacement to “green-screen” Informix-4GL, Genero has become a powerful and advanced development suite, with a long list of supported platforms, database engines and deployment options.  A host of new features are added at every release; Whether you’re running an early version, still on 4gl, or looking for a platform for a new development project, there are some very compelling reasons to start using, the very latest version of Genero.

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A Number of Reasons to Upgrade to the Latest Genero Release2024-02-19T15:24:50+00:00

Genero 3.20 Remote Development

Abstract

With the popularity of home and coworking space working arrangements, along with company BYOD policies, being able to develop Genero applications from any location, and on different devices is becoming a must. Genero Studio has had a client/server development model for a while; however, up until now, this has worked best in a LAN environment.  Previously this relied on the client sharing a filesystem on the server, which required a fast and solid network connection between the two to be practical.  Technologies such as SMB were not designed to run over the Internet, and doing so can be cumbersome and insecure. Previously, the only work-around for this was to use a remote desktop solution, which could still be slow and impractical, especially when designing forms and reports.  This also negates many of the benefits of having a modern workstation with fast processor and high-density display that can make Studio a joy to use. Genero 3.20 introduced a new server synchronisation mode, where code is kept in sync between the local Studio installation and the server.  This makes local development much more efficient.  Also, by utilising the development licenses on the server, there is no need to worry about licensing individual workstations. This article explores several options to aid setting up a portable, productive and secure remote development environment using Genero 3.20, suitable for using over a WAN.

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Genero 3.20 Remote Development2023-01-25T09:55:24+00:00

Managing Development Projects in Genero Studio

Abstract

Although Genero BDL is based on Informix 4GL and both tools can be used to build powerful database applications, there is a world of difference between how a developer will use these tools. In our experience, to get the most out of Genero, it’s vital to have a good understanding of Genero Studio (GST) – the graphical integrated development environment that is shipped with the Genero product. Find out more about managing development projects in Genero Studio below:

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Managing Development Projects in Genero Studio2020-08-14T13:30:41+01:00

Data Presentation in Genero

Abstract

In Informix 4GL, the way in which data appears on the screen is pretty much set in concrete; all manner of attributes are available, but are hard coded in the form file. However, the data presentation in Genero is a lot more dynamic – most of the attributes can be altered in the code, as and when you want. And because it is a modern GUI, there are more field types, layout options and widgets. This article looks at 7 data presentation enhancements:
  1. Highlighting form elements dynamically
  2. Hiding and revealing form elements dynamically
  3. Using new GUI widgets
  4. Additional functionality for ‘tables’
  5. Dragging and dropping data from and into form elements
  6. Using a tree view
  7. Incorporating web components


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Data Presentation in Genero2020-08-14T13:28:12+01:00

Run a Green Screen Application in Genero

Abstract

As we’ve described in other articles, there are many reasons to upgrade from Informix 4GL to Genero; however, it’s not always desirable to upgrade your entire application in one go from a Text User Interface (TUI) to a Graphical User Interface (GUI). This article focuses on how you to run a green screen application in Genero its native format, whilst allowing part of the same application to be rendered as a GUI application.

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Run a Green Screen Application in Genero2020-08-14T12:05:43+01:00

Upgrade to the Latest Genero Release

Abstract

Originally developed as a GUI replacement to “green-screen” Informix 4GL, Genero has become a powerful and advanced development suite, with a long list of supported platforms, database engines and deployment options. A host of new features are added at every release; Whether you’re running an early version, still on 4gl, or looking for a platform for a new development project, there are some very compelling reasons to upgrade to the latest Genero release.

[Read More…]
Upgrade to the Latest Genero Release2021-02-12T15:48:05+00:00

How to navigate a Genero Application

Abstract

In Informix 4GL the only way to navigate an application is using a “ring” menu. This works very well when the application has a small number of modules with one menu but in complex applications, where there are many modules grouped into various submenus, the ring menu makes navigating the application very cumbersome. Modern alternatives such as tree-view and drop-down menus don’t exist in 4GL, but they do exist in Genero! This article discuss how best to navigate a Genero application:

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How to navigate a Genero Application2020-08-14T13:24:36+01:00

Improve user productivity with Genero

Abstract

Historically, data input applications only allowed a user to access one part of the application at any one time. If a user needed to access another part of the application, for example to view customer details whilst updating an order, he or she would need to stop what they were doing and navigate to another part of the same application. As applications have grown larger and more complex this becomes a big user productivity drain. This article describes how to solve this problem elegantly and simply in Genero, by allowing multiple modules of the same application to run concurrently in a single window and ultimately improve user productivity with Genero.

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Improve user productivity with Genero2020-08-18T10:50:11+01:00

Manage Concurrent Data Inputs and Displays in Genero

Abstract

In the commercial world today we see growing complexity and depth in the information we store. A simple example would be a custom product or order line that is itself made up of many other products each with a variety of purchasing or build options. Historically data input applications did not support this type of requirement very well. This article describes how to solve this programming problem by creating, using and managing concurrent data inputs and displays in Genero.

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Manage Concurrent Data Inputs and Displays in Genero2021-06-08T10:13:10+01:00
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