Hi,

From someone who has developed only windows desktop based applications
- I've been approached to create a web based database application.

I would like to use DBISam and Delphi (As these are the two things I'm
most familiar with) - but I'm just needing a gentle 'nudge' to start me
off in the right direction.

The application itself needs to connect back to a DBISam database that's
being used by desktop applications already - which is why I'm looking at
DBISam as the backend.

I was wondering - for those who have developed DBISam web based database
applications - what would you recommend?

Is it as simple as using intraweb + DBISam, or should I be looking at
something else?

Cheers

Adam

Oh - and in addition, I have Report Builder Professional. Would anyone
recommend me upgrading to Server to create reports (preferably PDF
downloadable), or should I look at something else too?

Cheers

Adam.

On 23/07/2012 3:18 PM, Adam H. wrote:
> Hi,
>
>  From someone who has developed only windows desktop based applications
> - I've been approached to create a web based database application.
>
> I would like to use DBISam and Delphi (As these are the two things I'm
> most familiar with) - but I'm just needing a gentle 'nudge' to start me
> off in the right direction.
>
> The application itself needs to connect back to a DBISam database that's
> being used by desktop applications already - which is why I'm looking at
> DBISam as the backend.
>
> I was wondering - for those who have developed DBISam web based database
> applications - what would you recommend?
>
> Is it as simple as using intraweb + DBISam, or should I be looking at
> something else?
>
> Cheers
>
> Adam

Adam,

Assuming your web server is Windows and under your control then Delphi +
Intraweb should work just fine. The intraweb solution would let you get
something out likely faster that next option.

The only other option i would consider is more generic web services
back-end (written in delphi) and front end using Javascript (either
directly or using a tool like Elevate Web Builder which is pre-release
still but to be released soon).
The Javascript option is more work (you need to write server side in
both cases but for this you also need JS client side code) but i think
in long term gives you more flexibilty and capabilities.

Raul



On 7/23/2012 1:18 AM, Adam H. wrote:
> Hi,
>
>  From someone who has developed only windows desktop based applications
> - I've been approached to create a web based database application.
>
> I would like to use DBISam and Delphi (As these are the two things I'm
> most familiar with) - but I'm just needing a gentle 'nudge' to start me
> off in the right direction.
>
> The application itself needs to connect back to a DBISam database that's
> being used by desktop applications already - which is why I'm looking at
> DBISam as the backend.
>
> I was wondering - for those who have developed DBISam web based database
> applications - what would you recommend?
>
> Is it as simple as using intraweb + DBISam, or should I be looking at
> something else?
>
> Cheers
>
> Adam

Hi Raul,

Thanks for your reply.

I was just wondering if you know of a 'getting started' tutorial when it
comes to this sort of stuff. All I know about it is bits and pieces I
recall stumbling on from older threads. (I think you need to allow for
multi thread DBISam sessions for instance?), or do you have any advise
on the best way to get started?

I'll head down the Delphi + Intraweb I think, because I know squat about
Java

Cheers

Adam




> Adam,
>
> Assuming your web server is Windows and under your control then Delphi +
> Intraweb should work just fine. The intraweb solution would let you get
> something out likely faster that next option.
>
> The only other option i would consider is more generic web services
> back-end (written in delphi) and front end using Javascript (either
> directly or using a tool like Elevate Web Builder which is pre-release
> still but to be released soon).
> The Javascript option is more work (you need to write server side in
> both cases but for this you also need JS client side code) but i think
> in long term gives you more flexibilty and capabilities.
>
> Raul
>
>
>
> On 7/23/2012 1:18 AM, Adam H. wrote:
>> Hi,
>>
>>  From someone who has developed only windows desktop based applications
>> - I've been approached to create a web based database application.
>>
>> I would like to use DBISam and Delphi (As these are the two things I'm
>> most familiar with) - but I'm just needing a gentle 'nudge' to start me
>> off in the right direction.
>>
>> The application itself needs to connect back to a DBISam database that's
>> being used by desktop applications already - which is why I'm looking at
>> DBISam as the backend.
>>
>> I was wondering - for those who have developed DBISam web based database
>> applications - what would you recommend?
>>
>> Is it as simple as using intraweb + DBISam, or should I be looking at
>> something else?
>>
>> Cheers
>>
>> Adam
>

Adam,

Not sure which version of Delphi are you using and which edition
(Intraweb included with Delphi Pro is connection limited but if you're
on older D5-D2007 then they have the v9 enterprise for free (though not
officially supported) :
http://www.atozed.com/intraweb/Download/IntraWeb9EnterpriseFree.EN.aspx )


Documents I'd start with :

http://docwiki.embarcadero.com/RADStudio/en/Getting_Started_with_IntraWeb

and

http://www.atozed.com/intraweb/Documentation/Index.EN.aspx

Dr Bob has a Intraweb book as well and while i have not used it myself
i've heard good comments (though it is 99 Euro):
http://www.drbob42.com/


Javascript is not related to Java but yes there is a learning curve
coming from Delphi (though Elevate Software EWB is showing some amazing
potential - code in object pascal and it generates javascript).

Raul



On 7/23/2012 7:21 PM, Adam H. wrote:
> Hi Raul,
>
> Thanks for your reply.
>
> I was just wondering if you know of a 'getting started' tutorial when it
> comes to this sort of stuff. All I know about it is bits and pieces I
> recall stumbling on from older threads. (I think you need to allow for
> multi thread DBISam sessions for instance?), or do you have any advise
> on the best way to get started?
>
> I'll head down the Delphi + Intraweb I think, because I know squat about
> Java
>
> Cheers
>
> Adam
>
>
>
>

Hi Raul,

I have both D2007 and XE2 - and I'm happy to stick with 2007 if it's
going to give me a significant advantage.

Thanks for the suggestions!

Cheers

Adam.


> Adam,
>
> Not sure which version of Delphi are you using and which edition
> (Intraweb included with Delphi Pro is connection limited but if you're
> on older D5-D2007 then they have the v9 enterprise for free (though not
> officially supported) :
> http://www.atozed.com/intraweb/Download/IntraWeb9EnterpriseFree.EN.aspx )
>
>
> Documents I'd start with :
>
> http://docwiki.embarcadero.com/RADStudio/en/Getting_Started_with_IntraWeb
>
> and
>
> http://www.atozed.com/intraweb/Documentation/Index.EN.aspx
>
> Dr Bob has a Intraweb book as well and while i have not used it myself
> i've heard good comments (though it is 99 Euro):
> http://www.drbob42.com/
>
>
> Javascript is not related to Java but yes there is a learning curve
> coming from Delphi (though Elevate Software EWB is showing some amazing
> potential - code in object pascal and it generates javascript).
>
> Raul
>
>
>
> On 7/23/2012 7:21 PM, Adam H. wrote:
>> Hi Raul,
>>
>> Thanks for your reply.
>>
>> I was just wondering if you know of a 'getting started' tutorial when it
>> comes to this sort of stuff. All I know about it is bits and pieces I
>> recall stumbling on from older threads. (I think you need to allow for
>> multi thread DBISam sessions for instance?), or do you have any advise
>> on the best way to get started?
>>
>> I'll head down the Delphi + Intraweb I think, because I know squat about
>> Java
>>
>> Cheers
>>
>> Adam
>>
>>
>>
>>
>

Adam

The main idea when developing to the web is: there is no connection between
the server and client. You have to build your own concept using sessions.

Scenario:
User performs a login to the server. The server must have a logic to handle
this login and keep the user information like username, user password,
client ip, login time and then you must send these information back to the
client using you own crypt mechanism and when there is another connection to
the server you send them to the server to "authenticate" the client.

Every table/query must be used at the server side and it is up to you decide
to close (or not) according your needs. When the session reaches the timeout
(again according you desire) you drop the tables/queries and all the
information handled by the session and force the user to login again (for
security reasons).

In my web projects I decide to keep the tables and queries opened and the
server deal with record pointers, transations, etc. I have decide this
because I know the number of remote users (always less than 10 at the same
time) and there are no memory consumption problems.

Client: Web browser (any one) + javascript + html + ajax
Server: Web server (any one) or if you desire a custom webserver (like my
applications) that deal with everything using 100% or Delphi code (any
version). Stay away from CGI if the server is not yours.

The approach is really new but when you catch the idea it become very
interesting specially when you deal with ajax. But so far the distance from
a desktop application and a web application is big specially when the
connection speedy is slow.

Eduardo

Adam,

<< Is it as simple as using intraweb + DBISam, or should I be looking at
something else? >>

Have you looked at our upcoming Elevate Web Builder product yet ?

http://www.elevatesoft.com/products?category=ewb&type=web

There's a video demonstrating setting up a data-bound grid using a DBISAM
table here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5GUFqrwN918

The documentation on datasets is complete and can be found here:

http://www.elevatesoft.com/manual?action=topics&id=ewb1&section=using_datasets

If you have any other questions, please let me know.

Tim Young
Elevate Software
www.elevatesoft.com