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Thursday, February 29, 2024

PowerBuilder - PowerServer Console (2024R1)

 Hot News!

Updated PowerServer Console Application!

Built using the STD Framework!

        Software Tool & Die Inc. are very pleased today to announce an updated  version of the PowerServer Console (2024R1) application for use with the Appeon PowerServer 2022 R3 Web API application server! This latest release of the PowerServer Console application is all written in PowerBuilder 2022 R3 and uses the latest STD Integrated Framework (2024R1)!

    In the original release, the PS Console App could only monitor and if need be kill a PS App's "Session". Changes in this new release though now include:

  • Migrated the App code from PB2022 build 1892 to PB 2022 R3  build 3289.
  • Updated STD Integrated Framework from version 2203.1.0.325 to 2204.1.0.375
  • Incorporated the updated PB 2022 R3 MS-Windows notification utility
  • Updated the Theme files to PB2022 R3 build 3289 (includes two new themes)
  • Revised the  Health Check Web API to work with PS 2022 R3 .
  • Revised the  Server API's Web API to work with PS 2022 R3.
  • Tested the Console code on W10 version 22H2 build 19045.4046
  • Tested the Console code on W11 version 23H2 build 22631.3155
  • Incorporated the latest built-in Web Browser control (uses new WebView2 engine).

 

Customizable connection settings (DNS / IP Address) + Port

 

PS Console App monitoring PowerServer "Sessions".
 

    One of the new features in this PS Console release now allows you to see all the Web API's within the 2022R3 PS server itself by using the API tab page. Note that the PS Console's functionality is governed by the built-in exposed "internal" RESTFul web services within the PS2022 server itself. Check this API documentation feature and also then be able to execute them from inside the PS Console application itself, as well as follows:

Console displaying WEB APIs currently available in the PS Server

Example of the Console executing any Web API it sees

Console showing a called Web API's return JSON data.


   The next new feature in the latest version of the PS Console is the ability to check the PowerServer's actual Heath. You can do this by selecting the new Health Tab in the PS Console application, as follows:
New PowerServer Health check feature at work!

    Software Tool & Dies have also recently updated the STD Integrated framework to handle PS Server outages without crashing the running PB App when connected to PowerServer. This allows the App User and/or the Support team to see exactly what happened during a PB=>PS App failure. This could be for example: network outage, server not started, killed session, PS processing error, etc) by the type of failure reported and now logged as well! The newer framework also allows PS Apps to perform a PS server Fail Over as well that can now be handled by the PS App when one instance of a PS Server is not available!

 You can download the PS2022 Console and OrderEntry Demo App for PB/PS2022 R3, as follows:

PS ConsoleDownload     OrderEntry:  Download 

   Enjoy ... please let me know what you think & if you have any feature suggestions that you might like for future versions!

Regards ... Chris

Thursday, February 22, 2024

PowerBuilder - PSR Report Viewer (2024R1)

 ** Hot News **

PSR Viewer Application updated for PB 2022 R3!



    Software Tool & Die Inc. are please to announce a new version of the PowerSoft Report (PSR) Viewer (v2024.1.0.35) application built from the latest free open source STD Integrated Foundation Classes and specially designed for Appeon PowerBuilder version PB2023 R3 build 3289! The Foundation Classes provide most of the PSR functionality natively by having this application wrapped around the framework's DataWindow Control ancestor class! The PSR Viewer allows the user to view DataWindow reports that have been saved in PB's proprietary PSR format from either Appeon PowerBuilder or InfoMaker products. A PSR file is actually the DataWindow Object source along with its Primary data buffer contents.
 

PSR App example showing Zooming, Rulers & Print Preview


   Included in this new release are also the ability to write to the MS-Windows 10/11  "Notification area" and also drag & drop external PSR files into the PSR Viewer for display. A much more intuitive  way of working!

MS-Windows 10 Notification
Drag & Drop external PSR report files directly into the PSRViewer!  

 
Supports new PB 2022 R3 themes...

PSR Viewer using the new Orange Theme from PB 2022 R3 release!

 
   The new PSRViewer.exe application is built using the latest version of the STD Integrated Foundation Class library (2024.2.0.380) utilizing PowerBuilder 2023 R3's build 3289 feature set). The revised PSRViewer has also been extensively tested on the newer W11 Operating System as well with no issues. The new PSRViewer now also includes a new PowerClient project object for App deployment via that mechanism as well as compiled EXE. The application can also be run in either M-Code, P-Code compilations and in either 32 or 64 bit mode also.
 
   The updated PSR Viewer application for Appeon PB2023 R3 can be downloaded from the SourceForge web site ... just click here! For older PB versions of the PSR viewer you can download them from here.


Enjoy ... Chris

Tuesday, February 13, 2024

STD Integrated Framework - 2024R1 released!

 ** Hot News **

  Integrated Foundation Classes (2024R1) Released!

 "THE" Framework for PowerBuilder & PowerServer 2022 R3!

(Framework version 2024.1.0.374 - February 09, 2024)  
 





        Software Tool & Die Inc (STD) are very pleased to announce that they have just released a new version of their Integrated Foundation Class library framework 2024 R1 (build 2024.1.0.374) exclusively for PowerBuilder 2022 R3 and PowerServer 2022 R3 (Cloud), and InfoMaker 2022 R3 (build 3289) - with many new features, enhancements and upgrades!
  
     STD are also very excited as this release represents another significant enhancement milestone to the Integrated framework that really further exemplifies the power of the Appeon PowerBuilder 2022 R3  development environment! The updated framework combined with the current PowerBuilder and/or PowerServer products, positions developers to take advantage of today's Agile and DevOps methodologies. Plus it further enhances a newer GUI "punch" in your Native and Cloud based Apps without buying expensive add-on products. Especially, since the framework is free!

     For a summary of the previous framework version's new & revised features for 2023 through 2024, please follow these links - 20231R12023R2 and 2023R3 (was only in beta - never released as GA). Note that the Integrated framework had 3 releases in 2023 so that it's always leading edge and feature rich! STD also has more features planned for more Integrated framework in 2024 as well!
   
   The following are some of the key highlights of the new 2024 R1 Integrated Foundation Class library for Appeon PowerBuilder 2022 R3 build 3289, as follows:
 
Debug the WebView2 engine used by the Web Browser control:
 
Add these settings to your App's INI file


Any App that uses Web Browser control (ie: OrderEntry Demo App)

Run any Web Browser using URL: (ie:  http://localhost:6124/json/list)

Tip: This feature also allows you to now debug and drive "use test cases" using the AscentialTest testing software from Zeenyx.


Grid DataWindow Line Colour:
 
New DWC Property
 
Grid Line Colour setting example based on new property!

New Themes Colour Support:

Support for new Themes in PB 2022 R3

Example of the new Lime Green theme in use!

Resources Monitoring:
 
Memory / GDI - alerts App user when in Debug Mode!


 
 Mouse Cursor on All Controls:
 
New Cursor Property
 
Mouse Cursor example
 
Updated MS-Word Spell Checking:
 
Now detects no errors and no text to spell check!
 
 
New ADMIN App example:
 
Updated for PB 2022 R3 & latest framework release!
 
PowerServer failover:
 
New INI settings

Framework detects PS connection failure!

Framework logs PS connection activity
 
 
  Tabbed View opening direction example:
 
Tabbed View open Left or Right toggle example!
 
Enhanced Log Viewer access:
 
Log Viewer now accessible from any Window type (when in Debug mode)!
  

     The latest Integrated framework version contains the following updates and has been tested with the latest MS-Windows 10 O/S (22H2 build 19045.3996, MS-Windows 11 O/S (23H2 build 22631.3085), PB 2022 R3 build 3289 and the PowerServer 2022 R3 build 2.1.0. Testing within PB Apps included Win32 (both P-code & M-code) and Win64 (P-code) executable deployments. Testing inside of PowerClient and PowerServer included both 32bit and 64bit Apps & PowerServer App/Server (Web API) deployments.

Note: All the STD framework versions are free and can be downloaded from its STD Foundation Classes project hosted on the SourceForge website. The frameworks, Demo Apps, etc  are licensed under Apache 2.0 open source model.

Release 2024.1.0.374 - Major Release (2024R1) - change highlights ...   
  • Migrated the framework from version 2023.2.0.355 to 2024.1.0.374 under PB 2022 R3
  • Modified nc_app_controller_master to remove Web App check as product is now deprecated.
  • Modified nc_app_controller_master to return Primary & secondary "fail-over" URLs
  • Modified nc_app_controller_master to remove all DBMS variables as they are now handled by Transaction object.
  • Modified nc_app_controller_master to remove all Dockable variables as this feature is now deprecated.
  • Modified nc_app_controller_master "of_restart_application" to remove Dockable code as this feature is now deprecated.
  • Modified nc_app_powershell_master to use the LongPTR datatype for Window pointers
  • Modified nc_app_powershell_master to Add the "of_run_as_admin" method
  • Modified nc_system_tray_master "of_load_image" to revise the extraction SDK calls
  • Modified nc_system_tray_master "of_load_image" to clean up code.
  • Modified ns_sqlca_master "of_connect" to handle PowerServer session err0r.
  • Modified vc_tp_about_master to remove path from EXE full names
  • Removed all global functions for Dockable Window support as it's deprecated.
  • Modified vs_cb_master to add Mouse Cursor property & support.
  • Modified vs_chbx_master to add Mouse Cursor property & support.
  • Modified vs_dc_master to add Mouse Cursor property & support.
  • Modified vs_dc_master to add Mouse Cursor property & support.
  • Modified vs_ddlb_master to add Mouse Cursor property & support.
  • Modified vs_ddplb_master to add Mouse Cursor property & support.
  • Modified vs_dp_master to add Mouse Cursor property & support.
  • Modified vs_em_master to add Mouse Cursor property & support.
  • Modified vs_gb_master to add Mouse Cursor property & support.
  • Modified vs_gr_master to add Mouse Cursor property & support.
  • Modified vs_hpb_master to add Mouse Cursor property & support.
  • Modified vs_hsb_master to add Mouse Cursor property & support.
  • Modified vs_htb_master to add Mouse Cursor property & support.
  • Modified vs_inkedit_master to add Mouse Cursor property & support.
  • Modified vs_ip_master to add Mouse Cursor property & support.
  • Modified vs_lb_master to add Mouse Cursor property & support.
  • Modified vs_lv_master to add Mouse Cursor property & support.
  • Modified vs_mc_master to add Mouse Cursor property & support.
  • Modified vs_lv_master to add Mouse Cursor property & support.
  • Modified vs_mle_master to add Mouse Cursor property & support.
  • Modified vs_ole_master to add Mouse Cursor property & support.
  • Modified vs_pb_master to add Mouse Cursor property & support.
  • Modified vs_pc_master to add Mouse Cursor property & support.
  • Modified vs_phl_master to add Mouse Cursor property & support.
  • Modified vs_plb_master to add Mouse Cursor property & support.
  • Modified vs_phl_master to add Mouse Cursor property & support.
  • Modified vs_rb_master to add Mouse Cursor property & support.
  • Modified vs_sle_master to add Mouse Cursor property & support.
  • Modified vs_st_master to add Mouse Cursor property & support.
  • Modified vs_sthl_master to add Mouse Cursor property & support.
  • Modified vs_tc_master to add Mouse Cursor property & support.
  • Modified vs_tc_master to revise TP header height adjustment.
  • Modified vs_tc_master "oe_resize" to revise code to TabbedView feature.
  • Modified vs_tc_master to add Mouse Cursor property & support.
  • Modified vs_tc_master to remove native PB check.
  • Modified vs_tc_master to remove old Theme height / width adjustment
  • Modified vs_tv_master to add Mouse Cursor property & support.
  • Modified vs_vpb_master to add Mouse Cursor property & support.
  • Modified vs_vsb_master to add Mouse Cursor property & support.
  • Modified vs_vtb_master to add Mouse Cursor property & support.
  • Modified wn_controller_master to remove Dockable support as this feature is deprecated.
  • Modified wn_log_view_master to remove Dockable support as this feature is deprecated.
  • Modified wn_logon_master to remove Dockable support as this feature is deprecated.
  • Modified wn_main_master to remove Dockable support as this feature is deprecated.
  • Modified wn_ds_master to add support for printer tracing
  • Modified wn_dc_master to handle spell checking status better
  • Modified wn_em_master to handle spell checking status better
  • Modified wn_mle_master to handle spell checking status better
  • Modified wn_rte_master to handle spell checking status better
  • Modified wn_sle_master to handle spell checking status better
  • Modified wn_master to support "NewTabRightMost" porperty & feature
  • Modified wn_controller_master to adjust for the PB2022 R3 TabbedView feature
  • Modified wn_master to log activation in debug mode
  • Modified nc_controller_master to add "of_check_cloud_version" method & supportive code
  • Modified nc_ds_master to add "of_get_child" method for supporting various DWO types
  • Modified nc_dc_list_master to add "of_set_line_colour" method & supportive property
  • Modified nc_dc_master to add "of_get_child" method for supporting various DWO types

       The OrderEntry example application and the Integrated Framework's Documentation has also been updated to the new Integrated Foundation class 2023R2 framework version. You can download the example application from here. Also, check out the online "getting started" video series to accelerate your assimilation of the best & free framework for PowerBuilder, PowerClient & PowerServer (Cloud) based applications! 

 
 
Special thank you...

 
Visual Expert's STD Framework Summary Analysis



   STD would also like to thank Novalys Corporation for their support of the Foundation Classes by supplying the VisualExpert product for the framework's analysis & documentation!
 
 
 Enjoy!

Monday, February 5, 2024

PowerBuilder - Windows Explorer (2024R1)

 ** Hot News **

PowerBuilder - MS-Windows O/S Explorer

Updated for PB2022 R3!

Build 2023.2.0.50

    Software Tool & Die Inc. are please to announce the release of its updated MS-Windows O/S System Explorer utility all written in PowerBuilder 2022 R3 - build 3289! This utility demonstrates the power of using the STD Integrated Framework plus MS-Windows SDK calls to locate every running process or service in the entire operating system plus now O/S features like drivers, input devices, environment settings, desktop use, etc! The latest release contains the following upgrades ...
  • Migrated the code base from PB2022 R2 build 2819to PowerBuilder 2022 R2 build 3289!
  • Updated the STD Integrated framework to the latest release (2024.1.0.374)
  • Updated MS-Window "Notification" support for PB2022 R3 compliance
  • Revised Theme feature for PB2022 R3 support
  • Tested on MS-Windows 10 version 22H2 build 19045.3516
  • Tested on MS-Windows 11 version 23H2 build 22631.3085
  • Added TabbedView interface to the application. 
Examples ...
 
Process Explorer Example!
 
 
WMI Explorer With Tabbed View UI!


     This release includes Project Objects ready for 32 or 64 bit App deployment to Native (P-Code or M-Code), or PowerClient based applications. With the combination of the STD Integrated  Framework the MS-Windows Explorer application will now function in either native or Cloud deployment modes!
 
 
  
     Unlock the "Power" in your PowerBuilder and download this free PB2022R3 utility application. Check out the prowess of the free & open source Integrated framework as well assisting the Windows Explorer application at work - click here to download! Then find see how this utility can find every visible and invisible object in all tasks, processes and services running on any MS-Windows O/S machine!

Note: Older versions of the Windows Explorer utility can be found in the "Archive" sub-folder.

Enjoy ... Chris

Thursday, February 1, 2024

PowerBuilder Script Commenter

 ** Hot News **

STD Foundation Classes

PowerBuilder Script Commenter - Application update released! 

        Software Tool & Die Inc. today are very pleased to announce an updated  version of the Script Commenter 2024 R1 application (build 2024.1.0.80) for the Appeon PowerBuilder 2022 R3 build 3289 IDE! This latest release of the Script Commenter application is also using the STD Integrated Framework to drive this functionality...


PB 2022 R3 IDE using the Script Commenter!

         The STD Script Commenter is a significant enhancement to the way a PB developer works productivity wise by easily allowing code comments to be added to any object class in the current object painter's PowerScipt or declaration areas! The Script Commenter is based on the original commenter application by R.C. Sizer but has been totally refactored to work much more efficiently with the STD Framework. The latest release includes the following new features ...
  • Migrated the App code from PB2022 R2 build 2819 to PB2022 R3 build 3289
  • Tested on W10 version 22H2 build 19045.2604
  • Tested on W11 version 23H2 build 22631.3085

Mapping the Script Commenter in the PB 2022 R3 IDE

    The latest Script Commenter is designed to work with any Unicode version of PowerBuilder (v10.x through 2022 R3). It can be activated in the PB IDE by creating a toolbar short-cut icon and assigning to the Commenter's EXE as follows:

app path\ScriptCommenterXXX.exe  header
  - or -
app path\ScriptCommenterXXX.exe  block
  - or -
app path\ScriptCommenterXXX.exe  inline
  • where XXX = Compiled type 32M or32P
Watch the video  (2023 R2 version which the exact the same functionality!)

   The values added as a header, in-line or block comment area are located in the "Comment_Block.ini" file. This INI file can customized based on the values found in the "Comment_Template.ini" file to meet the exact needs of each PowerBuilder developer!
  
    You can download the new STD Script Commenter application from the STD Framework's SourceForge project's website by clicking here and then get more productive with your PB IDE development in minutes!
 
Note: The previous Script Commenter versions are in the SourceForge's Archive sub-folder.
 
 Enjoy!

Regards ... Chris