At 05:19 PM 25-01-01 -0500, you wrote:

>Hi all,
>Ain't learning curves wonderful. I'm relatively new to Delphi and completely
>new to Interbase. I'm totally confused about Firebird and Interbase, should
>I use tools like IBOjects, which Database Administration tool should I use,
>etc? Here are my questions:
>1) When I downloaded Firebird and installed it I didn't see a 'Server
>Manager' like the install with Interbase 6 has. Is there one? How do you
>setup Firebird for a local server and a remote server, how do you set
>Firebird up with an IB Console and Server Manager, etc:?

The IBConsole is being developed (open source) in a different project,
sponsored by Borland.

>2) Should I be using Firebird or Interbase 6? Looks like from the mail lists
>that folks are working hard on Firebird. Who knows what 'B' is doing

Firebird has more bugs fixed and work is ongoing. Some day 'B' might let
us know what they are doing. Keep hoping. :))

>3) Which of the following do I need:
> IBExpert,
> Marathon,
> InterBase Workbench,
> QuickDesk,
> IB-WISQL,
> IB Console,
> ?????????, or
> none

At least one. I use IB-WISQL because it is free and quick and does what I
need. I use the free IB-Backup tool for backups. Look at the Tools page
at www.interbase2000.org for descriptions of the options. All have ranges
of features so it's really a matter of choosing the one that suits you.

>4) IBOjects seems to be the only set of components for Interbase; or is that
>they are the best set of components?

There are two other sets - InterBase eXpress (in beta) and
FIB-Plus. Details of these also on the Tools page. I've worked with them
all but IBO is my choice because it works the best, supports all IB
versions and has a very active support list
(mailto:ibobjects-subscribe@egroups.com).

>Since I'm used to Delphi and Paradox
>which has many components available; I'm not sure what to do? Please help.
>5) How in the world do you modify the "structure" of a table of an Interbase
>gdb? With the Database Desktop I could modify a paradox table, e.g. change
>the field name or the type of field. How is that done with interbase? Can
>that be done with any of the tools listed in 3) above? I've tried to edit a
>field with several of them but to no avail.

You do it with Data Definition Language (DDL). This is fully documented in
the DataDef Guide and LangRef books of the IB 6 documentation set (see the
Documentation page at the interbase2000 site).

You can submit DDL interactively through a tool like IB_WISQL or via a script.

>6) For a couple of weeks I have been subscribed to several mail lists
>(IB-Support, IBObjects, IB-Delphi, IBDI, Interbaseworkbench, IB-Priorities,
>IB-Support and a bunch of Delphi lists - for many months) and have been
>trying to get a grasp of what's going on. Regardless of the Borland/et ali
>problem and the QuickDesk and IB Expert problem; I simply want to go through
>the learning curve as painlessly and quickly as I can. I'm not into
>re-invention, many of you have already discovered what really works and what
>really helps getting a product to the client. Please let me know and please
>turn me on to the best help channels.

You have given yourself a steep learning curve, trying to learn Delphi
**and** a full-strength RDBMS simultaneously. My advice is - don't try to
walk before you can run. Read the Delphi help file, especially wrt the
data access objects...study the InterBase manuals...experiment....ask
questions.

>7) I've gotten Getting Started with IBObjects and I'm working myself through
>it.
>8) What's going to happen when Jason Wharton decides that he wants to kick
>back and just enjoy the wife and children?

By that time we will all be in retirement villages. This guy never gives
up, no matter how tough it gets. <g> IBO is well supported by a very
technically competent user community, some of whom contribute enhancements
and components. No fears there.

>9) What's in it for the Ann's/husband, the Helen's, the Jason's and you
>other folks who are working on Firebird, etc?

I wish I knew. "Just because" seems as good a reason as any. IB is a
great database. Having saved it from extinction, we now have a "cultural
responsibility" to stick close by it and see it become what it should
become. I've found this mob of IB-ers an inspiring bunch to work with,
even through some very dark days which, God willing, are now behind us...

Good luck!

Cheers,
Helen.

All for Open and Open for All
InterBase Developer Initiative · http://www.interbase2000.org
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