On Fri, Jul 29, 2011 at 00:49, tvdien@... <tvdien@...> wrote:

> Dear all,
>
> I'm quite new to Delphi (database) development, especially using Firebird. However, I already managed to get involved in a project to convert a suite of BDE/Paradox applications to it. These are meant for a multi-user network environment (currently pretty slow).
>
> BDE/Paradox had a pretty straightforward structure; just put a TDatabase and a TQuery on a form, or even just a TTable, together with a DataSource, and there you are.
>
> With IBO/Firebird, however, I'm getting confused. There's so much to choose from and I have no idea what the pros and cons of each are. TIBODatabase, separate IB_Connection(s), Transaction(s), all sorts of properties, ClientDataSet(s)?
>
> What I'm looking for is some guidance as to what are the most important things for making the conversion as straightforward as possible, and how to go from there to benefit most from what IBO/Firebird has to offer.

Basically there are two sets of components: The TIBO* components and
the TIB_* ones:

TIBO* is for TDataset compatibility, great for conversion from BDE and
if you need compatibility with 3rd party components, e.g. for
reporting. You use it like you would do with normal TDataset
components, you can connect visual TDb* controls to that.

TIB_* stuff is commonly called native IBO components. They offer much
more functionality but aren't compatible with TDataset components. You
use them somehow like this:
TIB_Connection <- TIB_Query <- TIB_DataSource <- TIB_Edit, TIB_Grid, etc.
If you don't use a TIB_Transaction then the connection will create a
default one for you.
With these you need to use the TIB_* controls.

I guess this is explained in more detail in the tech info sheet that
Helen was referring to:
http://www.ibobjects.com/TechInfo.html
-> "Some IBO Basic Concepts":
http://www.ibobjects.com/docs/ti_BasicConcepts.ZIP

But I can't open the included help file because my Windows 7 doesn't
support *.hlp files anymore. (I think official support for this format
has been gone since Vista?)
Maybe Jason can convert these to pdf, html or anything else more
easily accessible?

HTH,
Markus