Converting from an ancient BASIC to new database

**ArarghMail706NOSPAM@NOT.AT.Arargh.com** · Jun 11 '07, 11:35 PM

Re: Converting from an ancient BASIC to new database

On Thu, 7 Jun 2007 16:28:24 -0500, "Randy Reimers"
<rreimers.nul@h otmail.comwrote :

(Hope I'm posting this correctly, otherwise - sorry!, don't know what else
>to do)
I wrote a set of programs "many" years ago, running in a type of basic,
>called "Thoroughbr ed Basic", a type of business basic. I need to re-write

I think that "Thoroughbr ed Basic" is still around, and they probably
have a windows version. Google found:

404 Not Found

http://www.thoroughbredsoftware.com/datasheet/pbasic.html

--
ArarghMail706 at [drop the 'http://www.' from ->] http://www.arargh.com
BCET Basic Compiler Page: http://www.arargh.com/basic/index.html

To reply by email, remove the extra stuff from the reply address.

**Michael Cole** · Jun 12 '07, 12:25 AM

Re: Converting from an ancient BASIC to new database

Randy Reimers wrote:

(Hope I'm posting this correctly, otherwise - sorry!, don't know
what else to do)
I wrote a set of programs "many" years ago, running in a type of
basic, called "Thoroughbr ed Basic", a type of business basic. I need to
re-write it, bring it kicking and screaming to run on Windows XP. This is
for
a video rental place, tracks movie and game rentals, customers, employee
transactions, reservations, does reports,..... and on.
I know some of Visual Basic - I now write VB scripts for work. Can
anyone help with suggestions, as to converting this to a new
language? What may be easiest for me? And, what type of database
engine would be best? SQL, Access, flat files, I don't know enough.
This does NOT run under Windows, Linux, or any "new" OS - but I can
export all the files, and programs to DOS. They currently are
running on 20-30 286 or 386 computers - not a misprint - OLD! Not
networked, not neccessary.

For what its worth, my approach would be: -

Database first - MS Access. As they are stand alone, SQL Server or others
like that (Sybase, Oracle) are overkill. The other options include stuff
like dBase, but Access is reasonably common and easy to use, which will make
it easier for administration - you should be able to get some people at
remote sites who can use it if needed.

Front end - VB6 with DAO access. Again - for ease of use and upgrading of
existing code. Note that this does not nessesarily mean that this is the
best option for all, but you have existing basic code and a lot should
upgrade. In terms of your

The data files it uses are called "Direct" and "Sort". I have about
90 programs, a few are overlays, most are stand-alone, 25-30 are just
for reporting purposes. It can stay character based - no need for
fancy screens or pix.

If you use VB, then you should make it screen based rather that character
based, it is pretty easy and much better for maintenance purposes.

--
Regards,

Michael Cole

**rowe_newsgroups** · Jun 12 '07, 11:05 AM

Re: Converting from an ancient BASIC to new database

On Jun 11, 8:16 pm, "Michael Cole" <n...@microsoft .com.auwrote:

Randy Reimers wrote:

(Hope I'm posting this correctly, otherwise - sorry!, don't know
what else to do)
I wrote a set of programs "many" years ago, running in a type of
basic, called "Thoroughbr ed Basic", a type of business basic. I need to
re-write it, bring it kicking and screaming to run on Windows XP. This is
for
a video rental place, tracks movie and game rentals, customers, employee
transactions, reservations, does reports,..... and on.
I know some of Visual Basic - I now write VB scripts for work. Can
anyone help with suggestions, as to converting this to a new
language? What may be easiest for me? And, what type of database
engine would be best? SQL, Access, flat files, I don't know enough.
This does NOT run under Windows, Linux, or any "new" OS - but I can
export all the files, and programs to DOS. They currently are
running on 20-30 286 or 386 computers - not a misprint - OLD! Not
networked, not neccessary.

>
For what its worth, my approach would be: -
>
Database first - MS Access. As they are stand alone, SQL Server or others
like that (Sybase, Oracle) are overkill. The other options include stuff
like dBase, but Access is reasonably common and easy to use, which will make
it easier for administration - you should be able to get some people at
remote sites who can use it if needed.
>
Front end - VB6 with DAO access. Again - for ease of use and upgrading of
existing code. Note that this does not nessesarily mean that this is the
best option for all, but you have existing basic code and a lot should
upgrade. In terms of your
>

The data files it uses are called "Direct" and "Sort". I have about
90 programs, a few are overlays, most are stand-alone, 25-30 are just
for reporting purposes. It can stay character based - no need for
fancy screens or pix.

>
If you use VB, then you should make it screen based rather that character
based, it is pretty easy and much better for maintenance purposes.
>
--
Regards,
>
Michael Cole

Database first - MS Access. As they are stand alone, SQL Server or others
like that (Sybase, Oracle) are overkill. The other options include stuff
like dBase, but Access is reasonably common and easy to use, which will make
it easier for administration - you should be able to get some people at
remote sites who can use it if needed.

I might be tempted to use Sql Server 2005 Express if the user's don't
already have Access to save them on costs (20-30 computes times $300
for a license of Office - ouch!). I believe you could use the free
Express edition in that environment, but you should definitely check
it out first.

Front end - VB6 with DAO access. Again - for ease of use and upgrading of
existing code

Again I agree - VB6 would leverage your current skills much better
than VB.Net (no I'm not trying to start a cross-language fight here).
However if you go the Sql Server route you would need to use OLEDB or
OBDC for connecting to Sql Server. Though if you don't have VB6 you
could upgrade to .Net and take advantage of the one of the free ide's
(VB Express, SharpDevolope, etc) and save yourself some cash.

Thanks,

Seth Rowe

**Norman Yuan** · Jun 12 '07, 03:05 PM

Re: Converting from an ancient BASIC to new database

"rowe_newsgroup s" <rowe_email@yah oo.comwrote in message
news:1181646120 .646954.54870@q 19g2000prn.goog legroups.com...

On Jun 11, 8:16 pm, "Michael Cole" <n...@microsoft .com.auwrote:

>Randy Reimers wrote:

(Hope I'm posting this correctly, otherwise - sorry!, don't know
what else to do)
I wrote a set of programs "many" years ago, running in a type of
basic, called "Thoroughbr ed Basic", a type of business basic. I need
to
re-write it, bring it kicking and screaming to run on Windows XP. This
is
for
a video rental place, tracks movie and game rentals, customers,
employee
transactions, reservations, does reports,..... and on.
I know some of Visual Basic - I now write VB scripts for work. Can
anyone help with suggestions, as to converting this to a new
language? What may be easiest for me? And, what type of database
engine would be best? SQL, Access, flat files, I don't know enough.
This does NOT run under Windows, Linux, or any "new" OS - but I can
export all the files, and programs to DOS. They currently are
running on 20-30 286 or 386 computers - not a misprint - OLD! Not
networked, not neccessary.

>>
>For what its worth, my approach would be: -
>>
>Database first - MS Access. As they are stand alone, SQL Server or
>others
>like that (Sybase, Oracle) are overkill. The other options include stuff
>like dBase, but Access is reasonably common and easy to use, which will
>make
>it easier for administration - you should be able to get some people at
>remote sites who can use it if needed.
>>
>Front end - VB6 with DAO access. Again - for ease of use and upgrading
>of
>existing code. Note that this does not nessesarily mean that this is the
>best option for all, but you have existing basic code and a lot should
>upgrade. In terms of your
>>

The data files it uses are called "Direct" and "Sort". I have about
90 programs, a few are overlays, most are stand-alone, 25-30 are just
for reporting purposes. It can stay character based - no need for
fancy screens or pix.

>>
>If you use VB, then you should make it screen based rather that character
>based, it is pretty easy and much better for maintenance purposes.
>>
>--
>Regards,
>>
>Michael Cole

>
>

>Database first - MS Access. As they are stand alone, SQL Server or
>others
>like that (Sybase, Oracle) are overkill. The other options include stuff
>like dBase, but Access is reasonably common and easy to use, which will
>make
>it easier for administration - you should be able to get some people at
>remote sites who can use it if needed.

>
I might be tempted to use Sql Server 2005 Express if the user's don't
already have Access to save them on costs (20-30 computes times $300
for a license of Office - ouch!). I believe you could use the free
Express edition in that environment, but you should definitely check
it out first.

If using VB6 FE or .NET FE, you do not need to buy MS Access for each
computer, no MS Access installation is required at all in this case. You may
need buy one for develping purpose, though. One the other hand, a small app
in the scope described in OP, MS Access could be the right tool, in spite of
the cost of $300 on each user computer, it save a huge amount of development
time, if you really know how to do MS Access.

>

>Front end - VB6 with DAO access. Again - for ease of use and upgrading
>of
>existing code

>
Again I agree - VB6 would leverage your current skills much better
than VB.Net (no I'm not trying to start a cross-language fight here).
However if you go the Sql Server route you would need to use OLEDB or
OBDC for connecting to Sql Server. Though if you don't have VB6 you
could upgrade to .Net and take advantage of the one of the free ide's
(VB Express, SharpDevolope, etc) and save yourself some cash.
>
Thanks,
>
Seth Rowe
>

**meisen@compuserve.com** · Jun 12 '07, 06:15 PM

Re: Converting from an ancient BASIC to new database

Randy,

You do not have to convert to VB or any other Microsoft derivative to
achieve the results you want, and you can do so much less expensively,
both in terms of time and money, than walking down the Microsoft path.

The code you posted can be interpreted correctly by current versions
of Thoroughbred Basic (www.thoroughbredsoftware.com), VPRO/5
(www.basis.com), and ProvideX (www.pvx.com), with little or no change
to the listings.

All three have reasonably inexpensive single-user versions that run
under Windows XP. In addition, all three offer resources within
their basic interpreters that can adapt your code to the GUI
environment.

Best regards,

Michael Eisen

**James** · Jun 17 '07, 06:15 AM

Re: Converting from an ancient BASIC to new database

meisen@compuser ve.com wrote:

Randy,
>
You do not have to convert to VB or any other Microsoft derivative to
achieve the results you want, and you can do so much less expensively,
both in terms of time and money, than walking down the Microsoft path.
>
The code you posted can be interpreted correctly by current versions
of Thoroughbred Basic (www.thoroughbredsoftware.com), VPRO/5
(www.basis.com), and ProvideX (www.pvx.com), with little or no change
to the listings.
>
All three have reasonably inexpensive single-user versions that run
under Windows XP. In addition, all three offer resources within
their basic interpreters that can adapt your code to the GUI
environment.
>
Best regards,
>
Michael Eisen
>
>

Good for you. I would also add that if the system grows large enough to
be a management problem MYSQL is an excellent alternative to M$ SQL,
SybaseSQL, etc. For an Access competitor the database in Open Office is
a front runner. All are members of the GPL and all are cross platform
OS transparent running on versions of Linux, Unix, Solaris, M$Winx, and
some on MacOS10.

James

**Randy Reimers** · Jun 20 '07, 10:35 PM

Re: Converting from an ancient BASIC to new database

Thank you all for the information. Problem is, cost - each one wants about
$200 PER computer for the runtime license (needed per computer). This is a
small Mom&Pop operation that I am trying to help, the cost becomes
prohibitive, when they also have to purchase the newer/new computers. I'm
still no closer to a "reasonable " answer for them. So it goes - but
thanks - at least I know more now.

Randy

"James" <JT@9b01.comwro te in message news:4674D02E.5 040500@9b01.com ...

meisen@compuser ve.com wrote:

>Randy,
>>
>You do not have to convert to VB or any other Microsoft derivative to
>achieve the results you want, and you can do so much less expensively,
>both in terms of time and money, than walking down the Microsoft path.
>>
>The code you posted can be interpreted correctly by current versions
>of Thoroughbred Basic (www.thoroughbredsoftware.com), VPRO/5
>(www.basis.com), and ProvideX (www.pvx.com), with little or no change
>to the listings.
>>
>All three have reasonably inexpensive single-user versions that run
>under Windows XP. In addition, all three offer resources within
>their basic interpreters that can adapt your code to the GUI
>environment.
>>
>Best regards,
>>
>Michael Eisen
>>
>>

Good for you. I would also add that if the system grows large enough to
be a management problem MYSQL is an excellent alternative to M$ SQL,
SybaseSQL, etc. For an Access competitor the database in Open Office is a
front runner. All are members of the GPL and all are cross platform OS
transparent running on versions of Linux, Unix, Solaris, M$Winx, and some
on MacOS10.
>
James

**Gerard Bok** · Jun 21 '07, 12:35 PM

Re: Converting from an ancient BASIC to new database

On Thu, 7 Jun 2007 16:28:24 -0500, "Randy Reimers"
<rreimers.nul@h otmail.comwrote :

I wrote a set of programs "many" years ago, running in a type of basic,
>called "Thoroughbr ed Basic", a type of business basic. I need to re-write
>it, bring it kicking and screaming to run on Windows XP.

My 2 cents:
- You have an application, fully running in Basic
- You have knowledge about the internal operations (as you once
wrote the program)
- You / your client wants minimal costs.

So:
Convert the program to some current Basic, e.g. PowerBasic.
If the database runs just fine on an antique computer, don't
waste resources writing a new database layer or adapting the
program to a 'market standard' database (like MySQL or Access).

All you need is a single licence to e.g.
www.powerbasic.com/products/pbcc/ at US$ 169

--
Kind regards,
Gerard Bok

**James** · Jun 22 '07, 08:35 PM

Re: Converting from an ancient BASIC to new database

Randy Reimers wrote:

Thank you all for the information. Problem is, cost - each one wants about
$200 PER computer for the runtime license (needed per computer). This is a
small Mom&Pop operation that I am trying to help, the cost becomes
prohibitive, when they also have to purchase the newer/new computers. I'm
still no closer to a "reasonable " answer for them. So it goes - but
thanks - at least I know more now.
>
Randy
>
>
"James" <JT@9b01.comwro te in message news:4674D02E.5 040500@9b01.com ...

>meisen@compuser ve.com wrote:

>>Randy,
>>>
>>You do not have to convert to VB or any other Microsoft derivative to
>>achieve the results you want, and you can do so much less expensively,
>>both in terms of time and money, than walking down the Microsoft path.
>>>
>>The code you posted can be interpreted correctly by current versions
>>of Thoroughbred Basic (www.thoroughbredsoftware.com), VPRO/5
>>(www.basis.com), and ProvideX (www.pvx.com), with little or no change
>>to the listings.
>>>
>>All three have reasonably inexpensive single-user versions that run
>>under Windows XP. In addition, all three offer resources within
>>their basic interpreters that can adapt your code to the GUI
>>environment .
>>>
>>Best regards,
>>>
>>Michael Eisen
>>>
>>>

>Good for you. I would also add that if the system grows large enough to
>be a management problem MYSQL is an excellent alternative to M$ SQL,
>SybaseSQL, etc. For an Access competitor the database in Open Office is a
>front runner. All are members of the GPL and all are cross platform OS
>transparent running on versions of Linux, Unix, Solaris, M$Winx, and some
>on MacOS10.
>>
>James

>
>

A later post suggests using a standard basic to run your system & I
agree, to a point. If your program used any of the machine specific
calls, embedded assembly language, etc. it may not be as easy as it
first appears. I had a "basic" language database in the early 80's that
handled over 20,000 customers & over 20,000 items with bar code for UPC
& code 39, etc. Time to the door was under 30 seconds for rental,
purchase or a mix. To "convert" that code to one of the currently
available basic languages would be no small task. I have been looking
into it. On the other hand the database with open office is free and is
compatible with access & Mysql, the GPL version, is also free. All
depend on the complexity of your code, how much time is available, and
what the future needs of the client may be. Open Office is available at
www.openoffice.org & Mysql, the GPL version, is available at
http://dev.mysql.com/downloads/maxdb/7.5.00.html. In its day my code
outperformed the code written for one of the chains on their
mini-computer but was, of course, not multi-user though with a few
tweaks could have been. Look at your options. Most were not available
just a few years ago.

James

**ArarghMail706NOSPAM@NOT.AT.Arargh.com** · Jun 22 '07, 09:45 PM

Re: Converting from an ancient BASIC to new database

On Fri, 22 Jun 2007 13:34:49 -0700, James <JT@9b01.comwro te:

<snip>

>A later post suggests using a standard basic to run your system & I
>agree, to a point. If your program used any of the machine specific
>calls, embedded assembly language, etc. it may not be as easy as it
>first appears. I had a "basic" language database in the early 80's that
>handled over 20,000 customers & over 20,000 items with bar code for UPC

Just out of curiosity, which one?

<snip>
--
ArarghMail706 at [drop the 'http://www.' from ->] http://www.arargh.com
BCET Basic Compiler Page: http://www.arargh.com/basic/index.html

To reply by email, remove the extra stuff from the reply address.

**James** · Jun 24 '07, 06:35 AM

Re: Converting from an ancient BASIC to new database

ArarghMail706NO SPAM@NOT.AT.Ara rgh.com wrote:

On Fri, 22 Jun 2007 13:34:49 -0700, James <JT@9b01.comwro te:
>
<snip>

>A later post suggests using a standard basic to run your system & I
>agree, to a point. If your program used any of the machine specific
>calls, embedded assembly language, etc. it may not be as easy as it
>first appears. I had a "basic" language database in the early 80's that
>handled over 20,000 customers & over 20,000 items with bar code for UPC

>
Just out of curiosity, which one?
>
<snip>

At that time it was setup to run on the Trs80 Mdl III/IV using M$Basic,
& some assembly code for the bar code reader.

James

**ArarghMail706NOSPAM@NOT.AT.Arargh.com** · Jun 24 '07, 06:55 AM

Re: Converting from an ancient BASIC to new database

On Sat, 23 Jun 2007 23:28:06 -0700, James <JT@9b01.comwro te:

>ArarghMail706N OSPAM@NOT.AT.Ar argh.com wrote:

>On Fri, 22 Jun 2007 13:34:49 -0700, James <JT@9b01.comwro te:
>>
><snip>

>>A later post suggests using a standard basic to run your system & I
>>agree, to a point. If your program used any of the machine specific
>>calls, embedded assembly language, etc. it may not be as easy as it
>>first appears. I had a "basic" language database in the early 80's that
>>handled over 20,000 customers & over 20,000 items with bar code for UPC

>>
>Just out of curiosity, which one?
>>
><snip>

>At that time it was setup to run on the Trs80 Mdl III/IV using M$Basic,
>& some assembly code for the bar code reader.
>

Ok, thanks.
--
ArarghMail706 at [drop the 'http://www.' from ->] http://www.arargh.com
BCET Basic Compiler Page: http://www.arargh.com/basic/index.html

To reply by email, remove the extra stuff from the reply address.

**Randy Reimers** · Jul 9 '07, 10:05 PM

Re: Converting from an ancient BASIC to new database

Thanks, Bill.
I am thinking of upgrading my skills, and SQL, VB6 seems to be the route I
will probably need to go. Guess I am leaning toward either VB Express and
SQL, or VB .Net. I don't care about "overkill" - who knows what may be
needed next? I am looking for a reasonable "cost" to the old company, as
they would still need to purchase all new computers, or GOOD used XP
computers, wiped and re-loaded.
My problem - my poor brain doesn't seem to be able to "get it", like I
used to. Any good pointers to VB Express/VB.NET and use with SQL database?
The programmers here access several types of databases with C#.NET, or
whatever it is called - not VB.NET. I have lots of simple code to look at -
not much that truly works with databases.
How would I go about writing a code converter?

Thanks, all, for what you have provided!

Randy Reimers

"William (Bill) Vaughn" <billva@NoSpamA tAll_betav.comw rote in message
news:%23APEV2Bv HHA.1212@TK2MSF TNGP05.phx.gbl. ..

Randy,
Been there. I've been working with BASIC languages since the paper-tape
days (before the audio cassette Kansas-city standard days). Before you go
launching of on a conversion project, it might be wise to ask a few
questions.
Do you plan to upgrade your skills at the same time or simply get your
applications to work on a new OS? If this is the case, you should be
investigating technology that is not already obsolete (perhaps not as aged
as Thoroughbred Basic). For example the JET database engine (while still
in wide use) is really obsolete. The DAO interface used to access it has
not been fixed/tuned/repaired for many years. While some would say the SQL
Server Express is overkill, there are some advantages to using it
(especially when you're thinking about learning new skills). And, I would
agree. SQL Express is overkill for some applications, but SQL Server
Compact is not. This engine is not new and has been recently re-licensed
and re-engineered (somewhat) to work on a Windows platform. It's light,
fast and more secure than JET without the problems of clutter-removal
typical of JET.
As to the language, VB6 is also very widely used and rightly so.
However, it has been replaced with a more modern OO language that (again)
if you're interested in upgrading your skills would be a better choice.
Both SQL Server Compact and Visual Basic (Express) are free downloads
and get you up to speed technically. It might be a fun project to write a
code converter to migrate your source code to VB.NET.
>
hth
>
--
William (Bill) Vaughn
Author, Mentor, Consultant
Microsoft MVP
INETA Speaker

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>
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"Randy Reimers" <rreimers.nul@h otmail.comwrote in message
news:%23MBDBOHr HHA.4984@TK2MSF TNGP03.phx.gbl. ..

> (Hope I'm posting this correctly, otherwise - sorry!, don't know what
>else to do)
>I wrote a set of programs "many" years ago, running in a type of basic,
>called "Thoroughbr ed Basic", a type of business basic. I need to
>re-write it, bring it kicking and screaming to run on Windows XP. This
>is for a video rental place, tracks movie and game rentals, customers,
>employee transactions, reservations, does reports,..... and on.
> I know some of Visual Basic - I now write VB scripts for work. Can
>anyone help with suggestions, as to converting this to a new language?
>What may be easiest for me? And, what type of database engine would be
>best? SQL, Access, flat files, I don't know enough.
> This does NOT run under Windows, Linux, or any "new" OS - but I can
>export all the files, and programs to DOS. They currently are running on
>20-30 286 or 386 computers - not a misprint - OLD! Not networked, not
>neccessary. The data files it uses are called "Direct" and "Sort". I
>have about 90 programs, a few are overlays, most are stand-alone, 25-30
>are just for reporting purposes. It can stay character based - no need
>for fancy screens or pix.
>>
>Here is a sample:
>0010 REM "RENTAL/MEMBERSHIP SYSTEM TOP HALF AND SUBMENU"
>0020 REM "PROGRAM VID-AA"
>0030 REM 06/07/99
>>
>>
> 0050 BEGIN
> 0060 PRECISION 2
> 0070 SETERR 09000
> 0080 DIM B$(80,"-"),B1$(80,"_"), B2$(80,"<"),S$( 80," ");
> IF FID(0)="T0" THEN
> DIM B2$(80,CHR(205) )
> 0090 DEF FNA$(X$)=X$(1,2 )+"/"+X$(3,2)+"/"+X$(5,2)
> 0100 DEF FNC$(X$)=X$(3,2 )+"/"+X$(5,2)+"/"+X$(1,2)
> 0110 DEF FND$(X$)="("+X$ (1,3)+") "+X$(4,3)+"-"+X$(7,4)
> 0120 DEF FNE$(X$)=X$(1,2 )+X$(4,2)+X$(7, 2)
> 0130 DEF FNF$(X$)=X$(5,2 )+X$(1,4)
> 0140 DEF FNZ$(X$)=X$(1,P OS(" "=X$+" ")-1)
> 0150 OPEN (6) "CONTRO"
> 0160 READ (6,KEY="001") *,N1$,*,A0$,A1$ ,A2$
> 0170 READ (6,KEY="TODAY") Z9$,Z8$
> 0180 LET E1$="";
> READ (6,KEY="RENT"+F ID(0),DOM=00200 ) E1$,T
> 0190 REMOVE (6,KEY="RENT"+F ID(0)) ;
> IF T<>TIM THEN
> LET E1$=""
> 0200 IOLIST
>M0$(1,250),M(0 ),M(1),M(2),M(3 ),M(4),M(5),M(6 ),M(7),M(8),M(9 ),M
> (10),M(11),M(12 ),M(13),M(14),M (15),M(16)
>>
>0210 REM "OPEN FILES"
>>
> 0220 OPEN (1) "VID01"
> 0230 OPEN (2) "VIDST"
> 0240 OPEN (3) "VIN01"
> 0250 OPEN (4) "PHONEY"
> 0260 OPEN (5) "VIV02"
> 0270 OPEN (8) "IDSRT"
> 0280 OPEN (9) "VIN02"
> 0290 OPEN (10) "VIN03"
> 0300 OPEN (11) "RSVST"
> 0310 OPEN (12) "VINST"
> 0320 OPEN (14) "VIN04"
>>
>0330 REM "PAINT SCREEN"
>>
> 0340 LET N3$=FNZ$(N1$)+" - MEMBERSHIP SYSTEM"
> 0350 LET Y$=FNF$(FNE$(Z9 $)),Y=NUM(Y$(3, 2))-6
> 0360 IF Y<1 THEN
> LET
>Y$(1,2)=STR(NU M(Y$(1,2))-1:"00"),Y$(3,2) =STR(NUM(Y$(3,2 ))+6:"0
> 0")
> ELSE
> LET Y$(3,2)=STR(Y:" 00")
> 0370 PRINT
>'CS','SB',@( 36-INT(LEN(N3$)/2),0),N3$,'BG', @(0,1),B2$,'EG' ,'SF'
>>
> 0380 PRINT 'SB',@(0,2),"NU MBER",@(15,2)," LAST NAME",@(50,2)," INVOICE
>#",@(
> 0,3),"COMMENTS" ,@(65,3),"LAST
>TIME",@(56,4), "HARDWARE",@(0, 4),"
> NAME",@(35,4)," DL#",@(42,5),"V CR
>OWNER?",@(55,5 ),"MAILING?",@( 6
>>
>6,5),"TYPE",@( 0,5),"ADDRESS", @(0,6),"ADDRESS ",@(42,6),"JOIN ED",
> @(58,6),"LAST ACTIVITY",@(0,7 ),"ZIP",@(18,7) ,"CARRIER
>ROUTE",@(
> 42,7),"MTD",@(5 1,7),"YTD",@(61 ,7),"HOLD",@(0, 8),"PHONE
>HM",@(24
>>
>,8),"WK",@(42, 8),"#LT",@(50,8 ),"#FREE",@(60, 8),"#MP",@(0,10 ),"T
> OT
>$$",@(16,10)," IG",@(25,10),"I M",@(34,10),"IU ",@(43,10),"IV" ,
> @(52,10),"IX",@ (62,10),"UNPAID
>FEE",'BG',@(0, 9),B2$,@(0,11), B2$
> ,'EG','SF'
>>
>0390 REM "IOLISTS"
>>
> 0400 IOLIST
>'LD','LD','LD' ,'LD','LD','LD' ,'LD','LD','LD' ,'LD','LD','LD' ,'L
> D','LD'
>>
>0410 REM "EXTRA SETUP"
>>
> 0420 LET M5$="##0",M6$=" ####.00-",M7$="###. 00-"
> 0430 READ (6,KEY="DUEDATE ") D1$;
> LET D4$=D1$,D2$=D1$
> 0440 READ (6,KEY="STORENU M",DOM=00441 ) R8
> 0450 DIM Z5$(36);
> READ (6,KEY="DZIP",D OM=00451) Z5$(1,9)
> 0460 READ (6,KEY="DACODE" ,DOM=00461) Z5$(10,3)
> 0470 READ (6,KEY="DAADDR" ,DOM=00471) Z5$(13,24)
> 0480 LET D5$=S$(1,6);
> READ (6,KEY="HANDOUT ",DOM=00490 ) D5$,D6$
>>
>0490 REM "SOLICIT MEMBER NUMBER"
>>
> 0500 IF E1$<>"" THEN
> LET E0$=E1$(1,3);
> IF E1$(1,3)<>S$(1, 3) THEN
> GOTO 00520
>>
> 0510 GOSUB 02430;
> IF E0$="" THEN
> GOTO 00010
>>
> 0520 PRINT @(7,2),B1$(1,6) ;
> IF E1$<>"" THEN
> PRINT @(7,2),'SB',E1$ (4,6),'SF'
> 0530 DIM M0$(250),M(16);
> LET M0$(222,1)=STR( R8:"0"),M0$(147 ,6)=FNE$(Z9$)
> 0540 LET G$="**",M0$(210 ,3)=E0$(1,3)
> 0550 PRINT @(0,23),"F1=I.D . NUMBER",@(0,22) ,"ENTER MEMBER #, CR=LAST
>NAME,
> F2=PHONE SEARCH, F3=NEXT NEW CUSTOMER #, F4=END",;
> INPUT (0,ERR=00550) @(7,2),Q$,@(0,2 3),'CL',@(0,22) ,'CL',
> 0560 IF CTL=1 THEN
> GOTO 01240
> 0570 IF CTL=2 THEN
> GOTO 01360
>>
> 0580 LET X=NUM(Q$,ERR=00 590);
> IF LEN(Q$)=7 OR LEN(Q$)=10 THEN
> LET G$=Q$;
> GOTO 01370
> 0590 IF Q$="T" THEN
> READ (6,KEY="TEMPNUM ",DOM=00600 ) P5;
> LET P5=P5+1,Q1$=STR (P5:"T00000");
> READ (1,KEY=Q1$,DOM= 00690) ;
> WRITE (6,KEY="TEMPNUM ") P5;
> GOTO 00590
> 0600 IF Q$="END" OR CTL=4 THEN
> GOTO 09110
> 0610 IF CTL=3 THEN
> READ (6,KEY="NXTCUS" ,DOM=00620) P5;
> LET P5=P5+1,Q$=STR( P5:"#####0");
> WRITE (6,KEY="NXTCUS" ) P5;
> READ (1,KEY=Q$,DOM=0 0680) ;
> GOTO 00610
> 0620 IF Q$="" AND E1$<>"" THEN
> LET Q$=E1$(4,6);
> GOTO 00710
> 0630 IF Q$="" THEN
> PRINT @(7,2),S$(1,6);
> GOTO 01070
>>
> 0640 FOR I=1 TO LEN(Q$)
> 0650 IF POS(Q$(I,1)<"!" )<>0 OR POS(Q$(I,1)>"z" )<>0 THEN
> EXITTO 00540
>>
> 0660 NEXT I
> 0670 IF LEN(Q$)>6 THEN
> GOTO 00550
>>
> 0680 LET Q$=S$(1,6-LEN(Q$))+Q$
> 0690 IF Q$="T" THEN
> LET Q$=Q1$
> 0700 PRINT @(7,2),Q$
> 0710 LET M0$(1,6)=Q$
> 0720 READ (1,KEY=M0$(1,6) ,DOM=01490) IOL=00200
> 0730 GOSUB 00740;
> GOTO 00850
> 0740 IF M0$(238,1)=" " THEN
> LET X7$=S$(1,7)
> ELSE
> LET X7$="*NOF*";
> CLOSE (7) ;
> OPEN (7) "MEMTY";
> READ (7,KEY=M0$(238, 1),DOM=00750) X7$;
> LET X7$=X7$(2)
> 0750 LET X7$=X7$+S$(1,10 )
> 0760 IF M0$(153,1)=" " THEN
> LET X8$=S$(1,11)
> ELSE
> LET X8$="NOT ON FILE";
> CLOSE (7) ;
> OPEN (7) "VSYH";
> READ (7,KEY=M0$(153, 1),DOM=00770) X8$;
> LET X8$=X8$(2)
> 0770 LET X5$=S$(1,14);
> IF M0$(112,10)<>S$ (1,10) THEN
> LET X5$=FND$(M0$(11 2,10))
> 0780 LET X6$=S$(1,14);
> IF M0$(122,10)<>S$ (1,10) THEN
> LET X6$=FND$(M0$(12 2,10))
> 0790 IF M0$(215,6)=S$(1 ,6) THEN
> LET X3$="NONE"
> ELSE
> LET X3$=FNA$(M0$(21 5,6))
>>

>
>

**DAVID** · Jul 24 '07, 02:05 AM

Re: Converting from an ancient BASIC to new database

Overlays?

VB classic requires that each module be small,
and that there be no overlap between the modules.

It can sometimes be very difficult to convert
classic code with overlays to VB, because the
only clean way to convert is as one big program,
and then the big program is too large to compile.

I would certainly give it a shot, but I already
own a copy of VB6, (which is a discontinued product.)

But if it is big, I would choose to use
Powerbasic (already mentioned in this thread)
which I also own a copy of, and which has no
runtime deployment cost. I assume that there
are other BASICs which might be suitable, but
PB is the one we have used. PB allows us to
convert overlays into one very large program,
with less re-write.

(david)

Randy Reimers wrote:

(Hope I'm posting this correctly, otherwise - sorry!, don't know what else
to do)
I wrote a set of programs "many" years ago, running in a type of basic,
called "Thoroughbr ed Basic", a type of business basic. I need to re-write
it, bring it kicking and screaming to run on Windows XP. This is for a
video rental place, tracks movie and game rentals, customers, employee
transactions, reservations, does reports,..... and on.
I know some of Visual Basic - I now write VB scripts for work. Can anyone
help with suggestions, as to converting this to a new language? What may be
easiest for me? And, what type of database engine would be best? SQL,
Access, flat files, I don't know enough.
This does NOT run under Windows, Linux, or any "new" OS - but I can export
all the files, and programs to DOS. They currently are running on 20-30 286
or 386 computers - not a misprint - OLD! Not networked, not neccessary.
The data files it uses are called "Direct" and "Sort". I have about 90
programs, a few are overlays, most are stand-alone, 25-30 are just for
reporting purposes. It can stay character based - no need for fancy screens
or pix.
>
Here is a sample:
0010 REM "RENTAL/MEMBERSHIP SYSTEM TOP HALF AND SUBMENU"
0020 REM "PROGRAM VID-AA"
0030 REM 06/07/99
>
>
0050 BEGIN
0060 PRECISION 2
0070 SETERR 09000
0080 DIM B$(80,"-"),B1$(80,"_"), B2$(80,"<"),S$( 80," ");
IF FID(0)="T0" THEN
DIM B2$(80,CHR(205) )
0090 DEF FNA$(X$)=X$(1,2 )+"/"+X$(3,2)+"/"+X$(5,2)
0100 DEF FNC$(X$)=X$(3,2 )+"/"+X$(5,2)+"/"+X$(1,2)
0110 DEF FND$(X$)="("+X$ (1,3)+") "+X$(4,3)+"-"+X$(7,4)
0120 DEF FNE$(X$)=X$(1,2 )+X$(4,2)+X$(7, 2)
0130 DEF FNF$(X$)=X$(5,2 )+X$(1,4)
0140 DEF FNZ$(X$)=X$(1,P OS(" "=X$+" ")-1)
0150 OPEN (6) "CONTRO"
0160 READ (6,KEY="001") *,N1$,*,A0$,A1$ ,A2$
0170 READ (6,KEY="TODAY") Z9$,Z8$
0180 LET E1$="";
READ (6,KEY="RENT"+F ID(0),DOM=00200 ) E1$,T
0190 REMOVE (6,KEY="RENT"+F ID(0)) ;
IF T<>TIM THEN
LET E1$=""
0200 IOLIST
M0$(1,250),M(0) ,M(1),M(2),M(3) ,M(4),M(5),M(6) ,M(7),M(8),M(9) ,M
(10),M(11),M(12 ),M(13),M(14),M (15),M(16)
>
0210 REM "OPEN FILES"
>
0220 OPEN (1) "VID01"
0230 OPEN (2) "VIDST"
0240 OPEN (3) "VIN01"
0250 OPEN (4) "PHONEY"
0260 OPEN (5) "VIV02"
0270 OPEN (8) "IDSRT"
0280 OPEN (9) "VIN02"
0290 OPEN (10) "VIN03"
0300 OPEN (11) "RSVST"
0310 OPEN (12) "VINST"
0320 OPEN (14) "VIN04"
>
0330 REM "PAINT SCREEN"
>
0340 LET N3$=FNZ$(N1$)+" - MEMBERSHIP SYSTEM"
0350 LET Y$=FNF$(FNE$(Z9 $)),Y=NUM(Y$(3, 2))-6
0360 IF Y<1 THEN
LET
Y$(1,2)=STR(NUM (Y$(1,2))-1:"00"),Y$(3,2) =STR(NUM(Y$(3,2 ))+6:"0
0")
ELSE
LET Y$(3,2)=STR(Y:" 00")
0370 PRINT
'CS','SB',@(36-INT(LEN(N3$)/2),0),N3$,'BG', @(0,1),B2$,'EG' ,'SF'
>
0380 PRINT 'SB',@(0,2),"NU MBER",@(15,2)," LAST NAME",@(50,2)," INVOICE
#",@(
0,3),"COMMENTS" ,@(65,3),"LAST
TIME",@(56,4)," HARDWARE",@(0,4 ),"
NAME",@(35,4)," DL#",@(42,5),"V CR
OWNER?",@(55,5) ,"MAILING?", @(6
6,5),"TYPE",@(0 ,5),"ADDRESS",@ (0,6),"ADDRESS" ,@(42,6),"JOINE D",
@(58,6),"LAST ACTIVITY",@(0,7 ),"ZIP",@(18,7) ,"CARRIER
ROUTE",@(
42,7),"MTD",@(5 1,7),"YTD",@(61 ,7),"HOLD",@(0, 8),"PHONE
HM",@(24
,8),"WK",@(42,8 ),"#LT",@(50,8) ,"#FREE",@(60,8 ),"#MP",@(0,10) ,"T
OT
$$",@(16,10),"I G",@(25,10),"IM ",@(34,10),"IU" ,@(43,10),"IV",
@(52,10),"IX",@ (62,10),"UNPAID
FEE",'BG',@(0,9 ),B2$,@(0,11),B 2$
,'EG','SF'
>
0390 REM "IOLISTS"
>
0400 IOLIST
'LD','LD','LD', 'LD','LD','LD', 'LD','LD','LD', 'LD','LD','LD', 'L
D','LD'
>
0410 REM "EXTRA SETUP"
>
0420 LET M5$="##0",M6$=" ####.00-",M7$="###. 00-"
0430 READ (6,KEY="DUEDATE ") D1$;
LET D4$=D1$,D2$=D1$
0440 READ (6,KEY="STORENU M",DOM=00441 ) R8
0450 DIM Z5$(36);
READ (6,KEY="DZIP",D OM=00451) Z5$(1,9)
0460 READ (6,KEY="DACODE" ,DOM=00461) Z5$(10,3)
0470 READ (6,KEY="DAADDR" ,DOM=00471) Z5$(13,24)
0480 LET D5$=S$(1,6);
READ (6,KEY="HANDOUT ",DOM=00490 ) D5$,D6$
>
0490 REM "SOLICIT MEMBER NUMBER"
>
0500 IF E1$<>"" THEN
LET E0$=E1$(1,3);
IF E1$(1,3)<>S$(1, 3) THEN
GOTO 00520
>
0510 GOSUB 02430;
IF E0$="" THEN
GOTO 00010
>
0520 PRINT @(7,2),B1$(1,6) ;
IF E1$<>"" THEN
PRINT @(7,2),'SB',E1$ (4,6),'SF'
0530 DIM M0$(250),M(16);
LET M0$(222,1)=STR( R8:"0"),M0$(147 ,6)=FNE$(Z9$)
0540 LET G$="**",M0$(210 ,3)=E0$(1,3)
0550 PRINT @(0,23),"F1=I.D . NUMBER",@(0,22) ,"ENTER MEMBER #, CR=LAST
NAME,
F2=PHONE SEARCH, F3=NEXT NEW CUSTOMER #, F4=END",;
INPUT (0,ERR=00550) @(7,2),Q$,@(0,2 3),'CL',@(0,22) ,'CL',
0560 IF CTL=1 THEN
GOTO 01240
0570 IF CTL=2 THEN
GOTO 01360
>
0580 LET X=NUM(Q$,ERR=00 590);
IF LEN(Q$)=7 OR LEN(Q$)=10 THEN
LET G$=Q$;
GOTO 01370
0590 IF Q$="T" THEN
READ (6,KEY="TEMPNUM ",DOM=00600 ) P5;
LET P5=P5+1,Q1$=STR (P5:"T00000");
READ (1,KEY=Q1$,DOM= 00690) ;
WRITE (6,KEY="TEMPNUM ") P5;
GOTO 00590
0600 IF Q$="END" OR CTL=4 THEN
GOTO 09110
0610 IF CTL=3 THEN
READ (6,KEY="NXTCUS" ,DOM=00620) P5;
LET P5=P5+1,Q$=STR( P5:"#####0");
WRITE (6,KEY="NXTCUS" ) P5;
READ (1,KEY=Q$,DOM=0 0680) ;
GOTO 00610
0620 IF Q$="" AND E1$<>"" THEN
LET Q$=E1$(4,6);
GOTO 00710
0630 IF Q$="" THEN
PRINT @(7,2),S$(1,6);
GOTO 01070
>
0640 FOR I=1 TO LEN(Q$)
0650 IF POS(Q$(I,1)<"!" )<>0 OR POS(Q$(I,1)>"z" )<>0 THEN
EXITTO 00540
>
0660 NEXT I
0670 IF LEN(Q$)>6 THEN
GOTO 00550
>
0680 LET Q$=S$(1,6-LEN(Q$))+Q$
0690 IF Q$="T" THEN
LET Q$=Q1$
0700 PRINT @(7,2),Q$
0710 LET M0$(1,6)=Q$
0720 READ (1,KEY=M0$(1,6) ,DOM=01490) IOL=00200
0730 GOSUB 00740;
GOTO 00850
0740 IF M0$(238,1)=" " THEN
LET X7$=S$(1,7)
ELSE
LET X7$="*NOF*";
CLOSE (7) ;
OPEN (7) "MEMTY";
READ (7,KEY=M0$(238, 1),DOM=00750) X7$;
LET X7$=X7$(2)
0750 LET X7$=X7$+S$(1,10 )
0760 IF M0$(153,1)=" " THEN
LET X8$=S$(1,11)
ELSE
LET X8$="NOT ON FILE";
CLOSE (7) ;
OPEN (7) "VSYH";
READ (7,KEY=M0$(153, 1),DOM=00770) X8$;
LET X8$=X8$(2)
0770 LET X5$=S$(1,14);
IF M0$(112,10)<>S$ (1,10) THEN
LET X5$=FND$(M0$(11 2,10))
0780 LET X6$=S$(1,14);
IF M0$(122,10)<>S$ (1,10) THEN
LET X6$=FND$(M0$(12 2,10))
0790 IF M0$(215,6)=S$(1 ,6) THEN
LET X3$="NONE"
ELSE
LET X3$=FNA$(M0$(21 5,6))
>
>

Converting from an ancient BASIC to new database

Converting from an ancient BASIC to new database

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