SQL Design^TM

SQL Design^TM is a computer aided software environment targeting the design, development and operation of client-server applications for medium and large organizations. SQL Design is designed in close connection with database technologies (Oracle, SQL Server, Sybase, Ingres, Informix, DB2, etc.), graphical environments and networks. SQL Design/SNA, via its support of DB2, IMS and IDMS, bridges the gap between mainframes and new client-server systems.

One of the unique features of SQL Design is its centralized dynamic repository. This repository manages the development standards of your organization and allows the sharing and documentation of the components. It also ensures the total synchronization and consistency of all components affected by modifications and guarantees a high level of quality and productivity of the resulting systems. As opposed to other repositories, SQL Design's repository is linked in real time to every application and workstation via its micro-repository. This micro-repository is installed on every workstation and manages the update, synchronization and security of the systems. SQL Design is the first ever tool that allows de facto management of the client-server architecture in the organization.

Unquestionably, the main feature of SQL Design is its performance. The development environment is a crucial aspect to the quality of the systems and the tools take care of a good portion of the client-server architecture management issue. However, performance is an essential challenge, especially when it comes to implement critical applications that will affect hundreds, even thousands of users. This is where SQL Design demonstrates its full power.

SQL DESIGN 7.0

SQL Design version 7.0 was released in April 2004. This new version, a result of merging the SQL Design technology with the REP++ technology, combines the openness, power and functional advantages of REP++ with those of SQL Design. Here are some of the features that are upgraded and added in this release¹.

Integration of SQL Design with REP++ for SQL Design

SQL Design 7.0 is now fully integrated with REP++ for SQL Design. Most of the functions related to the script language are now reachable through REP++’s hierarchy. Access to the SQL Design methods thus is done mainly using objects. The syntax is also more object-oriented:

 strName = grpMain.Fields(1).Name ;

Moreover, since the different objects are organized into collections, it is now possible to iterate in the list of objects, for instance:

• To enumerate fields, groups, cards, connections, etc.
• To dynamically create fields, groups, cards, etc.

Script keywords are still supported to ensure compatibility with existing applications.

Support for dockable forms

SQL Design 7 renewed its user forms’ interface. The user can now position several form elements, for example:

• Automatically hide or restore a form;
• Convert the form into a tab;
• Dock the form to the side or make it a floating form;
• Save the state of a form.

Integration of an interactive contextual help

The SQL Design’s development environment now supports an interactive help feature similar to Microsoft’s IntelliSense™.  Directly within the code editor, the developer can list the possible methods and parameters allowed in the current context. This feature significantly increases the productivity and training of developers while avoiding leaving their work environment for checking the reference documentation.

Significant performance increase

Several critical functions underwent review and picked up a substantial boost in performance. For example, management of group occurrences is now up to 30% faster, while loading of applications from the micro-repositories is up to 40% faster!

Automation of complex transactions

The current version of SQL Design automatically manages a 1-n relation for each program. SQL Design 7 introduces the concept of card, which enables the automatic definition and management of several relations of arbitrary complexity for each program.

Scalability of the repository

It is now possible for the developer to attach its own data to particular key elements of the repository, such as cards, groups, fields, users, etc. These data are saved in the repository and accessible using the corresponding REP++ object.

Delay reading option

Complex transactions generally require reading numerous data elements, even though a good portion might remain unused. In SQL Design 7, a delayed reading option for transactions is integrated. This option specifies that data be read only when required and thus facilitates the management of complex transactions. Unused data therefore are not read uselessly. The management of delay reading is totally transparent to the user.

A completely new repository editor

The repository editor, Super-Design, underwent a global overhaul and now includes a more user-friendly interface.

Upgraded features

Several other features have been improved:

• The trace system has been completely reviewed and is now more flexible and easier to use.
• The column auto-increment feature is much easier to use and needs only checking the appropriate options.

1. Consyst reserves the right to modify this list without notice.