Visual FoxPro

What does Visual FoxPro mean?

Visual FoxPro is a discontinued [Object-Oriented](https://amazingalgorithms.com/definitions/object-oriented) Programming Language and database management system from Microsoft. Introduced in 1989 as FoxPro, a DOS-based application, it was upgraded to a Windows-based application in 1992. Visual FoxPro integrated a visual programming environment with its own proprietary programming language, allowing developers to create Windows-based applications with a graphical user interface (GUI). It featured a compiler, debugger, form designer, report writer, and data-aware controls, making it a comprehensive tool for database development.

Visual FoxPro’s programming language, xBase, is a derivative of the dBASE programming language. It introduced several new features, such as object-oriented programming, event-driven programming, and a powerful database engine. It was a popular choice for small to medium-sized database applications due to its ease of use and rapid application development capabilities. However, its popularity declined in the late 1990s and early 2000s with the rise of other programming languages and database technologies.

Applications

Visual FoxPro found widespread use in various industries, including:

• Business and Finance: Creating accounting, inventory management, and customer relationship management (CRM) systems.
• Healthcare: Developing medical records, practice management, and billing applications.
• Manufacturing: Automating production processes and tracking inventory.
• Government and Non-Profit Organizations: Building databases for data management and reporting.
• Education: Creating educational Software and interactive learning tools.

Visual FoxPro’s strengths included its:

• GUI-based development environment: Making it easy for developers to create visually appealing applications.
• Object-oriented programming: Allowing for code reusability and maintainability.
• Powerful database engine: Handling large volumes of data efficiently.
• RAD (Rapid Application Development): Enabling developers to quickly build and deploy applications.

History

The history of Visual FoxPro can be traced back to 1989 when Fox Software released FoxPro 1.0, a DOS-based database management system. It quickly gained popularity due to its powerful features and ease of use. In 1992, Microsoft acquired Fox Software and released Visual FoxPro 1.0 for Windows, marking a significant Upgrade with its graphical user interface and improved features.

Visual FoxPro underwent several major versions, each introducing new features and improvements. Key milestones in its development include:

• Visual FoxPro 3.0 (1995): Introduced object-oriented programming and event-driven programming.
• Visual FoxPro 6.0 (1997): Enhanced database performance and added support for ActiveX controls.
• Visual FoxPro 8.0 (2003): Added support for XML and web services.

However, with the advent of newer programming languages and database technologies, Visual FoxPro’s popularity began to decline. Microsoft discontinued support for Visual FoxPro in 2015, effectively ending its development. Despite its discontinuation, Visual FoxPro remains in use for legacy systems and by developers who prefer its simplicity and rapid application development capabilities.