client/server programming .?!?!?

[colin_ashton]

I have had basic exposure to vb5 at university, basic database access stuff streaming from net etc...
but I have the chance of developing a new system at work solo!

I will be developing a client/server database system and was wondering how difficult client/server implementation was?
am I being over ambitious?

anybody recommend any sites or good text for client server programming in VB?

what are the key things I need to consider? threads..etc?

the current system is outdated and in dataease....any ideas how to extract data from dataease to an sql database?

I know this submission looks like I'm being lazy and looking for someone else to do the work...but thats not the case I just require a shove in the right direction.....

regards

I've done a bit of client/server stuff...and I'm tellin ya now you're bound to loose a bit of hair! :)

I used the Winsock control to send and receive strings between the client and host programs. I formatted each string sent as follows:

CMMD Data

the "CMMD" refers to a 4 letter "code" I made up to identify what was meant to be happening. For example...FTP used PASV for passive mode transfers, SEND to send a file and LIST go get a directory listing.

the "Data" bit refers to the information I was sending/receiving.

If you don't do something like this then you'll find your program receiving information and it just won't know what to do with it!! A simple transaction using this method might look like:

SERVER: (Listening for connections)
CLIENT: (Connects to SERVER)
CLIENT: USER matthew
SERVER: REQR PASS
CLIENT: PASS vbiscool
SERVER: ISOK
CLIENT: TIME
SERVER: TIME 12:21:06 29/05/2000
CLIENT: CLSE
SERVER: GBYE
SERVER: (Closes connection)
CLIENT: (Closes connection)
SERVER: (Listening for connections)

As I said, it's not going to be easy. Good luck!
As for the database bit try posting it again in the Database section. :)

[Edited by matthewralston on 05-29-2000 at 07:29 AM]