Anyone ever heard of "Progress"

Apparently it's a 4GL. Anyone know of a site like this for that product ????????????? Have just picked up a new client who wants a progress system. PhantomId immediatly agreed to provide the solution, even though neither of us have a clue what the product is. Phantomd's quote of the day was "bite off more than you can chew, then chew really hard":(

[Gen-X]

I've used progress fairly extensively, v6 & v7 Character based and also a little of v7 & v8 GUI.

It is actually quite a half decent database programming language although it is "event driven" meaning you have to set up all the events and it will "pre-parse" your code before actually running it.

As for sites I don't know of many, I would call Progress HQ in Sydney (Pimble on the North Shore) and ask them if they have a website.

Yeap seeing a company this afternoon who want four systems re-written, 3 in Progress, and 1 in Visual Basic. Of course we have quoted for all 4, and are trying to track down Progress documentation. There is meant to be a version for Win desktops so will buy that if all things go well.

Weird Industry huh??? You don't actually need to know a language to get a contract developing in it. Kind of like Larry Ellison or something l guess

[Gen-X]

Tell me about it... I've picked up more than one contract without even knowing what the language looked like and within a few weeks was the point of reference the rest of teh staff all came to and asked questions.

And they had been there years!!!

v8 Progress should be wonderful by now (Was buggy about a year ago), the GUI environment isn't bad thought it isn't as pretty as VB.... Its like Delphi in that when you add something it actually generates a template of code for you to use and modify.

One thing to watch out for though... especially coming from a VB background is the fact that they have "forms" which are like datasheets. Progress will actually pre-scan through your code to see all of the textboxes etc that you placed inside a form whether it is visible or not, INCLUDING those that may only sometimes occur (ie if x then textbox else no textbox) and it will place ALL of them on the form!!!!!

I know it sounds wierd but that is both the strength and weakness of progress ;)

If you have any problems or require to source any skills I would suggest calling a company called "Progressive People" in Sydney and let them know Kevin Slamaker recommended you. They should take care of any needs you have and are on the ball (ie they have contacts Australia wide... not just Sydney)