Stress Points in Converting Visual FoxPro to .NET

Stress Points in Converting Visual FoxPro to .NET

By Imran Salahuddin | Published on February 26th, 2021 |

Hurdles while moving VFP to .NET

As far as an application developer is concerned, migrating Visual FoxPro (VFP) to the .NET platform is the opening of a brand-new world of possibilities.

One of the benefits of converting VFP to .NET is that .NET is not just a single language but a group of co-related development technologies that supports a wide range of functionalities. Microsoft announced the end of life for VFP and has come up with a top-notch advanced .NET platform that allows developers to easily implement complex functionalities with a visually appealing user interface.

Macrosoft’s Way of Modernizing your VFP Application to .NET

So, what are the critical aspects that are to be taken care of for .NET migration? Migration task needs to be handled with a clear plan of action. Below listed are some of the points that must be considered, while performing a VFP to .NET migration effort.

Database

VFP uses a native database and .Net uses SQL server, while they are both databases in functionality they are worlds apart. The biggest issue when it comes to migration is the changing the database. This is often completed even before the application migration is started, as the database contains all the data and saved information which will be needed moving forward. Databases are also scaled up for future requirements.

Frameworks

Visual FoxPro is a language which leans heavily on frameworks; thus, the programs do not need ActiveX controls or COM objects. The lack of individual components make VFP programs fast and snappy. The essential part is that if the migration needs a .Net framework such as Macrosoft’s proprietary Dazzle, it needs to be integrated right in the beginning of the migration.

Documentation

The first step in a migration effort is documenting the existing VFP application specifications. Start by preparing a chart of control architecture, variable declaration, and then commands. Next a set of tables will be created with data and data types, define the relationships between these data tables. The conversion directly depends on the size of the already existing application, such as the number of forms, reports, and programs associated. By taking these values on account, the timespan of conversion can be determined. Business rules are to be considered as well.

Outline creation

For executing an application migration process, a detailed outline needs to be created. Add-on benefits that come up with migration need to be considered in this phase. As VFP was built mainly to support desktop-based applications, .NET brings the added benefit of leveraging the power of the web.  Also, it should be noted that .NET scales well to larger-sized applications. The best way to approach the migration process is to logically divide the application into different segments and concentrate on each section migration.

Data migration

Migrating the individual data files from VFP to SQL server or any other DBMS should be performed carefully. If the existing VFP application does have SQL back-end support, this process can be avoided. The immediate step is to optimize the existing data. The next step is making the program compatible with the SQL server or the migrated database.

Stage wise Development

The application will be developed in different stages to ensure a smooth transition. The development phase is followed by testing and then corrections as required.  The migration effort ends with the creation of applicable supporting documents such as user guides and manuals.

Testing and QC

In the migration process, the testing and quality control starts from day one, from the first line of code to the last line of code, every new line is checked for quality on the day it is written. Unlike in a new project development, the outputs need to match the existing functionalities.

Macrosoft’s Way of Modernizing your VFP Application to .NET

For more information related to .NET migration services, contact us.

Imran Salahuddin on Linkedin
Imran Salahuddin
VP of Technology & Migration Services at Macrosoft Inc
Imran serves as Macrosoft’s VP of Technology & Migration Services. With two decades of industry experience, Imran continues to demonstrate his ability to ensure seamless migrations. Imran works with Project Managers, sales/strategy teams, and clients to ensure the successful migration of legacy applications. Moreover, Imran exhibits effective communication skills and an eye for quality service.

As a Microsoft Certified and PMI Project Management Professional, Imran can migrate a myriad of difficult technologies. Most recently, he migrated a VFP legacy application which communicated to networking equipment. Testing the application without detailed knowledge of the domain was the real challenge.

Imran also dedicates his time to IoT (Internet of Things), as well as Online Sales, and looks to improve upon all of Macrosoft’s existing verticals.
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