This article written by Richard Walker shows how easy report writing is with an ECO application, given suitable tools. It also demonstrates using derived attributes and OCLColumns in an application and adding ECO support to an existing unit. It creates a simple project and a practical example.
An overview of what ECO is, what MDA is, how I think they can help in the development process. The sample project is adapted from an old Delphi 2/3/5 application that used a Paradox database.
The model has been simplified slightly since the talk, in that the employee class has been removed, to simplify the model and number of forms.
The object creation doesn't happen until the OK / Save buttons are pressed (thanks Tate).
The 2 issues that popped up when I reverted to my saved "working" version in the talk were:
- The model didn't match the DB and need the DB to be re-created.
- The EcoReferenceHandle on the main form didn't have it's EcoSpaceType property set.
Some examples of improving a poorly written RAD business application. Introducing datamodules, objects, inheritance and custom components to improve the code, remove duplication and allow reuse. Before and after examples of Delphi development in a small software shop. Including how to extend components in your application, an example using a custom TStringGrid.