Although interactive Paradox is powerful, it still can't do some things interactively. You have to accomplish some tasks using ObjectPAL (Object Paradox Application Language). Why would you need to use ObjectPAL? For example, you use ObjectPAL to automate or customize objects on a form. An example of a task that requires ObjectPAL is creating a custom menu system for a form. If you plan to develop a complete custom Paradox application, you probably will need to use ObjectPAL.

ObjectPAL is for both programmers and nonprogrammers. If you have experience with another language, especially an object-oriented programming language such as C++ or Delphi's ObjectPascal, you will find ObjectPAL especially interesting. If you have never programmed, ObjectPAL is a good language to learn first because it easier to learn than C++ or ObjectPascal. With Paradox, you can paint objects onto a form and then attach bits of code to events on the object. You can learn as you go.

You use the user interface to design forms with objects on them, such as fields, tables, and buttons. When you're happy with the way the form works interactively, you attach ObjectPAL code to the objects that require it. The fact that you draw objects on a form and attach code to the objects allows even the nonprogrammer to create applications easily. This system of programming falls into the category of an event-driven language. It is event-driven because the objects you place on forms have predefined events attached to them. You attach code to the events and the user interacts with the events.

Features of ObjectPAL

ObjectPAL's features include...