Some of the new features in eXpressApp Framework 2009 vol 1 are:
• New skinning options for Windows forms controls; this one is called Springtime and adds another unique visual style.
• Grid List editors have been improved with a lot of new features like selecting all the records in a grid, selecting the number of rows to be viewed on a page, more enhancements to column customization, and filtering in list views among other improvements.
• "Auto Commit Changes" mode in list views now adds save and cancel actions so that you can revert back if the prior behavior is preferred.
• Faster splash screen starting behavior now makes the application appear quicker than before, giving the user the feel of a more responsive application
• Improved filtering by Text now splits phrases into individual words and now is capable of finding word matches in different properties making it more likely that you will find the required data.
• Printing Module options that are specified in the Page Setup dialog and Header and Footer options that are set in the Preview dialog are automatically saved for the currently printed view.
What is eXpress Persistent Objects (XPO)?
XPO is a bridge between the object world and the world of your database. By using XPO you can build true business objects without having to deal with the complexities of mapping them onto database tables. XPO is compatible with multiple database systems including MS Access, MS SQL Server, MySQL, Oracle, PostgreSql, Firebird, PervasiveSQL, VistaDB, SQL Anywhere, Advantage, DB2 and Sybase.
What XPO does is map your business object model to a relational database without having to deal directly with the database. This frees the programmer from having to make decisions about the database design. Instead the database is designed from your business objects and XPO takes care of the persistence for you though a transparent and controllable object-relational modeling system. Object associations, aggregation, and inheritance are all fully supported.
XPO is a stable product that has been around since 2004 and is used extensively with XAF. It is available as a stand-alone product, as part of Universal pack, the Enterprise pack, and the ASP.NET pack. You can purchase eXpress Persistent Objects with the full source code for $199.99 USD, or without source code for $149.99.
I really like the idea and the implementation of both XAF and XPO. XAF is a product that continues to mature and grow. It has a lot of functionality built in and provides for a lot of grunt work that one would have to develop on their own to make a foundational framework. XAF is only available in the DXperience Universal Edition which also includes the XPO. The price is $1999.99 and this includes the framework, the reporting suite, the charting suite, Windows Forms Components, ASP.NET components, IDE productivity tools, and XPO.
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