OPENworkshop is Thoroughbred’s object-oriented development and runtime environment. It follows a three-tier design, so the same application can run with a character or graphical interface and can work with open databases through ODBC.
How it works
You design the data objects first, then attach Methods, which are independent modules of code, to them. The data controls the code. There is no main program: instead of forcing users through a fixed path of menus and function keys, OPENworkshop uses CONNECT directives, pop-up menus and interface support that let users steer their own work.
Objects are packaged with their Methods, so they are easy to reuse. A change to an object shows up everywhere that object is used, which matters most over the long maintenance life of an application.
Building blocks
- Data Classes hold the application data: Data Names (each item with its attributes and Methods), Formats (Data Names stored together in one table), Links (the physical files or tables, keys, default Views and Screens, and the Trigger Method) and Libraries (all classes for one subsystem).
- Presentation Classes show or print information: Views (spreadsheet-style rows and columns, with joins, calculated values and drill-down), Screens (form-style editing), Messages, Reports and Queries, Menus and Help.
- Methods hold the application logic and are written in Thoroughbred Basic or Script-IV. Method types include View, Pre-Processing, Post-Processing, Insert, After Read, Link Trigger and Application Methods. Link Trigger Methods run whenever a record is updated, which is how OPENworkshop applications preserve referential integrity.
OPENworkshop also supports inheritance, encapsulation, polymorphism, recursive subroutines and persistence.
What’s included
OPENworkshop is a complete development and runtime system. It includes Thoroughbred Basic, Script-IV, Dictionary-IV, Report-IV, Query-IV and Source-IV. Report-IV to PDF is included as well.
Platforms
OPENworkshop runs on UNIX, Linux and Windows, and applications built with it are portable across the supported environments.
Now in the browser
Web OpenWorkshop runs OPENworkshop applications in Chrome, Edge, Firefox or Safari, with the same Dictionary-IV screens, views and menus and nothing to install on the workstation.