Progress
ADM 2 Guide


Conversion Support for Version 8.1/8.2 SmartObjects in Version 9

In Version 9, Progress provides a SmartObject Conversion Utility that aids in converting Version 8.1/8.2 objects to Version 9 objects. Because conversion is an optional activity (recompiled Version 8 SmartObjects will work in Version 9) rather than a required activity, you should carefully consider whether you have specific development or application needs that require you to convert objects. If you determine that you need to convert, make sure to devise a conversion strategy to accomplish your tasks, before beginning the conversion. At minimum, your conversion strategy should address how you will use the Conversion Utility and how you will test your final conversion results. Both aspects are critical to the conversion process.

CAUTION: If you have customized any part of the Version 8 ADM method libraries, added local procedures to SmartObjects, added code to a SmartObject instance, or made other customizations, Progress Software Corporation does not guarantee that converted code will work as it did in Version 8. In fact, the Conversion Utility cannot completely convert most SmartObjects due to the lack of necessary information: a fully functional Version 8 SmartViewer does not contain the information necessary to build a fully functional Version 9 SmartDataViewer, and the same is true for other SmartObjects.

Progress Software Corporation recommends that you use the Conversion Utility only as an aid, with the understanding that you will need to make manual adjustments to your customized SmartObject applications well beyond what the Conversion Utility provides. Note, in addition, that Progress Software Technical Support provides only general, high-level assistance for the conversion of SmartObject applications and does not provide code fixes. For detailed assistance with converting SmartObjects, contact Progress Software Consulting Services.

You can employ many different strategies to attempt your conversion activities. However, Progress Software Corporation recommends that as a first step, you consider converting one window and all its components. Controlling the conversion process in this way helps to identify any difficulties that you might encounter with your conversion attempts on a limited scale. This approach also helps to assess your approach to any subsequent conversions.

Testing is also a critical component of the conversion strategy. Progress Software Corporation recommends that you define a full complement of test routines to ensure that your conversion results meet your expectations.

Keep in mind that the Conversion Utility always requires supplemental human intervention to complete the conversion tasks. The utility does not support a one-for-one conversion of files, nor can it be completely effective in converting files; consequently, you must examine the results of your conversion attempts closely and, as described later in this section, take appropriate steps to facilitate the completion of the conversion process manually.

When you create an application, be aware that Version 8 and Version 9 objects cannot coexist in the same design window; at the window level, all objects must be of the same type. Therefore, if you previously created objects in Version 8 and now want to use them in Version 9 with Version 9 objects, you should consider attempting to convert your Version 8 objects and perform the necessary manual conversion-related tasks.


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