Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why does VB Converter have the competitive advantage for converting VB to Java?

The following are a few of the competitive advantages of VB Converter:

If you ever want to look at the Java code, VB Converter is the only product to use

convert to built-in data types. Easier to read, more efficient
convert to native Java API. If you want to program in Java then you should use the Java API as much as possible and not a VB API layered on top of the Java API
files and code is organized the same as what the VB programmer is used to so the transition to working with the Java code is smooth. VB programmer will still recognize and feel comfortable with the Java version of their code.

small Java library allow the client to run on the Internet and intranets without having to install a huge library on each client (fat client)
convert entire project, code and all not just the user interface
customizable, can add support for 3rd party controls
support Java 2 swing controls and event model

Is the demo version the same as the full product?

Our 30-day evaluation version is the same as the full product but arbitrarily limited to 2 forms, 1 class, and 1 module.

How do I run VB Converter?

VB Converter is an Add-In to Visual Basic. You should see a new toolbar the next time you start Visual Basic. Just press the "Make Java" button followed by the "Run Java" button.

Is the source to the Java library available?

Yes. The source is available at an additional cost although it is not really necessary. Call for details.

Are there any run-time costs or licenses?

There are no run-time royalties. When you deploy your application as a Java application or applet, you will need to also supply our Java library. Once you have purchased the conversion tool, you have a royalty free license to distribute our library vbc.jar with your application just so long it is not a software development tool. If you have used some of the optional controls in the Diamond Control Suite then you will need to purchase a license to that library for each developer.

When should I use the AWT option?

Use the AWT option when deploying an applet on a public internet where you will encounter browsers with older versions of Java. You may also want to use it when you want the client to be extremely small. There is absolutely no overhead for the built-in Java controls. The downside of this option is that not as many controls and properties are supported.

Does VB Converter support a particular control, property, method, function, etc.?

If you look at the Supported Features in the docs that came with the demo or on the web site it will tell you of all the components, properties and functions that are supported.

Note: Beginning with version 2.0, VB Converter is extensible. If a control or function that you need is not on the list you can do one of the following things:

Extend VB Converter by adding or modifying a conversion rule file which specifies the mapping between your VB control or function and the corresponding Java object. See below for a list of companies that produce Java controls (Java Beans)
Convert the line of code that used the unsupported feature by hand by modifying the generated Java code. Most of your code (usually more than 90%) will have been converted to Java.
Modify the original VB code to use a supported control/function.
Contract with us on an hourly consulting basis to extend VB Converter to convert an unsupported control and/or .dll. We offer a substantial discount off of our normal consulting rates on all extensions to VB Converter.

Are there 3rd party JavaBeans components available that I can buy today?
Yes. A large number of companies, both large and small, have announced their plans to deliver JavaBeans-based products including Corel, EnterpriseSoft, Gemstone, IBM, JScape, K&A Software, KL Group, Novell, ProtoView Development, Rogue Wave, IBM AlphaWorks, and JARS among many others. Contact these companies for information on product availability. Many more companies have produced JavaBeans, take a look at the JavaBeans Directory.

Are there more JDBC drivers available besides the JDBC-ODBC driver that ships with Java?

Yes. Most database vendors ship a JDBC driver with their database. We recommend starting with the JDBC driver written by the manufacturer of the database you are using. If the database you are using such as those from Microsoft did not supply a JDBC driver or you have needs that are not met by that driver, you can use a 3rd party driver. The following web page lists many JDBC drivers that are available:

http://developers.sun.com/product/jdbc/drivers



	Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
	Why does VB Converter have the competitive advantage for converting VB to Java? The following are a few of the competitive advantages of VB Converter: If you ever want to look at the Java code, VB Converter is the only product to use convert to built-in data types. Easier to read, more efficient convert to native Java API. If you want to program in Java then you should use the Java API as much as possible and not a VB API layered on top of the Java API files and code is organized the same as what the VB programmer is used to so the transition to working with the Java code is smooth. VB programmer will still recognize and feel comfortable with the Java version of their code. small Java library allow the client to run on the Internet and intranets without having to install a huge library on each client (fat client) convert entire project, code and all not just the user interface customizable, can add support for 3rd party controls support Java 2 swing controls and event model Is the demo version the same as the full product? Our 30-day evaluation version is the same as the full product but arbitrarily limited to 2 forms, 1 class, and 1 module. How do I run VB Converter? VB Converter is an Add-In to Visual Basic. You should see a new toolbar the next time you start Visual Basic. Just press the "Make Java" button followed by the "Run Java" button. Is the source to the Java library available? Yes. The source is available at an additional cost although it is not really necessary. Call for details. Are there any run-time costs or licenses? There are no run-time royalties. When you deploy your application as a Java application or applet, you will need to also supply our Java library. Once you have purchased the conversion tool, you have a royalty free license to distribute our library vbc.jar with your application just so long it is not a software development tool. If you have used some of the optional controls in the Diamond Control Suite then you will need to purchase a license to that library for each developer. When should I use the AWT option? Use the AWT option when deploying an applet on a public internet where you will encounter browsers with older versions of Java. You may also want to use it when you want the client to be extremely small. There is absolutely no overhead for the built-in Java controls. The downside of this option is that not as many controls and properties are supported. Does VB Converter support a particular control, property, method, function, etc.? If you look at the Supported Features in the docs that came with the demo or on the web site it will tell you of all the components, properties and functions that are supported. Note: Beginning with version 2.0, VB Converter is extensible. If a control or function that you need is not on the list you can do one of the following things: Extend VB Converter by adding or modifying a conversion rule file which specifies the mapping between your VB control or function and the corresponding Java object. See below for a list of companies that produce Java controls (Java Beans) Convert the line of code that used the unsupported feature by hand by modifying the generated Java code. Most of your code (usually more than 90%) will have been converted to Java. Modify the original VB code to use a supported control/function. Contract with us on an hourly consulting basis to extend VB Converter to convert an unsupported control and/or .dll. We offer a substantial discount off of our normal consulting rates on all extensions to VB Converter. Are there 3rd party JavaBeans components available that I can buy today? Yes. A large number of companies, both large and small, have announced their plans to deliver JavaBeans-based products including Corel, EnterpriseSoft, Gemstone, IBM, JScape, K&A Software, KL Group, Novell, ProtoView Development, Rogue Wave, IBM AlphaWorks, and JARS among many others. Contact these companies for information on product availability. Many more companies have produced JavaBeans, take a look at the JavaBeans Directory. Are there more JDBC drivers available besides the JDBC-ODBC driver that ships with Java? Yes. Most database vendors ship a JDBC driver with their database. We recommend starting with the JDBC driver written by the manufacturer of the database you are using. If the database you are using such as those from Microsoft did not supply a JDBC driver or you have needs that are not met by that driver, you can use a 3rd party driver. The following web page lists many JDBC drivers that are available: http://developers.sun.com/product/jdbc/drivers