Though I haven't embarked on any expeditions into the world of printing yet, I've found Python to be a terrific language for db access. My solution uses Apple hardware, OSX, postgres, the psycopg programming interface to Python, Python, and my slowboat hacking with wxPython to build a GUI front end. So far so good! (Thanks in large part to useful info from this mail list!)
Before you compost your older iMacs, you might want to check out YellowDog Linux. I've run various releases of their OS over the years and it's a great way to keep your hardware viable.
Best luck - Scott
On May 12, 2005, at 4:06 PM, Kurt Gibson wrote:
Newbie - please help me choose a direction.
I want to know what would be the best front-end app/language to use for postgresql for exact form replication and ease of use. PHP, Python, Java, Rekall (the Kompany), other? All suggestions welcome and appreciated.
Background-------------------
I am coming from Filemaker Pro 5.0 and Mac OS 10.2.8.
I am the newest of newbies to postgresql. I just downloaded the database today. I have not started the database and do not even know if I can run it on my computers. I have a few old WinTel machines at home but run mainly Macs at the office.
One important solution I created in Filemaker Pro requires very detailed and exact replication of official court forms with database data entered on the forms. Imagine a form with small type, boxes and spacing that must be exactly as on the official form and data from the database on the form as printed to pdf. One nice thing about Filemaker is that its reporting ability is very flexible.
I also have an extensive solution with approx 50 tables/databases to run my small business. I built a calendar, contacts, clients, timelog, and billing solution. I have been bumping my head against Filemaker Pro's 50 database limit for years - server would allow you 125 databases for about $1000. For those of you with no experience with Filemaker, a database is a table. Each file only has one table and all layouts/reports/forms and scripts are in the same file. This setup has pros and cons that are irrelevant now.
I am trying to migrate to linux and postgresql. I love the MacOS but they just upgraded to 10.4 (tiger) and made 3 of my iMacs obsolete because they do not have on-board firewire so are not supported by 10.4. Funny how Linux can be compiled to run on a 386 intel chip from a floppy drive but MacOS cannot now run without firewire on a 4 year old computer.
Filemaker.com created Filemaker Pro 7 which adds great features and removes the 50 table limit - with a $1000 price tag for 3 units and a 5-simultaneous-user limit. The upgrade to 7 may require extensive changes to my solutions. Now would be a natural time to change to a new system since I have to relearn/change everything anyway. Additionally, I can only assume that I will be in for more of the same treatment as I and people like me get our data more entrenched in their proprietary business models.
Thanks for your help.
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