Preface

version 2004

4D ODBC PRO is a set of 4th Dimension external routines that allows a 4th Dimension database on Macintosh or Windows to communicate with an ODBC database. Using 4D ODBC PRO, your 4th Dimension database can display, manipulate, and modify data stored in an ODBC database.

This manual describes how to implement, use, and modify data sources that can be accessed by ODBC with a 4th Dimension database.

The manual is written for users already familiar with the 4th Dimension language and with ODBC's SQL language. We recommend that new users familiarize themselves with both products before continuing with the manual.

This manual explains the use of 4D ODBC PRO both on the Macintosh and Windows. Although the concepts and functionality of both versions of 4D ODBC PRO are nearly identical, the manual addresses any differences where necessary. Such differences include the graphical user interface and keyboard commands.

4D ODBC PRO can be used with either 4th Dimension or 4D Server. When used with 4D ODBC PRO PRO, 4th Dimension enables you to create a database that can become a client of the ODBC data source. Each user with a copy of the database can connect to and use the ODBC database simultaneously.

4D Server allows you to create a multi-developer database application. When used with 4D ODBC PRO, 4D Server allows multiple developers to connect to an ODBC database.

In this manual, 4th Dimension and 4D Server are both referred to as 4th Dimension except when there is a difference between the behaviour of the two products.

This manual uses certain conventions to help you understand the material.

• The following explanatory notes are used:

Note: Text emphasized like this provides annotations and shortcuts that will help you use 4th Dimension more productively.

Warning: Warnings like this alert you to situations where data might be lost.

• Functions: All 4D ODBC PRO functions are preceded by "ODBC_", for exemple: ODBC_SQLAllocConnect.

• Table names: In addition, all table names are shown in brackets in the text to help distinguish them from the names of fields, forms, and other items. For instance, the Companies table is written as the [Companies] table.