Features

nCmd has taken the original xBase language metaphor and extended it dramatically. Many extensions (such as user defined object oriented classes, multi-threading, dynamic object pools, ODBC & SQL, BLOB, GUI objects, Multimedia, compression, encryption, and TCP/IP) eliminate the requirement to search for and buy third party add-ons to produce advanced business applications.

Message passing and DLL support provides an efficient mechanism to extend your application beyond any language constraints. DDE support provides an effective link to existing applications like spreadsheets and word processors.

The Visual tools allow even a novice to create an instant application. However, power programmers are the primary users of OnCmd, allowing you instant compilation and testing with interactive source debugging of your complex applications.

Overview
Completeness	over 500 commands + functions
Compatibility (Clipper/Fox/dBase)	High
Documentation	800 pages + online ref + sample applications
Support	Internet/Compuserve/Port Assistance
Robustness & Performance	Extensive history in demanding networks

Database
Index tags	Yes (and user defined index expressions, eg. soundex)
Index compression	Yes - reduces disk requirements, improves speed
multi-user support	Extensive
Index server	Optional - reduces network traffic, increase number of shared tables
BLOB (Binary Large Object)	Yes
Database mirroring	Yes
DB2 connectivity	Yes
ODBC connectivity	Yes
Lotus Notes connectivity	Yes (native on OS/2, ODBC on NT)

Extensions
Spooler	Yes
Multimedia	Yes
Clipboard Cut & Paste	Yes
RGB Colour	Yes
Scrollable windows	Yes
Compression / Decompression	Yes
Encryption / Decryption	Yes
Image (bmp, gif, tif, jpg, pcx, etc.)	Yes - including transition display effects
Graphic primitives (lines,curves,...)	Yes
Hint & flyout help	Yes
Event-driven programming	Yes

NT specific
Toolbars	Yes
Sizeable browse columns	Yes

OS/2 specific
Rexx support	Yes
SOM client support	Yes
OS/2 Pen	Yes
ICSS Voice Input	Yes
Drag & drop	Yes

IPC
Client/Server	Yes
Send/Receive	Yes
Xevent	Yes - asynchronous external events
TCP/IP	Yes - direct access to Internet / Intranet
SOM client	Yes (OS/2)

Language
Arrays	multi-dimension, multi-typed, unlimited size
Character variables	unlimited size
Variable Scoping	public/private/local/static
Code blocks	Yes - required for Clipper compatibility
Macro support	Yes - for expression
Exception handlers (ON...)	Yes- traps GUI events (eg. mouse/menu/...)
DLL support	Yes - interface to other languages
Serial port control	Yes - including scripting extensions
Compiler directives	Yes - eg. #defines, #ifdef, etc.
Fox/Clipper compatibility library	Yes - written in OnCmd

Input-Output
GUI (windows, fonts, colours)	Yes
controls (buttons, listbox, etc	Yes
Notebooks (Property Sheets in NT)	Yes
Picture masked input fields	Yes
Mouse support	Yes
cached file & device IO	Yes - eg. parsing, barcode, communications

Visual Tools
Visual source debugger	Yes - full breakpoint
Database create/modify	Yes
Screen painter/application generator	Yes
Report writer	Yes
Project manager	Yes
Source code migration / error analysis	Yes

Note that all of the tools except the debugger were written in OnCmd, further demonstrating the power of the language. The screen below shows the included visual screen painter and application generator in use. A complete running application can be generated, or just the code required for a complex data entry screen.

The output of this utility is actual OnCmd xbase code which you can include in your applications as is, or after modifying.

Visual Screen Painter