I would like to ask you a non-technical question. I have joined a company as an IT specialist to oversee a service provider who developed applications using Clarion 5 years ago. After purchasing the source code, they asked me to continue working on this application. I would like to know if it is easy to modify this application or if it would be challenging. Additionally, I would like to find out if someone can help me initially, of course with compensation. Finally, I would like to know if it is possible to migrate an application from Clarion to WinDev, and what is the best path to mastering development with Clarion. Thank you.
AFAK - There is no migration path from CW to WinDev - you need to start from scratch using the logic in CW and recode as WinDev
As for Maintenance, you either need the version of the last developer CW environment or you need to upgrade the apps to the version you will be using.
Lots of WinDev developers are ex-Clarion. You might check with that community to determine what is possible.
Was it written in clarion version 5 many years ago, or was it written in “current” clarion in 2019? (Your statement could read both ways, but the answer is very different.)
Funny I read it as being in C5 but yes I see it is ambiguous.
If it is in C5 you would probably want to move it to C11, bearing in mind the changes to the threading model that came in C6.
This would not be hard but would take some time and you may have to update third party templates (if used) to the latest versions.
Generally it would depend on the original developer’s coding ability and style and your ability to get into their head and understand how they operate. But taking on Clarion apps is generally easier than some other languages as there is a certain typical structure and browse-form paradigm. If it is completely hand-coded (no app and dct files) then this advantage would not apply but that is unlikely as probably 99% of Clarion developers use apps and templates.
Your first step would be to get a clean compile of the source code you have (presumably app/dct files). You may have to buy some third party templates if your organisation doesn’t already have them licenced.
Basically a rewrite I think - so reverse engineer the Clarion app to make a specification then rewrite it in another language.
If moving languages I would probably ask the “why?” question. It might make sense if you are already familiar with WinDev and don’t want to spend the time learning another language (Clarion). If, however, you have similar skill levels in both languages then I would leave it where it is and just develop your Clarion skills.
recently Kevin was looking for a backup developer and got 13 expressions of interest so it would seem there is no shortage of people willing to provide their paid services to assist you should you need it:
re mastering Clarion, search here for plenty of advice and tips:
https://clarionhub.com/search?q=learning%20clarion
hth and cheers
Geoff R