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Cincom Smalltalk Digest: March Edition

Posted on by Author Jeremy Jordan in Categories Cincom Smalltalk, Cincom Smalltalk Digest Newsletter Archive

Cincom Smalltalk Digest

Welcome to the March 2024 edition of the Cincom Smalltalk Digest. In this month’s newsletter, you will find the following:

CUSTOMERS and PARTNERS

  • Cincom Smalltalk 9.4 Is Here!
  • Ways to Submit a Cincom Smalltalk Support Case

BEGINNERS and DEVELOPERS

  • How the Concept of Modeling and Mapping Became Tools in Cincom Smalltalk
  • Unleashing the Power of Modeling and Mapping in Cincom® ObjectStudio®
  • See the Cincom ObjectStudio Modeling and Mapping Tools in Action

CUSTOMERS and PARTNERS

Cincom Smalltalk 9.4 Is Here!

We are pleased to announce to our valued customers and partners the current version of Cincom Smalltalk. This release includes the major releases of Cincom ObjectStudio 9.4.0 and Cincom® VisualWorks® 9.4.0. Changes include:

Cincom Smalltalk Foundation 9.4.0 Cincom ObjectStudio 9.4.0 Cincom VisualWorks 9.4.0
  • Store merge improvements
  • Store auto re-connect
  • Database API enhancements
  • Faster editing of long methods
  • Enhancements to the AppeX framework editor
  • Security plug-in enhancements
  • Next Generation User Interface refinements and improvements
  • Next Generation User Interface Designer Preview updates
  • User Interface Designer Introduction with template tools
  • Windows dark-mode support (new dark-mode/light-mode skins)
  • Seaside integration updated to newer version

Our valued customers and partners may order the newest release through our Customer Product Request Form.

PLEASE NOTE: Our order process has been updated, and we no longer offer auto-ship.

ALSO NOTE:  Should you have any questions or problems in accessing the request form above, please contact your Sales Account Manager or Cincom Smalltalk Support.

  • Learn more about Cincom Smalltalk 9.4.0 here.

Ways to Submit a Cincom Smalltalk Support Case

If you need to submit a new case to Cincom Smalltalk Support, we’ve made it very quick and easy:

When possible, please provide a test case. Test cases enable Cincom Smalltalk Support to better understand the issue by re-creating it in their environment.

BEGINNERS and DEVELOPERS

How the Concept of Modeling and Mapping Became Tools in Cincom Smalltalk

The original developers of Smalltalk played a crucial role in its development and often spoke of the idea of “modeling” during the object-oriented language’s infancy. While early Smalltalk pioneers used the concept of mapping to create objects and interfaces, later tool builders used the concept of mapping to map objects to persistent storage.

It wasn’t until the early 90s that the current Modeling and Mapping tools in Cincom ObjectStudio made its debut. In 1992, Enfin Software rolled out a product known as ENFIN/2, designed for OS/2 and Windows. It garnered attention in its era for its superior graphical user interface (GUI) and robust support for crafting business applications. This included database connectivity, a feature that positioned it ahead of its competitors because all major RDBMS systems were supported, along with some IBM mainframe database systems and protocols like EHLLAPI and APPC.

Easel Corporation took over the product later in 1992, investing heavily in its development and promotion. One of Easel’s significant feats was persuading IBM to embrace Enfin Smalltalk as the endorsed solution, largely due to it being a native 32-bit OS/2 solution. After enhancing the product with object modelling and relational mapping capabilities, Easel renamed it to ObjectStudio.

Unleashing the Power of Modeling and Mapping in Cincom ObjectStudio

In the dynamic world of software development, Cincom ObjectStudio stands out as a premier tool for crafting custom Windows® applications. Dubbed the “business analyst’s thinking tool,” ObjectStudio is built on the robust, object-oriented programming foundation of Smalltalk. It offers a comprehensive development environment designed to encapsulate complex business models and processes seamlessly. Both ObjectStudio and Cincom VisualWorks are built on the shared foundation of the Cincom Smalltalk Foundation, ensuring a unified and powerful development experience.

Next-Generation User Interface (NG UI)

Cincom ObjectStudio’s Next Generation User Interface (NG UI) propels application development into the future. It leverages the latest Windows native widgets, eliminating the need for primitives and fully utilizing Smalltalk with FFI (DLLCC) to access the Windows API. This integration supports a wide range of image formats and grants access to advanced GDI+ features, including gradient brushes and alpha blending. The NG UI also introduces a revamped Launcher, providing centralized access to essential tools and resources, enhancing productivity and streamlining the development process.

The Essence of Modeling and Mapping Tools

At the heart of ObjectStudio are its Modeling and Mapping Tools, designed to bridge the gap between developers and their clients. These tools offer a visual representation of the application, from front-end to back-end, ensuring that all stakeholders are aligned before significant resources are invested. The Modeling and Mapping Tools not only facilitate rapid application development but also provide a platform for demonstrating potential enhancements or validating the feasibility of a project. This clarity is invaluable for business owners, enabling informed decision-making and strategic planning.

Object Modeling: A Visual Approach to Complexity

The ObjectStudio modeling tool is a powerhouse for designing intricate business objects. It presents a user-friendly interface for object manipulation, supporting case analysis, event diagramming, CRC cards, and UML notations. This tool accelerates the transition from design to deployment, allowing for graphical arrangement of class hierarchies and object relationships. Changes to the model automatically generate the corresponding code, simplifying maintenance and updates.

Object Mapping: Streamlining Database Integration

The ObjectStudio mapping tool simplifies the connection between objects and databases through visual, drag-and-drop functionality. Its Object Relational Mapper eliminates the need for SQL coding, automating database interactions. This focus on objects over database specifics frees developers to concentrate on application logic, enhancing efficiency and productivity.

Round-Trip Engineering: Adapting to Change

ObjectStudio’s round-trip engineering ensures that any modifications to the business object model are reflected in the code and vice versa. This continuous synchronization provides developers with an up-to-date business model, facilitating a deeper understanding of complex applications. It empowers business analysts, training personnel, and IT staff to engage more effectively with the enterprise software, reducing the learning curve and accelerating productivity.

See the Cincom ObjectStudio Modeling and Mapping Tools in Action

Interested in exploring the capabilities of the Modeling and Mapping Tools? Here are some examples, demonstrations and tutorials:

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