|
The '''Dexterity programming language''' was designed in the early 1990s for the implementation of [[Cross-platform|platform independent]] graphical [[accounting software]]. Dexterity itself is written in the [[C (programming language)|C programming language]] [http://www.devnewz.com/devnewz-3-20040827GreatPlainsDexterityProgrammingOverviewforDevelopers.html]. It was used in the development of [[Great Plains (accounting)|Great Plains]] accounting software.
[[Microsoft Dynamics|Microsoft Business Solutions]] Great PlainsGP, formerformerly Great Plains Software Dynamics and eEnterprise, is area Dexterity-written applications. Also small business line: Microsoft Small Business Manager or Small Business Financials is written in Dexterity and uses the same [[Source code|code base]] as Great Plains.
==History of Dexterity==
Great Plains Dexterity - is a proprietary [[programming language]] and technology, designed in the early 1990s with the goal to build a platform-independent graphical accounting package - Great Plains Dynamics. Dexterity itself is written in C (with the hope that C would provide platform independence). You can install Dexterity from Greatthe PlainsDynamics 7.5GP CD #2. It requires a lot of learning and training, but it allows custom pieces to be seamlessly integrated with the GreatDynamics PlainsGP interface.
==Features==
; Native Dexterity Cursors:
: Dexterity was designed as a platform-independent programming language. If you want code to be operable on all currently supported GreatDynamics PlainsGP databases, use Dexterity ranges and loops to manipulate the records
; Great Plains Dexterity with SQL Stored Procs:
:Currently, most ofDynamics Great PlainsGP installations have been moved to [[Microsoft SQL Server|MS SQL]] Server - so you can use Dexterity for custom forms drawing only and make the buttons run SQL stored procedures.
; COM ObjectsObject calls:
: Beginning with version 7.0, Dexterity supports COM objects - register them as libraries in Dexterity. Refer the manual as to how to do this. This technique allows you to call such things as [[web service]]s across the internet.
; GreatDynamics PlainsGP Alternate Forms:
: These are modificationmodifications to existing forms – the ones found in DYNAMICS.DIC. The most popular customizations are made on the SOP Entry form. IfAlternate youforms are designingnot yourrecommended customizationby –Microsoft weas recommendthey thatmakes youversion avoidupgrades alternatemore forms – the problem is customization version upgradedifficult. InCustomization theusually casehas of an alternate form – customization shouldto be redone.
; Some restrictions:
: GreatDynamics PlainsGP is actually an integration of multiple dictionaries: DYNAMICS.DIC, ADVSECUR.DIC, EXP1493.DIC, etc. In your Dexterity customization you can deal with one dictionary - DYNAMICS.DIC. IfIntegration youwith need crossother dictionaries customizationis -supported considerbut usingis SQL Stored Procs for crossing dictionary borders and pulling data/making changes in the other dictionarydifficult.
GreatDynamics PlainsGP macros arecan also be recorded in Dexterity. The ability to handle [[branch (computer science)|branches]] does not appear to exist in these macros.
==References==
| 