DataBase newbie

[Nyad]

I'm in a database predicament. My boss has a database that uses the paradox database. He wants to convert it to mySQL. The language we are using is
Borland Delphi codeGear RAD studio 2007 (or version 11).

Will I be able to use ZEOS to do this conversion? I am not too clued
up on licences etc, am I legally allowed to sell my app with the usage
of mySQL on gpl licence?

I looked around and I found TmySQL which is supposed to be a VCL add on for delphi with mySQL, but I can't get it to appear in the tool palette.

I was recommended to look at ZEOS because it apparently allows you to convert any database to any other database without changing your code.
The install files for ZEOS say I must install some .bpl files but I only have
.dpk files.

I am clueless from there.

[mdaems]

Zeos will do a great job. Basically there's not too much difference. The TZQuery and TZTable components should behave similar to the Paradox equivalents. Difference between databases is only in the TZConnection parameters (and database specific sql syntax, that you should avoid when you want to change the database later on)

Just compile the dpk's. They become bpl's and the ComponentDesign package will be installable...
Just open ZeosDbo project group in Delphi11 directory. Build All. Install the last package. Done...

Legally... (but I'm not a lawyer) As long as you don't sell the mysql installation as part of your program (so, no libmysl.dll or embedded server dll!!) there should be no trouble. This means the client has to install these parts. Which actually is easy : just make his own (downloadable) libmysql.dll available in the system path or to be even more sure next to your binaries. To include the dll in your packages or to use the embedded server you should just contact mysql and ask them what it would cost to buy an OEM licence.
Also, there might be the option to sell your source with your program, which could give you other opportunities concerning the distribution of the mysql community version with your software. But I am not sure about that.

Mark

[Nyad]

Thanks Mark.

I opened ZeosDbo.groupproj then I clicked project-->build all projects

It compiled/built successfully and filled the folder called build with tons of
.dpu files. I can't find one .bpl file.

[mdaems]

Oh... maybe it's somewhere on the default bpl location of your delphi installation. Not sure about that (using D7). Search for 'Z*.bpl' on your machine.
Did you right-click on the ComponentDesign Package (last one of project group) and choose 'Install'? That should do all the work...

Mark

[Nyad]

Thanks. They were hidden in delphi's temp location for unsaved projects.

I installed it and it is working. Thanks a lot.
Now I just have to sift through the documentation

[Nyad]

I have another question.
In delphi 7 you could all up the database desktop which allowed you to edit data
in your database with a gui.

But I can't seem to find this in delphi 2007.

Can anyone help me with this?
It isn't really related to ZEOS but I am short of time and need an answer soon. All the other delphi forums will take about a day for a reply

[mdaems]

Documentation : it's not really documented very much yet. When in doubt : use Delphi documentation on similar components. It should be as similar as possible. Different behaviour for the same properties/methods should be reported as bugs.

Database Desktop. No idea for D2007, but you don't need it when using Zeoslib. Also, the Borland database engine is not needed anymore. You just need the native database API dll available (libmysql.dll for mysql).

Form management of your database you can use whatever tool you want.
Just to name some : for mysql you have HeidiSql which is based on zeoslib and the tools provided by Mysql (Query browser and Administration tools).

Mark

BTW. Avoid reusing forum threads for new questions. Starting a new thread would have been better for last question

[Nyad]

ok. Thanks again