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/*Answers to Q&A DataFlex 2025 Livestream*/

Q&A Answers, DataFlex, 2025, Orange
16-4-2025

The launch of DataFlex 2025 was one to remember, with loads of viewers tuning in, an active chat full of great questions, and a stream of positive reactions. We loved sharing all the new features with you and seeing the excitement in real time.

You had a lot of questions, and while we did our best to answer as many as we could live, we couldn’t get to all of them during the broadcast.

So… we’ve bundled up everything you asked - and answered it all right here. Check out the full Q&A below!

  • Can the Navigation Designer be used with the new widgets?
    Yes, the Navigation Designer displays widgets just like it does views.
     
  • Does the switch to ES6 have any performance impact?
    While we haven’t measured any noticeable differences, in theory, it should be more efficient. That’s also because we now use WebPack for packing the DfEngine, which applies additional optimizations.
     
  • I was wondering if I am able to use the Navigation Designer on existing applications? Would be very useful I would say...
    Yes, the Navigation Designer can visualize existing applications by reading the source code. It uses the WebRegisterPath commands introduced with History Management in DataFlex 19.1. If you’re not using them yet, the Navigation Designer is a great tool to help you make that transition.
     
  • Bram, Harm, which innovation in DF25 was the most difficult to develop?
    From a technical perspective, the Dashboards - it brings together multiple technologies (Dynamic Web Objects, Drag & Drop, Grid Layout). From a design point of view, the Navigation Designer was the biggest challenge, as it was built completely from scratch.
     
  • Can you demo the main new features?
    For a demo of the new features go to the DataFlex Learning Center course, or rewatch the Discover DataFlex 2025 Livestream.
     
  • Where can developers find information on converting current JavaScript to ES6?
    You can find that in the online help. We’re also considering creating a Learning Center video on this topic.
     
  • Any plans to integrate AI code creation into the Studio? Will DF get AI coding suggestions in the near future?
    Like many IT companies, we’re exploring AI. We’ve even started training an AI engine on DataFlex, but it’s not in a stage where we can share anything yet.
     
  • Pointers on DataFlex supporting caching servers like Redis or Memcache?
    That’s on our wishlist. With the Technology Stack, we’re opening up more connectivity options, which could support these platforms - either from us or third parties.
     
  • For very large applications, have you given any thought on ways to limit the scope of views included?
    We considered that during the Navigation Designer’s development, but the first version doesn’t support view grouping or scoping. You can manually hide/unhide views, though that can be tedious in large projects. It’s something we may revisit in the future.
     
  • Are there also DataFlex plans for Windows in the future? Or mainly focused on web?
    Our main focus is web - especially with the Technology Stack. But FlexTron offers a hybrid approach: web-based UI components running in a desktop client. We plan to support FlexTron in TechStack soon. Desktop applications (Windows and beyond) are part of a later phase (Phase 3), but that’s still quite undefined.
     
  • Is the new website built in DataFlex?
    It’s built using a DataFlex product: DataFlex Content Manager.
     
  • Any comments on using tools like React and Angular with WebFrame?
    There are several integration options. You can build custom controls using React/Angular, create full React/Angular front-ends that consume DataFlex Web APIs, or embed DataFlex Web Views into a React/Angular app. The integration possibilities are flexible and broad.
     
  • Are the forums going to be part of the new website?
    They’ll get a refresh, but will remain on their own URL.
     
  • Will it be a multiplatform DataFlex like it used to have in CM?
    Yes, the new Technology Stack runtime will be platform-independent again.
     
  • Are you planning on getting rid of Filelist?
    When using the new Technology Stack runtime, Filelist likely won’t be needed. We’re not planning to remove it from the classic runtime for now, but making it more version control–friendly is on our wishlist.
     
  • The Package Manager - when will we get access? 2025 or later?
    In 2025.
     
  • How will packages be kept safe? What about malicious code?
    Uploaded packages will be scanned for viruses. Beyond that, it’s up to developers to trust the publisher. We’ll moderate and remove reported malicious packages and are considering a "Trusted Publisher" badge - although probably not in the first version.
     
  • I mean more about malicious code running - should the developer inspect all files?|
    Yes, this concern exists today as well. But with the Package Manager, the risk is lower - code is more likely to be moderated and flagged, making it a safer environment overall.
     
  • Are you taking the version out of the libraries’ .sws files?
    With the Package Manager, that will change. Packages will define a minimum and maximum supported DataFlex version in their .sws file.
     
  • Will the new Technology Stack address language inconsistencies like pbEnabled vs Enabled_State?
    Technology Stack Phases I and II focus on Web Controls, which already address many of these inconsistencies (including Enabled_State). Tech Stack III is not defined yet, but it’s unlikely that Windows controls will carry over with the same APIs as in the classic runtime.
     
  • Can we deploy to Azure containers, like with Visual Studio?
    The new runtime is planned to run on Linux and in Docker containers. While I’m not deeply familiar with Azure containers, the assumption is that it should run there too.
     
  • Will we be able to see popular libraries in the package manager? Like by #downloads?
    Likely, yes - although not necessarily in the initial release.
     
  • Any plans for updating the Studio’s editor?
    Yes, we’re exploring replacing the editor with Monaco. An intern is working on a language server for DataFlex, which would support this, and also enable integration with Visual Studio Code.
     
  • Is there a way to upgrade the DataFlex Embedded database to the standard of MS SQL Server?
    As part of the Technology Stack, we’re considering replacing the Embedded Database with SQLite. There are no plans to upgrade the classic Embedded DB to match SQL Server, although we’d like to improve it eventually.
     

Rewatch DataFlex 2025 Livestream   Rewatch Discover DataFlex 2025 Livestream