dBASE™ PLUS 12 is a rapid application development (RAD) environment used to create data-driven applications for Windows and the web. It is marketed as a "low/no code" platform, meaning users can build solutions through visual designers and wizards without extensive programming knowledge. dBase, LLC. Key Features Low/No Code Support
: Includes wizards and visual designers for forms and reports to automate application building. Web & Mobile Readiness
: Supports the creation of web applications that work on tablets and smartphones. Modern Data Handling : Features native
handling for integration with JavaScript libraries like jQuery. Updated Components : Includes newer components like DateTimePicker for better data output. Legacy Heritage
: Built on a codebase that has supported data applications for nearly 40 years. dBase, LLC. Product Status & Pricing : It has been succeeded by dBASE 2019
, though versions like dBASE PLUS 12 are still used in legacy and specialized environments. : Originally priced at for new users and for upgrades. Compatibility
: Designed for Windows Vista through Windows 10 (both 32-bit and 64-bit). dBase, LLC.
For more details on features or to download documentation, you can visit the official dBase, LLC website in dBASE PLUS 12 or interested in to a newer version?
Unleashing Data Potential: A First Look at dBASE™ PLUS 12 For decades, the name dBASE has been synonymous with rapid application development. With the release of dBASE PLUS 12, dBase, LLC continues to prove that you don’t need to be a coding wizard to build professional-grade, data-driven applications.
Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer looking for a low-code solution, here’s why dBASE PLUS 12 is worth your attention. 1. The Original Low/No-Code Powerhouse
dBASE PLUS 12 is built for speed. It allows users to present data in various forms without writing a single line of code. For those who want more control, it remains a serious professional development environment where you can customize with low amounts of code. 2. Modern Connectivity with Native JSON
One of the most exciting additions is native JSON handling. This significantly enhances your ability to create modern web applications that play nicely with jQuery and other Javascript libraries, allowing your dBASE apps to communicate seamlessly with today's web ecosystems. 3. Build Once, Reach Everywhere
Your applications are no longer confined to the desktop. dBASE PLUS 12 supports multiple platforms, including: Tablets and Smart Phones Advanced Web Applications Standard Windows Desktop (Windows 7 through Windows 10) 4. Better Look, Better Feel dbase plus 12
The interface has received a significant facelift. With integrated skins and updated "Look & Feel" for Windows-based applications, your software will look as modern as it performs. New native components like RichEdit, RichText, and DateTimePicker add functionality that users now expect as standard. 5. Getting Started is Simple
The installation is straightforward, taking approximately seven minutes to unpack all graphics and assets. Once installed, the dBASE KnowledgeBase offers comprehensive tutorials on everything from creating your first database alias to building a full executable. Final Thoughts
At $499 for new users (and $399 for an upgrade), dBASE PLUS 12 is a robust investment for businesses that need to get data-driven solutions off the ground quickly. It bridges the gap between the "classic" database power of the past and the interconnected web world of the future.
I’d be happy to help you with dBASE Plus 12 — but just to clarify, are you looking for:
In the meantime, here’s a concise technical overview you could use if you’re writing a paper:
Unlike “pure” SQL systems, dBASE PLUS 12 operates a unique hybrid model:
| Feature | dBASE PLUS 12 Capability |
| :--- | :--- |
| Native Engine | BDE/DBF (Blazing fast for record-locking & ISAM style) |
| SQL Backends | Direct ODBC to SQL Server, Oracle, PostgreSQL, MySQL |
| The Trick | You can JOIN a live SQL Server table with a 1990s DBF file in a single query. |
This is a lifesaver for factories, hospitals, and banks that have 40-year-old data silos they refuse to rewrite.
dBASE PLUS 12 is not trying to beat PostgreSQL. It is trying to be the ultimate single-developer, line-of-business rocket ship.
If you need a web-scale microservice—pass.
If you need to build a custom accounting, shipping, or medical records app by Friday that will run unchanged for the next decade—dBASE PLUS 12 is the most interesting tool you have never considered.
Final Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Deducted one star for the learning curve of its OOP syntax (it’s not C#). Awarded full points for survival, speed, and sheer utility.
In dBASE™ PLUS 12, creating an "interesting" or advanced report often involves moving beyond simple layouts to leverage the software's fully integrated banded report engine dBASE™ PLUS 12 is a rapid application development
. This engine processes data through specific sections called "bands," which allow for dynamic headers, footers, and detail levels. dBase, LLC. Key Features for Advanced Reporting The latest version of dBASE™ PLUS 12
includes several new tools that make reports more interactive and modern: Native JSON Handling
: You can now integrate JSON data directly into reports, which is useful for pulling information from modern web APIs. New Components : Components like the DateTimePicker
allow for more diverse data formatting and improved user input for filtered reports. Two-Way Designer Report Designer
allows you to drag-and-drop elements while simultaneously seeing the underlying code, making it easier to troubleshoot complex layouts. Creating a Professional Banded Report
A typical high-quality report in dBASE PLUS 12 uses a structured "banded" approach to organize data: Page Template
: Defines the overall look, including margins and background assets. Header Band
: Used for titles (e.g., "Annual Sales Report") and column labels that repeat at the top of every page. Detail Band
: This is where the core data rows are rendered. For example, in a "Fish Report," this band would list each specific fish entry. Footer Band : Ideal for page numbers, dates, or summary totals. Pro Tips for "Interesting" Reports dBASE™ PLUS 12 – theBASE for all things data
dBASE PLUS 12 is a rapid application development (RAD) environment designed for building data-driven applications for Windows and the web. While it is a modern iteration of the classic dBase platform, it is specifically built to handle modern data structures and multi-platform deployment. Key Features and New Additions
dBASE PLUS 12 introduced several major updates to bridge the gap between traditional database management and modern web standards:
Native JSON Support: The standout feature of version 12 is integrated JSON handling. This allows developers to easily exchange data with modern web services and create C.R.U.D. (Create, Read, Update, Delete) web applications. New Native Components: A summary or review of dBASE Plus 12 as a product
RichEdit & RichText: Used for manipulating and displaying formatted .RTF documents.
DateTimePicker: A specialized component to simplify handling date and time data types.
Modernized Grid Component: The existing grid was updated to allow columns to function as buttons and improved header functionality.
Integrated Installer Skins: It includes over 20 professional skins for the Inno Setup engine, allowing developers to create custom-branded installation packages without third-party software.
Multi-Platform Support: Applications created can be deployed on Windows desktops, tablets, and advanced web environments. Development Environment
The platform is marketed as a "low-code/no-code" solution, offering various wizards and designers:
Designers: Provides full flexibility for custom forms, reports, and database structures.
Wizards: Allows business users to generate functional applications and web interfaces with minimal coding.
Connectivity: Features full BDE (Borland Database Engine) and ADO integration, supporting native dBase and Paradox tables, as well as SQL-based databases via ODBC. Availability and Successors
Current Status: While version 12 was a major milestone, it has since been succeeded by newer versions like dBASE 2019.
Pricing & Trial: It is typically available as a paid license, but free trials are often offered on the dBase official website or Software Informer. dBASE™ PLUS 12 – theBASE for all things data
Creating a Proper Report in dBase Plus 12
dBase Plus 12 is a database management system that allows users to create reports to analyze and present data. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to create a proper report:
You might be asking, "Who uses dBase in 2024?" The answer might surprise you.