red1.org

[robert]

I've just released a new packaging system called 2Pack. 2Pack is designed to allow users to transfer/migrate custom objects and data created in Compiere to other Compiere instances. Such as the Fixed Asset Extension which can be download at http://sourceforge.net/projects/cfa.

Features of 2Pack include:
Seamless integration into Compiere
Simple to use
Easy to install
Supports versions 252d-253b
Packages created are self-contained
Automatic generation of install instructions
Provides ability to roll-back installed packages
Provides ability to import packages directly in Compiere
Supports exporting custom dictionary settings and java code

2Pack can be found at http://sourceforge.net/projects/twopack .

Please give it a try and let me know what you think.

THANKS!
Rob K.

[Mr_reggatta]

Hi Robert!
It's possible to use your 2pack project for creating new tables and windows?
If yes...how can i do?
Thanks in advance...
mr_reggatta (italy)

[robert]

[Mr_reggatta]

Great Robert !

Now I've understood !!!

[robert]

[Mr_reggatta]

Robert,
thanks a lot...
I will try all of this and then I will let you know...
see you soon
regards
mr_reggatta

[Mr_reggatta]

Hi rob!

How can i do the second step ?

2. Sign in to Compiere and import the table from the database.

thank you
regards

[neilg]

I just read through the docs haven't had a chance to apply it yet and see how it works.

However this is what the compiere world has been desperately looking for... imagine sending someone your xml extension via email and they see almost immediately what you have done, never mind the vertical markets this will open up.

If it does what it says it does why doesn't Jorg incorporate it into Compiere?

[red1]

I guess the same reason why God created women but didnt give us free sex.

We have to sweat for it! HAHA! )

[Mr_reggatta]

Uahuaaaaa !!!

[robert]

[Mr_reggatta]

yessss sorry... it was very simple...



now i have my new X_Friends window... it works very good...
I'm happy...
this is my first little customization...
very happy!!!


Now... next steps...
how can export my little customization (X_Friends, Friends window) in other
compiere istances?
Robert, can I use the 2pack tool even thought having modified in this way ?

[robert]

[red1]

Hi Rob,
I ask Trifon to look thru POPI and weter its replacement for XML2AD, and this is his reply,

[trifon]

>However i see that Trifon's still didnt say y POPI if it exports everyting in AD, isnt that what XML2AD tries to do?

No. This is not the main target of XML2AD. Main aim for me is to have conviniet way to know what is changed in Compiere DB and AD for every customization/project.

With Druid and XML2Ad i can do it as i can see visually in Druid wich tables/column are changed and from the xml files which windows, tabs, fields are changed.

XML2AD still do not have export all functionality. In fact i started developing export functionality in last months and export functionality is still limited.
I can export definition of windows, tabs, fields and other tables.

Regards,
Trifon
_________________
Trifon Trifonov

[robertk]

As far as comparing capabilities of XML2AD to 2Packs(formally POPI), I'm not the best person for that. I have not really looked at XML2AD since 2004 and I'm sure Trifon has improved and expanded its capability.

But I can recap what 2Packs goal and capabilities are:

The goal of 2Pack is to make customizations and data migration easily portable and available to all Compiere Users.

In striving to achieve this goal the current release of 2Pack - Version 005:

Exports all AD Settings for a particular object(s) in Compiere whether its an application, report, table, menu, role, data or others.
Exports are done internally with in Compiere. No other software needed.
Creates a self-contain, standalone compressed package that is portable to other Compiere instances.
Allows the developer to transfer .java and other external files, such as documents. These files are contained in the package.
The package supports multiple Compiere versions.
Imports not only create needed dictionary settings for the exported customization but also creates the necessary database columns, tables, functions or other items as required.
Provides installation logs.
Records and backup original dictionary settings and files during installation. This allows the package to be rollback if necessary.

In the next release of 2Pack - Version 006:

2Pack and other packages can be installed to a Pre-compiled Compiere installation. Compiling or modifying Compiere source code is no longer necessary.
Packages can be distributed with or without source code(pre-compiled jar).
Installation has been made much simpler.
Packages are much smaller. (Example FA Extension is now 600k - originally 5,000k)
Ability to scan for new packages via a web service. Packages found can be installed directly from the web. (aka Eclipse style) This web service will be made widely available to all users and web administrators to include on their sites. In addition I will be adding the ability to have both a public and private service for firms that want to support their clients via web access.
Current work is being done on providing the ability to transfer a clients master or transactional data in a package. In addition a client can be transformed to new client by simply specifying a new client name.
Finally exportation of Application Dictionary settings over groups of tables by client or by date changed.

Additions to be included in 2Pack - Version 007:

2Packs code will be refactored.
Easier access for developers to extend 2Pack.

Thanks
Rob

[trifon]

Hi Rob,

Thank's fot this detailed description.

I'm very glad to know and to see that 2Pack is moving and showing good progress.

I have one question.

Could i export only changed objects?

I mean if i add new column in AD_Role for example could i export sql statement, redorc in AD_Column, AD_field?

Regards,
Trifon
_________________
Trifon Trifonov

[robertk]

Hi Trifon,

For the current release:
Yes you could simply use a SQL select statement to export those changes while in 2Pack however I use that for data transfers. My preference is to export the window and table objects, that would as default, only install your new user defined settings. Finally you could use what I call "an application export" that would export the window, table and menu settings. With the last two methods it would include all supporting objects like references, elements and setup any database objects required like the new column. Again the default for 2Pack is to install only user defined settings however you could set the flag installing/updating all other defined settings.

Next release 006:
A new feature would allow a user to export settings based on dates or clients for groups of tables. This I think would be effective in Client migrations or other AD migrations.

Future release 007:
I didn't mention it above but I will be working on capturing changes for user selected tables. These changes would be stored in a table while the user is making them. The user/administrator could then package these changes and promote them to a new environment or simply save for later use.


Hope this help! Take care.
Rob

[ptb]

I'm very interested in using one of these products but I need them to work with 2.5.3c. Based on my needs - I want to export custom table/column, window/tab/field, print form, import loader table definitions from one compiere development system to my clients pilot compiere installation - I'm thinking 2Pack is what I should be looking at. Rob, do you have planned dates for the releases you mention here, and does one of them include supporting 2.5.3c?

Trifon - if you think XML2AD would address this need as well, please let me know. From your description I didn't think so but perhaps I misunderstood... If so, then does your version of XML2AD support 2.5.3c?

Thanks to you all,
Peter

[trifon]

Hi Peter,

Yes, my version is intended for development and currently export functionality is not so good as 2Pack.

Main advantage of my version i call it AD Customization Keeper is that developer uses Druid in order to store information for Tables, column, AD_Tables and other AD emlements in one central place [Druid]. From Druid i just export in proper format usable for import into Compiere AD and for SQL update of structure of DB.

New version is plugin based and supports 2.5.3c.

Regards,
Trifon
_________________
Trifon Trifonov

[ptb]

Hi Trifon,

Thanks for the quick reply...

Interesting approach. So what can I define in Druid (and export for import into Compiere) besides tables and columns? Windows/Tabs/Fields? What about Elements, Print Forms and Import loader formats?

This might work for me. Can you point me to a current version? Any documentation?

Thanks again,
Peter

[trifon]

Hi,

In Druid currently AD_Table, AD_Column and information for AD_Reference.

I tried to put infomration for AD_Window, AD_Tab and AF_Fieldm but i didn't had time to finish it. So currenly xml file for view is created manualy.

Look at comXe project: https://sourceforge.net/project/showfiles.php?group_id=162328

But please look at CVS Server.
Tehre you will find compilo folder:
http://comxe.cvs.sourceforge.net/comxe/compilo/

All this projects store AD modifications.
Except TEMPLATE.

The biggest is _Project-ID-ComXe_Standard.

You need to take druid project from:
http://comxe.cvs.sourceforge.net/comxe/tools/

Currenlt documenation is very small as noone support me to do all this work and i make it during the project when i need some functioality...

>What about Elements, Print Forms and Import loader formats?
Elements are supported.
In HEAD of ComXe you can find import of Loader Formats.

Well for Print formats, i ask for money as i need to live from something.
I mean i have functionality which can import print formats, but i provide it as paid. Sorry for this, but i need to make money too.


Regards,
Trifon
_________________
Trifon Trifonov

[robertk]

Hi Peter,
I'm running tests against 253c right now with no issues. (Ok last time I checked) I usually try to wait until Compiere releases a stable version before releasing a new version of 2Pack or the FA Extension. I soon hope to release a 2Pack version that will be neutral making it easier for everyone.

If you want to test what I've done to date I can whip up a package for you to test it out. 2Pack should cover your needs pretty well. Contact me via www.oslabs.org and let me know.

Thanks!
Rob