Chapter 5. SQL Databases

In this chapter, we look at several techniques for distributing and manipulating enterprise SQL data on the Palm handheld device. In keeping with the “Zen of Palm,” our aim is to present techniques that provide timely data for the user, not to burden him or her with the complexities of a desktop application.

Our first example shows how to use the AppForge libraries under Windows to prepare relational data for use on the road. We build a simple VB desktop application that uses Active Data Objects (ADO) to create a PDB file from a database query. The database holds thousands of Internet dial-up numbers; the PDB we create contains only those numbers the user wants.

Our second example shows how to use a powerful tool, the AppForge Universal Conduit, to synchronize data between a simple application on the Palm and an SQL database. Our application uses a small database; changes on the Palm device are uploaded to the SQL server, and vice versa. The Universal Conduit allows synchronization without any VB development—quite an accomplishment, considering that we devoted all of Chapter 4 to coding custom conduits.[34]

SQL Publishing

The Palm device is a very good tool for displaying information to the user, provided that the data display is quick and pertinent. The mobile user wants a fraction of the SQL database published to his or her Palm device—just the facts or figures that will be relevant today, not yesterday or next month. This push technology is perfect for ...

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