What Happened to Smalltalk

Synergizing the Past and Present: Cincom Smalltalk and Database Connectivity

Cincom has achieved many advancements with its seamless integration of major relational databases in Cincom Smalltalk. A quick stroll down memory lane allows us to see how tightly woven the history of databases, Cincom and Smalltalk are.

• From Punch Cards to Clouds: The Evolution of Databases Databases, a product of human ingenuity, have evolved significantly from punch cards in the 1800s to cloud-based systems today. As technology advances, databases will continue to shape the digital landscape. Here’s a look at notable milestones that represent key advancements in database technology.
• From PARC to the Queen City: The Evolution of Database Connectivity in Smalltalk Smalltalk, a programming language, has evolved significantly, introducing native support for database operations and ORM frameworks, simplifying development and improving performance, and offering more flexibility in database usage. Here’s a look at the fascinating journey into Smalltalk’s database usage and its evolution,
• Added to the Mix: Why Smalltalk Fits in with Cincom’s Other Successful Products Cincom, founded in 1968, is a global software company with Thomas M. Nies as its longest-serving CEO. The company, based in Cincinnati, Ohio, specializes in database management systems and consulting, offering multi-platform business applications. Founded by founders who left IBM to capitalize on emerging software markets, Cincom has a significant global impact. Here’s a look at Cincom’s history and distinguished list of notable events.
• Hidden Gems Tutorials: Database and Storing Code and Data In these tutorials, we explore multiple techniques tailored for scenarios where employing a full-scale database may be excessive or impractical, providing elegant solutions for managing data without the burden of a traditional database system.
• Cincom Smalltalk’s Seamless Integration with Major Relational Databases One of the many features of the Cincom Smalltalk Foundation is database connectivity. Cincom Smalltalk supports connectivity to all major relational databases including Oracle, Sybase, SQL Server®, PostgreSQL, MySQL, DB/2 and SQLite. VisualWorks also connects easily with OODBMS systems.
  • To learn more about features of the Cincom Smalltalk Foundation, click here.
  • To learn more about Cincom® ObjectStudio®, click here.
  • To learn more about Cincom VisualWorks, click here.

How the Smalltalk User Experience Has Changed from Xerox PARC to Cincom

The Smalltalk user experience has undergone significant changes since its inception at Xerox PARC. The pioneering research conducted at Xerox PARC laid the foundation for Smalltalk’s simplicity, interactivity, and object-oriented nature. Cincom’s innovations and advancements have further enhanced the user experience, making Smalltalk more accessible, efficient, and versatile. The Smalltalk user experience has had a profound impact on the development community, influencing the design and development of other programming languages and tools. Smalltalk’s enduring relevance and popularity are a testament to its intuitive nature and adaptability to changing technological landscapes. As we look to the future, the Smalltalk user experience will continue to evolve, driven by the needs of developers and the advancements in technology. Smalltalk’s rich history and Cincom’s ongoing commitment to the user experience make it a programming language worth exploring and embracing for anyone passionate about software development.

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Changes to the Smalltalk User Interface from Xerox PARC to Cincom

The changes made to the Smalltalk user interface from Xerox PARC to Cincom had a significant impact on user experience and productivity. The introduction of a more intuitive and visually appealing design enhanced the overall user experience, making it more enjoyable and engaging for developers. The customizable workspace in the Cincom Smalltalk user interface allowed developers to tailor the coding environment to their specific needs, improving productivity and reducing distractions. The addition of advanced code editing features and debugging tools streamlined the development process, making it easier for developers to write, understand, and debug their codes. The productivity enhancements introduced by Cincom improved the usage of the development environment, allowing developers to navigate large codebases deftly. This underscored and enhanced productivity and efficiency. The availability of comprehensive documentation and online resources, such as tutorials and screencasts for the Cincom Smalltalk user interface, made it easier for developers to learn and master the interface, reducing the learning curve and enabling them to make the most out of its capabilities. This accessibility further contributed to improved productivity and overall user satisfaction.

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Hidden Gems Tutorials: User Interfaces

If you are interested in seeing the Cincom Smalltalk user interface for yourself, we have compiled a list of Hidden Gems screencasts that give a broad spectrum of capabilities:

• Hidden Gems: Cincom ObjectStudio’s Next Generation User Interface – Cincom® ObjectStudio® has always been a native Windows UI, meaning the widgets are native Microsoft widgets. ObjectStudio’s NGUI lets you get the most out of Microsoft’s UI widgets, giving you more fine-grained access, control, and flexibility for your applications. This screencast demonstrates a basic example (hello world), then shows you where to find more examples that you can reuse for your applications.
• Hidden Gems: Building with Cincom ObjectStudio Next Generation User Interface – Developing a Stock List/Chart interface using the ObjectStudio Next Generation User Interface
• Hidden Gems: Custom Interactive Views – One of the most powerful capabilities in Cincom Smalltalk is the ability to build and use custom views that draw and behave exactly how you want them to.
• Hidden Gems: Dynamic Interface Building – Building an application interface programmatically and dynamically. It reproduces an interface found on X at #LPLChartOfTheDay, which shows S&P 500 returns, on average, for every day of the year. The ability to construct interfaces programmatically and dynamically gives the developer incredible power and flexibility.
• Hidden Gems: Drawing – Building custom drawing for tools for applications so users can custom-build widgets. Users can also have interaction with that drawing and even animation. This Hidden Gems also discusses using drawing in the classic model view controller architecture.
• Hidden Gems: Drawing, Part 2 – Enhancing the basic application from the first video (Hidden Gems: Drawing) by using the model-view-controller architecture
• Hidden Gems: Tabs: It’s Nothing, It’s Everything – Discussing one new feature that can make a significant improvement in your daily use of Smalltalk.

How the Concept of Modeling and Mapping Became Tools in Cincom Smalltalk

The original developers of Smalltalk played a crucial role in its development and often spoke of the idea of “modeling” during the object-oriented language’s infancy. While early Smalltalk pioneers used the concept of mapping to create objects and interfaces, later tool builders used the concept of mapping to map objects to persistent storage. It wasn’t until the early 90s that the current Modeling and Mapping tools in Cincom ObjectStudio made its debut. In 1992, Enfin Software rolled out a product known as ENFIN/2, designed for OS/2 and Windows. It garnered attention in its era for its superior graphical user interface (GUI) and robust support for crafting business applications. This included database connectivity, a feature that positioned it ahead of its competitors because all major RDBMS systems were supported, along with some IBM mainframe database systems and protocols like EHLLAPI and APPC. Easel Corporation took over the product later in 1992, investing heavily in its development and promotion. One of Easel’s significant feats was persuading IBM to embrace Enfin Smalltalk as the endorsed solution, largely due to it being a native 32-bit OS/2 solution. After enhancing the product with object modelling and relational mapping capabilities, Easel renamed it to ObjectStudio.

Unleashing the Power of Modeling and Mapping in Cincom ObjectStudio

In the dynamic world of software development, Cincom ObjectStudio stands out as a premier tool for crafting custom Windows® applications. Dubbed the “business analyst’s thinking tool,” ObjectStudio is built on the robust, object-oriented programming foundation of Smalltalk. It offers a comprehensive development environment designed to encapsulate complex business models and processes seamlessly. Both ObjectStudio and Cincom VisualWorks are built on the shared foundation of the Cincom Smalltalk Foundation, ensuring a unified and powerful development experience. Next-Generation User Interface (NG UI) Cincom ObjectStudio’s Next Generation User Interface (NG UI) propels application development into the future. It leverages the latest Windows native widgets, eliminating the need for primitives and fully utilizing Smalltalk with FFI (DLLCC) to access the Windows API. This integration supports a wide range of image formats and grants access to advanced GDI+ features, including gradient brushes and alpha blending. The NG UI also introduces a revamped Launcher, providing centralized access to essential tools and resources, enhancing productivity and streamlining the development process. The Essence of Modeling and Mapping Tools At the heart of ObjectStudio are its Modeling and Mapping Tools, designed to bridge the gap between developers and their clients. These tools offer a visual representation of the application, from front-end to back-end, ensuring that all stakeholders are aligned before significant resources are invested. The Modeling and Mapping Tools not only facilitate rapid application development but also provide a platform for demonstrating potential enhancements or validating the feasibility of a project. This clarity is invaluable for business owners, enabling informed decision-making and strategic planning. Object Modeling: A Visual Approach to Complexity The ObjectStudio modeling tool is a powerhouse for designing intricate business objects. It presents a user-friendly interface for object manipulation, supporting case analysis, event diagramming, CRC cards, and UML notations. This tool accelerates the transition from design to deployment, allowing for graphical arrangement of class hierarchies and object relationships. Changes to the model automatically generate the corresponding code, simplifying maintenance and updates. Object Mapping: Streamlining Database Integration The ObjectStudio mapping tool simplifies the connection between objects and databases through visual, drag-and-drop functionality. Its Object Relational Mapper eliminates the need for SQL coding, automating database interactions. This focus on objects over database specifics frees developers to concentrate on application logic, enhancing efficiency and productivity. Round-Trip Engineering: Adapting to Change ObjectStudio’s round-trip engineering ensures that any modifications to the business object model are reflected in the code and vice versa. This continuous synchronization provides developers with an up-to-date business model, facilitating a deeper understanding of complex applications. It empowers business analysts, training personnel, and IT staff to engage more effectively with the enterprise software, reducing the learning curve and accelerating productivity.

See the Cincom ObjectStudio Modeling and Mapping Tools in Action

Interested in exploring the capabilities of the Modeling and Mapping Tools? Here are some examples, demonstrations and tutorials:

• An Introduction to the Modeling and Mapping Tools in Cincom ObjectStudio – https://youtu.be/3vh6EzfFIEY
• Modeling & Mapping Demo #1: Creating the Model – https://youtu.be/VxwDDlNH-4M
• Modeling & Mapping, Tutorials #1: Create the Model – https://youtu.be/ix6UgX_-Oco
• Modeling & Mapping Demo #2: Create Database Tables, Map Them to the Model and Consult a Database – https://youtu.be/RKqazzwiiow
• Modeling & Mapping, Tutorial #2: Create Database Tables, Map Them to the Model and Consult Database – https://youtu.be/kzgfcq9GIR0
• Modeling & Mapping Demo #3: Creating a Simple User Interface and Showing Values from the Database – https://youtu.be/W54YHI_8nwI
• Modeling & Mapping, Tutorial #3: Creating a Simple User Interface & Showing Values from the Database – https://youtu.be/9VnCl_Uvryg
• An Introduction to the Modeling and Mapping Tools in Cincom ObjectStudio (Arden Thomas)
• Modeling Tool Overview Turtorial – An overview of the ObjectStudio Modeling tool, what it is, and what you can do with it.
• Building a Business with Cincom Smalltalk (Arden Thomas and Dirk Verleysen – ESUG)
• Building a Business with Cincom Smalltalk (Arden Thomas and Dirk Verleysen – STIC)

Although partner programs in its current form at Cincom were not present in the early days of Smalltalk, focusing on customer success was a big part of growth and early adoption.Adele Goldberg said:

“What was really important was to make sure people were successful, and so you end up with maybe fewer customers but they were all amazing success stories.”

Amplifying Business Success through Engaging Customer and Partner Narratives

In today’s competitive market landscape, the significance of strategic marketing cannot be overstated. Recognizing this, the Cincom Smalltalk Marketing Team is dedicated to spotlighting the achievements and experiences of our customers and partners. Our Partner Promotion Program is a testament to our commitment to not only support but also elevate the brands within our network.

A Streamlined Process for Maximum Impact

Understanding the constraints of time and resources businesses often face, we’ve designed our process to be both efficient and effective:

1. Initiating the Dialogue: The journey begins with a simple questionnaire. This step is crucial for us to gather insights into the unique aspects of our customers’ and partners’ offerings, including the who, what, how, why, and when.
2. Crafting the Narrative: Armed with this information, our team sets out to weave a compelling story. This may involve further inquiries to truly capture the essence of the product or service, ensuring the narrative resonates with your intended audience.
3. Spreading the Word: Upon approval, the story is ready for the spotlight. We leverage various platforms for this purpose:

1. • A dedicated webpage under the “User Story” section on our website
   • A downloadable PDF for easy sharing
   • Promotion across our social media channels, alongside mentions in our videos, blog posts, email campaigns, and the monthly Cincom Smalltalk Digest

Why Engage with Us?

Cincom stands as a leading commercial provider of Smalltalk, boasting a customer and partner base that is unmatched in size. Our longevity in the industry, coupled with a diverse clientele from various market sectors, underscores our expertise and the trust placed in us by businesses worldwide.

The Essence of Our Approach

Marketing is more than just an operational necessity; it’s a strategic tool that, when used correctly, can unlock untold success. However, the path to effective marketing often presents challenges, from budget constraints to the daunting task of prospect engagement. This is where our Partner Promotion Program steps in, offering a lifeline to businesses that strive to make their mark. Our initiative is not just about telling stories; it’s about creating a platform where success is shared, celebrated, and used as a beacon to attract further success. Whether you’re a long-standing partner or a recent addition to our community, your story is one worth telling.

Join Us in Celebrating Your Success

If you’re intrigued by the prospect of having your story told and amplified through our marketing channels, we invite you to reach out to the Cincom Smalltalk STAR Team at CSSTARTeam@cincom.com. If you are not a customer and are interested in this program, reach out and we will align you with an account executive to get started today. Let’s embark on this journey together, showcasing the power and flexibility of Cincom Smalltalk through your success.

Collaborate, Innovate, and Succeed: Inside the Cincom Smalltalk Partner Program

The Cincom Smalltalk Partner Program is designed to develop and maintain relationships with organizations and individuals who specialize in providing object-oriented solutions. The criterion for a member is based on:

• Ensuring that your technology, products, services, or applications complement the Cincom Smalltalk product line
• Having a shared and aligned vision with Cincom and Cincom Smalltalk
• Having an agreement to cross-link using our partner logo on your website that links to ours

As a member of the Partner Program, not only will you have the opportunity to benefit from the expertise of Cincom Smalltalk, but also tap into the vast experience of your fellow members. Our partners are your partners! Your participation in this program gives you the advantage of offering extended expertise that covers the entire lifecycle, from analysis and design to development, testing, technology transition, implementation, training, project management, and maintenance. Cincom Smalltalk is committed to building relationships within the System Integrator, Developer, and Software Vendor communities. Our Partner Program gives you a cost-effective way to explore and incorporate technology for your business.

• To learn about the programs we offer partners, as well as a full list of benefits for joining the program, click here.

If you’re interested in collaborating together, expanding your reach, and building relationships within the Cincom Smalltalk community, we invite you to reach out to the Cincom Smalltalk STAR Team at CSSTARTeam@cincom.com.