How to automate MS Word/Excel?

In Xbase⁺⁺ 1.9, you can use CreateObject() or GetObject() to create an automation object for the Word or Excel application. The AutomationObject can be used just like any ordinary Xbase⁺⁺ object. Nothing else is required. Just use the object's instance variables and methods to access the desired functionality.

I get an error clicking on a cell while filling an Excel sheet via Office automation?

Excel locks the sheet when cells are changed using automation. The sheet is probably locked at the time of the mouse click. In Xbase⁺⁺ 1.9, you can use functions such as COMLastError() to obtain detailed error information.

How can I access a network printer?

If the printer has a driver installed in Control Panel, it can be used together with XbpPrinter class. For text-mode printing, network printers can be addressed using the UNC naming convention (\\<server>\<printer>). New in Xbase⁺⁺ is the possibility to use XbpPrinter objects with the SET PRINTER TO command.

Can I select different fonts for individual items in a list box?

What is the difference between XbpBrowse and XbpQuickBrowse in terms of navigation? What is the advantage of using a DACPagedDataStore?

The XbpBrowser class implements a flexible browser for displaying data in rows and columns. However, various code blocks are used to navigate in and access the data source. If the database backend is accessed over a network, this causes a lot of wire traffic.

XbpQuickBrowse objects, on the other hand, use the DACPagedDataStore class to access the backend. The paged data store implements a set-based navigation scheme. Also, it caches the records in the current page. The XbpQuickBrowse should therefore be used for SQL-based backends and client/server solutions.

How can I react to events when automating MS Outlook?

In Xbase⁺⁺ 1.9, reacting to COM/ActiveX events is similar to using a callback slot of an Xbase Part. In order to react to a certain event, an Xbase⁺⁺ application assigns a code block to the event's callback slot. The callback slot is an instance variable that has the same name as the COM/ActiveX event.