News archive
IBExpert Newsletter 11/2022
Read our latest newsletter here: IBExpert and Firebird News 11/2022
IBExpert Firebird Newsletter 10/2022
IBExpert: How to do it?
Part 1: Automatic comparison of the database structure between several databases
Part 2: Automatic synchronisation of table contents between several databases as a permanently active backup
You can read this month's newsletter here:
How to do it? Automatically synchronise metadata and data and create a permanently active backup!
or download the PDF version.
You can subscribe to our newsletter in the IBExpert Download Center (see Subscribe for details)
Firebird and IBExpert White Paper: ibec_StartTraceSession
Read here: Firebird and IBExpert White Paper: ibec_StartTraceSession (PDF download)
Firebird and IBExpert White Paper
The Cloud and Firebird: The physical fundamentals of failure or
why it works really well when you do it right!
Read here: Firebird and IBExpert White Paper: The Cloud and Firebird (PDF download)
Basic introduction to the Firebird Security Database, port redirection and multi-instances
Read here: Basic introduction to the Firebird Security Database, port redirection and multi-instances
Firebird and IBExpert White Paper:
Advanced debugging event block
Read here: Firebird and IBExpert White Paper: Advanced debugging event block
More examples will be published here during the next few weeks.
Further information regarding IBExpert's IBEBlock feature Event Blocks can be referred to here: Event Blocks.
Firebird and IBExpert White Paper:
DBEncryption Plugin Delphi demo for Firebird 3 and Firebird 4
The second in this series of Firebird DBEncryption documents shows you how to create a Delphi example and pass encryption keys: DBEncryption Plugin Delphi demo for Firebird 3 and Firebird 4
See also: IBExpert Encryption OEM for Firebird 3 and Firebird 4.
Firebird and IBExpert White Paper:
Firebird and REST
Read our newest White Paper all about dealing with REST requests: Firebird and IBExpert White Paper: Firebird and REST
Firebird and IBExpert White Paper:
Firebird external engine and UDRs written in Pascal
An example of UDR functions, triggers and procedures
We have just published a new White Paper explaining Firebird 3's ExternalEngine and UDRs: Firebird and IBExpert White Paper: Firebird external engine and UDRs written in Pascal
IBExpert and Firebird News 01/2022
Topics include:
- White Paper: 3rd Party Backup Solutions on IFS Servers and why we explicitly advise against it!
- IBExpert telephone hotline support
Performance comparison with the new IBExpert Benchmark v2.0
Following the release of our IBExpert Benchmark Tool 2.0, we have revised our Firebird Performance comparison, which you can read here: Firebird Performance comparison of Windows and Linux Operating Systems.
Win a free IBExpert Developer Studio Edition
You will find the IBExpert Benchmark Tool v2.0 in the current IBExpert Developer Studio Edition (2021.11.16). If you do not yet own an active IBExpert Developer Studio full version, download our free IBExpert Benchmark Tool here: https://ibexpert.net/benchmark/setup_benchmark.exe
Post your results on Facebook or Twitter (#IBExpertBenchmark) and win a free IBExpert Developer Studio full version. Details here: Benchmark Offer
IBExpert Firebird Benchmark test result
Post your results on Facebook or Twitter (#IBExpertBenchmark) and win a free IBExpert Developer Studio full version. Details here: https://bit.ly/3pUsajs
White Paper: Firebird 4 versus Firebird 3 single thread performance comparison
We have just published a White Paper, with what some may find as surprising results when comparing Firebird 3 to Firebird 4. It also includes a sample IBEBlock, so that you can perform a comparison in your own environment: White Paper: Firebird 4 versus Firebird 3 single thread performance comparison
We are currently compiling a selection of links and documentation dedicated to Firebird 4, which you can find on our documentation page: Firebird 4.0.
Thoughts on Firebird Performance
A brief paper by Holger Klemt: Thoughts on Firebird Performance.
IBExpert and Firebird News 10/2021
Take a look at our current newsletter!
Topics include:
- Free benchmark test and consultation
- IBExpert Firebird SQL Performance Monitoring
- IBExpert Firebird Database Server
How to start with FbNetExternalEngine, by Jiri Cincura
In this YouTube tutorial, Jiri provides an easy to follow guide to install the FbNetExternalEngine into Firebird and create a simple function.
This example is not just for .NET developers of interest; it shows how easy it is to create a UDR external function and connect it to Firebird as a Plugin.
You can find a comprehensive list of all Firebird and IBExpert related tutorials in the IBExpert Learning Center.
White Paper: Firebird 4 database replication
We have published a White Paper, introducing you to the new Firebird 4 replication feature: White Paper: Firebird 4 Replication
We are currently compiling a selection of links and documentation dedicated to Firebird 4, which you can find on our documentation page: Firebird 4.0.
Firebird 4 technical specifications
Discover the true technical potential of Firebird 4 databases: Firebird 4 technical specifications
Firebird White Paper: Firebird 4 and IBExpert
by Fikret Hasovic, July 2021
Read our new White Paper introducing you to Firebird 4.0, along with tips about what to look out for, when upgrading to Firebird 4 from older versions.
Download the PDF here: White Paper: Firebird 4 and IBExpert
You can find all IBExpert White papers here: Database Technology Articles
Firebird 4.0 has been released!
You can find all download packages here: https://firebirdsql.org/en/firebird-4-0/
Firebird 4.0 introduces new data types and many improvements without radical changes in architecture or operation, the most important are:
- Built-in logical replication;
- Extended length of metadata identifiers (up to 63 characters);
- New INT128 and DECFLOAT data types, longer precision for NUMERIC/DECIMAL data types;
- Support for international time zones;
- Configurable time-outs for connections and statements;
- Pooling of external connections;
- Batch operations in the API;
- Built-in cryptographic functions;
- New ODS (version 13) with new system and monitoring tables;
- Maximum page size increased to 32KB.
Link to the Firebird 4.0 Release Notes (along with all Firebird Release Notes) can be found in our online documentation here:
Firebird documentation
Link to the Firebird 4.0 Language Reference (together with all Firebird Languages References) can be found in our online documentation here:
Firebird SQL language references
Firebird White Paper: Firebird 3 Stored Functions
by Fikret Hasovic, May 2021
Read our new White Paper explaining Firebird 3's stored functions and demonstrating how easy they are to implement in your database development.
Download the PDF here: White Paper: Firebird 3 Stored Functions
You can find all IBExpert White papers here: Database Technology Articles
We are here for you!
There is still time to order your IBExpert software this year. For payments received today, the 21st December 2020, we will activate your product before the end of the year.
- IBExpert Developer Studio Edition
- IBExpert Developer Studio Day Edition
- IBExpert Enterprise Server Year Edition
- IBExpert Server Tools
- IBExpert & Firebird Hotline (for hotline/support appointments from 4th January 2021)
Is your software subscription about to expire? Please check our email reminder, which contains your order link.
Is your IBExpert Software Subscription still valid? Please take note of our reminder to renew your IBExpert Software Subscription, which you will receive by email 4 weeks before your software subscription expires. Your order link is included in this email.
IBExpert Firebird IFS Server
30% discount on all newly purchased Firebird IFS basic rack servers IFS2020ML with Linux server operating system*
We offer Firebird servers, as they should be. We won't reveal the technology used, but the end result is unbeatable performance, because we know what we need to put in, in order to accelerate your work.
Start the new year with your new Firebird server plus remote maintenance and support. We support you with the server setup and are there for you in case of modifications requests, such as backup/restore schedules or any issues. With us you will not experience infinite loops but direct contact with our specialists.
You can order the latest generation of our Firebird IFS Rackservers 2020 as a basic version with Linux operating system. The Firebird IFS2020ML server basic version comes with 500GB SSD storage space. The IFS2020ML reliably achieves IBExpert benchmark values between 230% and 400% with the current Firebird 64-bit Linux version, and our pre-installed configuration has proven to be extremely fast and reliable.
We are happy to offer further Firebird IFS2020 servers to meet your requirements on request: sales@ibexpert.biz.
We can analyse your current system within a short period of time and offer you a conversion to a high-performance system for the use of Firebird. Contact us and order your hotline credit. 60 minutes should be sufficient for an initial analysis: IBExpert and Firebird hotline - you can order here: https://order.shareit.com/cart/add?vendorid=24948&PRODUCT%5B300766149%5D=1.
* Our end-of-year offer is valid until 31.12.2020 (receipt of payment). Please send your effectual order with all requisite details by e-mail to sales@ibexpert.biz.
Our new IBExpert and Firebird Forum is online - register now
All questions regarding the IBExpert software and the Firebird database are welcome.
In order to ensure basic protection against bots and the like, we have added a mandatory login authorization for access to the URL.
You can access the forum here: https://ibexpert.com/forum
You must enter the user name SYSDBA together with the default password m***y, familiar to all Firebird users, at least once before you can register or log in.
Once you have accessed the forum, you can then register using your own personal details.
If you need more information about the forum, or have any questions or requests, please contact us at register@ibexpert.com.
IBExpert Benchmark Tool - Free special version
Compare your computer performance and test the speed of your Firebird Windows server with the free IBExpert Benchmark Tool. ... continue reading.
New IBExpert Version 2019.11.13 available
The free IBExpert Personal Edition and the IBExpert Developer Studio full versions now include a free IBExpert Watchdog Version S in the Tools directory. The S version may also be distributed free of charge.
This year's Firebird Conference from October 17 - 19, 2019 in Berlin, will feature highly interesting topics dedicated to large Firebird databases.
Be sure to make a note: By Holger Klemt and Christian Diercks: Advanced IBExpert
 | Advanced IBExpert - See the possibilities in IBExpert for your daily administration work - IBExpert IDE features you might not know - Drag and drop - Debugging and logging, monitoring and trace API - Customizing the IDE, on connect scripting - The user database and what you can do with it - Interactive metadata and data comparer - Database inside, repair corrupt databases, when Gfix etc fails - Running scripts from IDE, command line or DLL - New product: IBExpert Watchdog |
Further top sessions from IBExpert
 | Advanced IBExpert Scripting - How to automate your daily tasks with IBExpert tools and IBEBlock scripting - Connect a script to ODBC and Firebird, switching between connections - Advanced exception handling in IBEBlock scripts - INSERTEX and EXPORT AS - Convert your database from any Charset to UTF8 or other using IBEBlock scripting - Load and save blobs and files - Load data from internet URLs and process - ibec_RecompileTrigger, ibec_RecompileProcedure, ibec_CompareMetadata, ibec_ExtractMetadata - ibec_CompareTables - OEM and IBExpert Server Tools licensing |
All IBExpert software products and software subscriptions will be offered at a 50% discount only at the Firebird Conference.
- You can order directly at our conference stand (offer also applies to early renewal of your software subscription) and pay cash or with your VISA/MC/EC card.
- If you are not allowed to place orders for your company yourself, you can obtain an order form at our stand to use for your purchase at our special prices until 30.10.2019.
- The order form may also be used to extend your current valid IBExpert Software subscription at the special rates.
(All prices are prepayment prices plus VAT. Please send your completed and legally signed order form by e-mail to the address given on the form.)
Register now so that you do not miss any of our top topics.
This year's Firebird Conference will focus on Firebird 4 and include a series of workshops: advanced presentations and practical exercises. We want to make it more educational, more practical, and less theoretical.
Direct links to the organizer’s sites:
FBCon 2019: Early Bird registration ends May 31, 2019
IBExpert is a silver sponsor of this year's FBCon 2019 in Berlin!
We look forward to seeing you October 17th to October 19th, in Berlin, Germany, at the hotel Holiday Inn Berlin City East - Landsberger Allee.
Find out more about the conference and book your place here: https://firebirdsql.org/en/firebird-conference-2019/
IBExpert and Firebird Workshop
Firebird Administrator intensive training focusing on speed, security and interfaces.
In our workshop we focus on the tasks an administrator needs to perform to effectively operate a Firebird server. The aim is to achieve the optimum speed for the hardware and software used, to guarantee maximum operational reliability, and to be optimally prepared for a breakdown by means of a suitable worst-case scenario. We will also concentrate on the independent implementation of simple requirements in the areas of import, export and reporting.
The workshop will also include the presentation of our new tool IBEGbak.exe. This tool can greatly speed up the runtimes of your backups and, in particular, the restore process to a backup server.
IBExpert und Firebird Power Workshop
16th-17th April 2019, 9am-5pm, language: German, Holiday Inn Express Frankfurt Airport, Germany
24th-25th April 2019, 9am-5pm, language: English, Holiday Inn Express Frankfurt Airport, Germany
10th-11th June 2019, 9am-5pm, language: Indiegrove, 121 Newark Ave 5th Floor, Jersey City, New Jersey 07302 United States
We are also happy to come to you! Our workshops can be booked as company training and all topics can be customized to fit your requirements. Too little time? All workshops are also possible as remote training!
Firebird 4.0 Beta 1 release is available for testing
The Firebird Project announces the first Beta release of Firebird 4.0, the next major version of the Firebird relational database, which is now available for testing.
This Beta release arrives with features and improvements already implemented by the Firebird development team, as well as with countless bugfixes. ... continue reading on the firebirdnews.org website.
Please read the Firebird 4.0 Release Notes carefully before installing and testing this Beta release.
IBExpert and Firebird Power Workshops 2019
Firebird Administrator intensive training focusing on speed, security and interfaces.
In our Firebird Power Workshop we focus on the tasks an administrator needs to perform to effectively operate a Firebird server. The aim is to achieve the optimum speed for the hardware and software used, to guarantee maximum operational reliability, and to be optimally prepared for a breakdown by means of a suitable worst-case scenario. We will also concentrate on the independent implementation of simple requirements in the areas of import, export and reporting.
- 16th-17th April 2019, language: German, Holiday Inn Express Frankfurt Airport, Germany
- 24th-25th April 2019, language: English, Holiday Inn Express Frankfurt Airport, Germany
- 10th-11th June 2019, language: English, New Jersey City, NJ, USA
Registration by phone: +49 (0) 4407 3148770 or by e-mail to sales@ibexpert.biz. We are also happy to come to you! Our workshops can be booked as company training and all topics can be customized to fit your requirements. Too little time? All workshops are also possible as remote training!
Firebird 4.0 data types
TIME ZONE
Initial support in IBExpert since version 2018.12.15. Time zone support consists of TIME WITH TIME ZONE and TIMESTAMP WITH TIME ZONE data types, expressions and statements to work with time zones and conversion between data types without/with time zones. Refer to TIME ZONE for details.
BINARY, VARBINARY, BINARY VARYING
IBExpert support since version 2018.12.15. Refer to BINARY, VARBINARY, BINARY VARYING (Firebird 4.0) for details.
DECFLOAT
Refer to DECFLOAT (Firebird 4.0) for further information.
Enhancement in precision of calculations with NUMERIC/DECIMAL (Firebird 4.0)
Since version 2017.12.03 IBExpert supports Firebird 4 NUMERIC/DECIMAL datatpes with a maximum precision fo 34 digits.
You can read the full Firebird 4.0 Release Notes for the Firebird 4.0 Alpha 1 Release here: Firebird 4.0 Release Notes.
The way to the Cloud and Firebird
A White Paper by Holger Klemt
The cloud does not mean loss of control, but can be a good addition to the existing infrastructure, or even a replacement, together with an independent, competent partner as consultant. Stay independent!
Read the full article here ...
IBExpert and Firebird News 01/2019
Our monthly newsletter was published earlier this week. If you haven't received it, please check your settings in your IBExpert Download Center account:
Log in to the IBExpert Download Center with your customer data, click on My Account (top right), then Change, and check the I would like to receive the IBExpert newsletter box to activate the free subscription. You will then receive our monthly IBExpert and Firebird news by e-mail, with information on new IBExpert product releases and updates, current white papers and case studies, information about our events, workshops and conferences and of course special IBExpert product promotions.
IBExpert software new prices 01.01.2019
Our new price list is valid from January 1, 2019.
Our offices close on December 21, 2018 at 2pm for the holidays. We will be back again on January 2, 2019.
The 2018 price list applies to all orders received by December 20, 2018, as long as payment is received by January 7, 2019 at the latest.
Blaise Pascal Magazine writes about the LazProCon 2018 in Bonn
- About the Lazarus Professional Event By Detlef Overbeek
- Photo Page "made in Bonn" Lazarus Professional Event
- Gaming Engine Michalis Kamburelis By Detlef Overbeek
English-language IBExpert Firebird Developer Week
Next date in Orlando, Florida, USA: December 4th-6th, 2018
Holger Klemt will present 3 individual training sessions. You can sign up for each individual session, or all sessions.
Please mail contact@ibexpert.com for more information and to make reservations!
Further information here: IBExpert Firebird Developer Week
Important Bug Fix Version:
IBExpert 2018.08.03 now available for download
Please update your installation at the next opportunity from the IBExpert Download Center.
Fully automated update process
As long as you have IBExpert Direct activated in your IBExpert application, you will automatically be informed of all new updates, and automatically directed to the IBExpert Download Center, as soon as they are available. You can find out more about IBExpert Direct in our online documentation.
Subscribe to our newsletter
As part of our commitment to GDPR, we would like to ensure that your email subscription permissions are current, and we need to verify that you want to keep receiving this information.
Log into your IBExpert Download Center account, click My Account (top right) then Change and activate the I would like to receive the IBExpert newsletter checkbox to subscribe. You will then continue to receive:
- Information about new IBExpert product releases and product updates
- Latest Whitepapers and case studies
- Invitations to events
- Special pricing promotions for IBExpert products
Has your subscription expired?
- Purchase your IBExpert 12 month software subscription by mailing mailto: sales@ibexpert.biz.
- Is your software still valid for an IBExpert subscription? Check our software conditions here.
Visit IBExpert at the 15th Firebird Developer Day, Brazil
Do not miss the chance to participate in the biggest Firebird event in the world, 18th August, in Piracicaba-SP: https://www.FirebirdDevelopersDay.com.br
Special promotion of IBExpert for purchases on the day of the event for all participants!
E aí, ainda não se inscreveu para o 15º FDD? As vagas estão acabando, não perca a chance de participar do maior evento sobre Firebird no mundo, dia 18/Agosto, em Piracicaba-SP: https://www.FirebirdDevelopersDay.com.br
Isso também é bom para os participantes, pois teremos promoção do IBExpert para compra no dia do evento!
Firebird White Paper
Software Performance Optimization
Holger Klemt, February 2018
Have you read our latest Firebird IBExpert White Paper: Software Performance Optimization yet?
- Read the online version here
- Download the PDF version here
- Find out more about our bootcamps here
- View a selection of our White Papers here
Any questions?
Mail sales@ibexpert.biz or, if you are situated in the US: contact@ibexpert.com. We are looking forward to hearing from you!
IBExpert Developer Week: April 9th - April 13th, 2018 in Orlando, Florida, USA
Make sure you do not miss this event. Holger Klemt, who has over 30 years development experience, will be visiting us from Germany and will present 3 individual training sessions. You can sign up for each individual session.
- IBExpert Firebird Database Administration/Maintenance and best practice session on April 9th - April 10th
- IBExpert Firebird Data Replication on April 11th
- IBExpert Firebird Web Development on April 12th - April 13th
Please mail contact@ibexpert.com for more information and to make reservations!
We are taking a well-earned break from 22nd December 2017 - 1st January 2018!
Please note that IBExpert GmbH and IBExpert Ltd cannot be reached by phone over Christmas and the New Year. All incoming emails will be answered upon our return in 2018.
Please order your IBExpert IFS Server, IBExpert software, IBExpert software subscriptions and workshops/training courses no later than 18th December 2017, so that we can process your orders in time.
New prices 1st January 2018
Our IBExpert Developer Studio Edition/Subscription is a few cents a day more expensive, but of course you will still have access to IBExpert software versions in the IBExpert Download Center, which are compatible with current operating systems and the latest Firebird versions.
Order in 2017 at the old prices!
Special offer: for all orders received in 2017, we will still charge you the old prices, as long as payment is received by 15th January 2018.
Activate IBExpert Direct in your IBExpert application, and you will automatically be informed about all new IBExpert versions.
We publish details of all new IBExpert features regularly on our website. Go to What's New to view all the latest IBExpert features, or subscribe to our monthly newsletter. ...more.
You can find a summary of all IBExpert products, services and prices here.
Database web applications using Firebird
In our 2-day training course Database web applications using Firebird, you will learn all knowledge necessary to visualize data from a Firebird database via an Apache web server on Windows or Linux with minimal PHP knowledge.
... further information (English)
... the next German-language course
Dates for your diary
- October 16th-18th: IBExpert Firebird Bootcamp in Mannheim, Germany
- October 19th: IBExpert IFS Roadshow in Mannheim, Germany
- December 4th-5th: Database web applications using Firebird in Wardenburg, Germany.
Alternatives to virtualization for database servers
The latest generation of IFS servers are 100% dedicated Firebird servers.
Read today's White Paper to learn about the benefits you can expect compared to most virtual machines, and how database operations can be run on average 10 times faster.
Our database expert Holger Klemt speaks in his white paper about fail-safe high-performance hardware solutions for Firebird databases: Whitepaper: Alternatives to virtualization for database servers Δ.
Have you booked yet?
- 8th - 10th May 2017: German-language Bootcamps in Wardenburg, Germany
Firebird 3.0.2 has been released!
The primary goals for Firebird 3.0 were to unify the server architecture and to improve support for SMP and multiple-core hardware platforms. Parallel objectives were to improve threading of engine processes and the options for sharing page cache across thread and connection boundaries.
Alongside these aims came new strategies to improve performance, query optimization, monitoring and scalability and to address the demand for more security options. A number of popular features were introduced into the SQL language, including the long-awaited support for the Boolean data type and the associated logical predications.
Press release and download: https://firebirdsql.org/en/firebird-3-0-2/
Considering Firebird Replication?
Check out our IBExpert Firebird Replication FAQs, or study our White Papers:
- White paper: Firebird Replication
- White paper: Big Data, Replication or where are the limits of Firebird?
Firebird 3.0.1 sub-release is available
Firebird Project has announced general availability of Firebird 3.0.1 - the first point release in the Firebird 3.0 series.
This sub-release offers many bug fixes and also adds a few improvements, please refer to the Release Notes for the full list of changes. Binary kits for Windows and Linux on both 32-bit and 64-bit platforms are immediately available for download.
Firebird 3 Encryption Plugin
Our new Firebird 3 Encryption Plugin will be available from October 1st, and included in all valid IBExpert Developer Studio editions and in the IBExpert Server Tools for use on the registered computer(s). A trial version is available immediately; if you are interested, please mail sales@ibexpert.biz.
OEM Distribution and Source Code editions are available upon request.
IBExpert, LLC has opened an office in Orlando, Florida
We are pleased to announce the opening of a new office location in Orlando, Florida in order to respond to increased demand for our services in the United States region. Our goal is to improve our capabilities to assist, support and consult clients throughout North and South America. Together with a professional development team in the USA and Germany we will be able to better meet our client needs. ... more.
IBExpert Firebird 2.x/3 Bootcamp: October 26th-27th, 2016 in Orlando, Florida, USA
The Orlando IBExpert office is looking forward to welcoming our founder Holger Klemt in Orlando. Holger will hold a 2 day IBExpert Firebird 2.x/3 Bootcamp covering Firebird administration/replication/security/performance topics October 26th-27th, 2016.
All participants will have the chance to purchase all IBExpert software products at special Bootcamp rates!
... ... IBExpert Firebird 2.x/3 Bootcamp October 26th-27th, 2016 in Orlando, Florida, USA.
What our customers have to say about our bootcamps:
"Three days pure Firebird: Firebird internals, Firebird replication, Firebird configuration, repairing Firebird, optimizing Firebird, basically: all things Firebird. It's not possible to pack more Firebird theory and practice into three days!
"The very next day, following the recommendations, we set about configuring a new PC as a Firebird server, initially without any software optimization: a LIKE search across all data by customer name previously took about 15 seconds, with the new server 2 seconds. Price of the previous server: 3,500 €, price of the new FB-Server PC: 1,000 €.
"We will need a few months to digest it all, and implement other parts of our newly gained knowledge. Thanks for the video recordings; they help enormously!"
Chris Hölzemann, Jürgen Medart, Ingenieurbüro Medart
"We would like to thank you for an excellent workshop. We've really learnt a lot about Firebird and IBExpert. The following topics were particularly important for ourselves: transaction control und error detection; Firebird database replication; shadows; developing Client/Server apps; hardware recommendations and Firebird server configuration; upgrade to Firebird 3.0 and the advantages compared to Firebird 2.5.
"PS: This was by far the best workshop I've ever participated in!"
Jakob Töws, Tele-Trac Kommunikations GmbH
"The bootcamp was, as was my previous participation in several IBExpert courses or workshops, very informative. Customer projects that I have implemented and which have been in use for a long time (replication, archive database, log triggers, etc. ...), can now be extended and optimized even further on the basis of the newly acquired knowledge.
"Working with IBExpert is continually improved, thus I can develop much faster in the database and integrate these improvements in customer projects and also in our ERP software.
"Holger Klemt also constantly offers tips, advice and guidance based on his very long experience, among other things: what should be taken into consideration when implementing customer requirements, so that you can avoid a variety of "beginner mistakes" from the outset, which would otherwise make life very difficult later.
"Participation in IBExpert workshops is firmly fixed in my schedule every 1-2 years."
Michael Clemens, Line Software GmbH
We still have some places available for the September and November dates! Book now to guarantee your place!
White Paper: Firebird Replication
By Holger Klemt
A very interesting paper, which illustrates the flexible development of a Firebird replication: From the early beginnings of a database application to modern replication technology, concluding with key figures of a customer project.
A must-read for anyone using or contemplating replication!
You can download the White Paper here: PDF download.
Using IBEBlock to change all triggers
Have you ever tried to change all existing triggers, because they need to ignore the operation of a specific user?
This is extremely easy using the IBEBlock scripting language and Firebird 2.x as you can see in this example, which will simply add another line of code if (current_user<>'R$') then begin after the first begin and an additional end at the end of the source code. This is used in our replication system to ignore operations initiated by the replication user R$.
execute ibeblock
as
begin
DB = ibec_CreateConnection(__ctInterBase,
'DBName="LOCALHOST/3050:C:\db\db.FDB";
ClientLib=C:\Program Files (x86)\HK-Software\IBExpert\IBEUDB\fbembed.dll;
User=SYSDBA; Password=masterke; Names=NONE; SqlDialect=3;');
use db;
for
select rdb$triggers.rdb$trigger_name,rdb$triggers.rdb$trigger_source
from rdb$triggers
where rdb$triggers.rdb$trigger_name not containing '$'
and rdb$triggers.rdb$relation_name not containing '$'
and rdb$triggers.rdb$trigger_source not containing 'R$'
into trgn,trgsrc
do
begin
trgsrc=ibec_StringReplace(trgsrc,'begin','begin if current_user<>R$ then begin',__rfIgnoreCase);
trgsrc=trgsrc||'
end';
update rdb$triggers set rdb$triggers.rdb$trigger_source =:trgsrc where rdb$triggers.rdb$trigger_name=:trgn;
end
commit;
ibec_RecompileTrigger(db,'');
end
You can find many more IBEBlock examples in our online documentation: IBEBlock examples.
IBExpert Firebird Admin Bootcamp
From August 2016 onwards, IBExpert is offering an optional additional day to the Firebird 3 Bootcamps: The Firebird Admin Bootcamp (currently planned in German; if you're interested in an English-language course, please mail sales@ibexpert.biz). This one-day Bootcamp can be booked together with the IBExpert Firebird 3 Bootcamp or separately as an individual day course.
You can find details on our website:
You can book your place by email to sales@ibexpert.biz.
We also offer both Firebird bootcamps as corporate training at your premises. If interested please mail sales@ibexpert.biz and we will send you our written offer.
Benefit from the knowledge of the IBExpert database experts.
IBExpert Firebird 3 Bootcamp
From August 2016 onwards, IBExpert will once again be offering regular monthly workshops, currently planned in German (if you're interested in an English-language course, please mail sales@ibexpert.biz).
The Firebird 3 Bootcamp is for admins and developers who have been actively working with Firebird for at least 2 years. The focus is on upgrading to Firebird 3 and optimization of your own database environment (also for Firebird 2.x). You can expect interesting talks covering all aspects of Firebird, IBExpert, Lazarus and Delphi development. The focus is on the practical application of the technologies and methods presented, which can also be implemented with other programming languages. ... read more here.
Optionally you can also participate on the additional third day: IBExpert Firebird Admin Bootcamp?.
Benefit from the knowledge of the IBExpert database experts.
Discontinuation of the IBExpert Desktop Edition
Development cycles are becoming ever shorter and continual innovations mean that it is hardly possible any longer to provide a software product without a subscription service.
This is nothing new or even surprising. It just means that in the foreseeable future nothing will remain as it is today and which we use and accept as a matter of fact. To keep up with progress, it is essential not to ignore new developments. Which also means that no one should work a long time without updates.
Consequently, we have decided to discontinue the development and sale of the IBExpert Desktop Edition with immediate effect.
New IBExpert Tutorial:
IBExpert Database Designer
There are many situations where it can be useful to create Firebird database diagrams to provide a better understanding of an existing database, or to aid the planning of new Firebird databases. The IBExpert Database Designer is a comprehensive tool, which allows database objects to be managed visually. View in our Learning Center or on our YouTube channel.
Read the full documentation on our website: Database Designer.
The German-language version is to be released shortly!
Firebird 3.0 has been released!
White Paper: Big Data, Replication or "Where are the limits of Firebird?"
By Holger Klemt
A very interesting paper about a customer project, where we developed multimaster replication for EPOS systems. This demonstrates just how efficient Firebird is, when using the right hardware and replication configuration.
A must-read for anyone using or contemplating replication!
You can download the White Paper here: PDF download.
Firebird Developer Days 2016
English language: 23rd-25th May 2016 in Frankfurt/Main, Germany
The Firebird Developer Days is the training event for Delphi and Lazarus developers who want to benefit from the knowledge of the IBExpert database experts. You can expect interesting talks covering all aspects of Firebird, IBExpert, Lazarus and Delphi development. The focus is on the practical application of the technologies and methods presented, which can also be implemented with other programming languages. You can view the range of planned topics here: English | German, and fees here.
Optional: Power Workshop Replication 26th May 2016
For participants from further afield Holger Klemt is offering an individual Power Workshop on the Thursday. Building upon a basic knowledge of replication, we will provide you with indepth knowledge on the subject of IBExpert and Firebird replication. Further information here.
Firebird 4.0 roadmap and checklist
The Firebird Foundation have just published their roadmap and checklist for Firebird 4.0: https://www.firebirdsql.org/en/planning-board/. The first Alpha release is planned for later this year.
The official Firebird 3 RC2 is now available for testing!
Firebird Project announces the second Release Candidate of Firebird 3.0, the next major version of the Firebird relational database, which is now available for testing.
This Release Candidate demonstrates the complete set of features and improvements developed for the new release. Release Candidates are generally considered stable enough and may be recommended for testing in “almost-production” environments. Please report about any found bugs to the bugtracker.
Please read the Release Notes carefully before installing and testing this Release Candidate.
IBExpert file system inventory tips and tricks
Have you ever tried to find how many large duplicate files are taking up space on your storage system?
We had the same idea and used some very easy IBExpert scripts to read all network files into a database. With about 8 million files on several NAS systems, the tools available in Microsoft Windows are not really helpful. Here you can find our solution, including sample code, using IBExpert's IBEBlock scripting language and a Firebird database for storing the inventory.
View the full example in our IBBlock online documentation: IBExpert file system inventory tips and tricks.
