Visual FoxPro: The Evolution and Legacy of an xBase Powerhouse
Visual FoxPro (VFP) stands as a unique chapter in the history of software development. Emerging from the xBase family of languages—a group of languages with syntax based on the original dBase—VFP evolved into more than just a database tool. It became a comprehensive environment capable of handling complex data manipulation and application development.
Unlike many database management systems that require a separate general-purpose programming environment, Visual FoxPro is a full-featured, dynamic programming language. It integrates its own relational database engine, allowing developers to utilize SQL (Structured Query Language) for data manipulation directly within the language. This versatility enabled the creation of traditional "fat client" applications (software where the bulk of processing occurs on the local machine), as well as middleware and web applications.
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Key Facts
- Language Family: Part of the xBase family, alongside Clipper and Recital.
- Core Strength: Tightly integrated relational database engine with SQL support.
- Final Version: Visual FoxPro 9 (VFP9) was the last commercial release.
- Peak Popularity: Reached position 12 on the TIOBE Index in June 2006.
- End of Life: Official Microsoft support for Version 9 ended on January 13, 2015.
The Rise and Fall of VFP Popularity
The trajectory of Visual FoxPro's popularity is well-documented by the TIOBE Programming Community Index. The language saw a rapid ascent, breaking into the top 20 in December 2005 and peaking at 12th place in June 2006, earning it a "B" language classification at the time. However, its presence has since declined, holding position 29 as of May 2025.
Beyond Windows, VFP's flexibility was demonstrated in late 2002 when it was shown to run on Linux using the Wine Windows compatibility suite. This cross-platform capability led to a dispute in 2003, with Microsoft claiming that deploying runtime FoxPro code on non-Windows machines violated the End User License Agreement.
The Transition to Sedna and Community Efforts
In March 2007, Microsoft announced that there would be no Visual FoxPro 10, effectively making VFP9 the final commercial release. This sparked a grassroots campaign by the Spanish-speaking community at MásFoxPro, who petitioned Microsoft to either continue updates or open-source the language.
In response, Microsoft released Sedna on January 25, 2008. Named after a dwarf planet, Sedna was not a new version but a set of xBase component add-ons for VFP 9.0. These components were designed to improve interoperability with other Microsoft technologies, including:
- SQL Server 2005
- .NET Framework
- Windows Vista and Windows Search
- Office 2007
- Team Foundation Server (TFS)
While the VFP core remained closed source, Microsoft released Sedna and other xBase components of VFP 9 SP2 under a Shared source license on CodePlex to allow for community development.
Microsoft's Rationale for Discontinuation
Alan Griver of Microsoft explained that continuing to evolve the FoxPro base would have required a near-complete rewrite of the core product to create a 64-bit development environment. Additionally, Microsoft had shifted its focus toward scalable databases like SQL Server, including the SQL Server Express Edition. Microsoft also noted that partnering with a third party might have alienated large corporate customers who required an approved vendor for their software stack.
Version Timeline
| Version | Release Date |
|---|---|
| Visual FoxPro 3.0 | June 1995 |
| Visual FoxPro 5.0 | October 1996 |
| Visual FoxPro 5.0a | October 1997 |
| Visual FoxPro 6.0 | 18 May 1998 |
| Visual FoxPro 7.0 | 27 June 2001 |
| Visual FoxPro 8.0 | 1 February 2003 |
| Visual FoxPro 8.0 Service Pack 1 | 7 October 2003 |
| Visual FoxPro 9 | 20 December 2004 |
| Visual FoxPro 9 Service Pack 1 | 8 December 2005 |
| Visual FoxPro 9 Service Pack 2 | 16 October 2007 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the relationship between Visual FoxPro and xBase?
Visual FoxPro is a member of the xBase family of languages, meaning its syntax is based on the dBase programming language. Other examples of xBase languages include Clipper and Recital.
Why did Microsoft stop developing Visual FoxPro?
Microsoft stated that evolving the language would have required an almost complete rewrite of the core to support a 64-bit environment. They also pivoted toward SQL Server for scalable database needs.
What was the "Sedna" project?
Sedna was a set of add-ons for VFP 9.0 released on CodePlex. It provided xBase components to help VFP interoperate with newer Microsoft technologies like the .NET Framework and SQL Server 2005.
Is Visual FoxPro open source?
No. While Microsoft released certain components (like Sedna) under a Shared source license on CodePlex, the VFP core remained closed source.
When did official support for Visual FoxPro 9 end?
Official support for Microsoft Visual FoxPro 9 ended on January 13, 2015.