Agile Toolkit 4.2 Includes a New Data Model

In their constant efforts to improve Agile Toolkit, the developers released version 4.2 this spring. It offers a complete re-work of the model architecture and user interface. It also aims to improve compatibility. One of the changes that helps with compatibility is the new data model.

The developers rewrote all the base classes for Models and Relational Models, so that they comply better with users’ needs. For once, the new syntax is less complex, which makes it easier for users to understand it and implement it when the need arises. Also, the changes make development more efficient and allows for more extensibility.

The release notes taken from the website indicate the new features to access databases include:

• Support for sub-selects
• Proper support for "or"
• Support for expressions
• Vendor-specific syntax changes (such as $dsql->limit($a,$b))
• Custom arguments and templates
• Full iterator support

Full details on the re-written models and relational models are also available in the release notes.

The move made by the developers’ team with Agile Toolkit 4.2 is also a business move. So far, the framework has been quite successful with small companies. The Agile team implemented support for relational databases, such as SQLite and PostgreSQL, in hopes of attracting larger companies that rely on those databases.

However, Agile’s versatility stretches beyond these two databases. According to the developers, any PHP Data Object (PDO) powered database can make use of Agile Toolkit 4.2, due to possible expansions that can be implemented for additional support.

A handful of use cases are available on the website. The list shows several new projects launched in 2012 including the online accounting program called Sort My Books pictured here.

Agile Toolkit is available free under the AGPL license terms. Developer’s that want to keep their code base closed can purchase a license for a single domain or an annual subscription for unlimited domains and applications. They claim that Agile Toolkit is “ALWAYS faster development.

Even for small things.” Do you think it’s worth a look for your next project?