Converting "dirt bound" database tables to Force.com objects

by Jon Mountjoy on January 9, 2009 at 05:52 AM

I must admit, it's the first time I've heard the phrase "dirt bound" - and judging from a Google search for its definition, I think it's a recent invention. Presumably, it's something "not in the cloud" :-)

Reid Carlberg blogged over on Model Metrics about an interesting new project that's he's just added to Code Share: Cloud Converter.

From the description: Cloud Converter is a Java application that inspects dirt bound database table metadata and then uses the Salesforce.com metadata API to create that object in the clouds. It creates the object, updates the default page layout and creates a tab. It then migrates the data from your dirt bound database to the clouds. Supports any dirt bound database accessible via a JDBC driver. This has been tested with Apache Derby (as a sample), MySQL and Lotus Notes.

Presumably, because the Force.com database automatically generates CRUD screens, you also get a fully functioning app around your dirt bound db too. (If you're new to our database, check out my article).

This is an open source project, so if you have some Java/Force.com skills, please join in. I'd love to see some support for relationships. Starting with 1-1 and 1-Many. Ahhh. With the auto CRUD stuff it's almost like reverse engineering of an application!

Oh, and if you're a graphic designer, I think the project could do with a nice logo too ;-)

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Posted by Reid Carlberg on January 9, 2009 06:06 AM:

Hey thanks for the link and you're spot on on a couple of important points:

* Dirt bound is new, a subset of the also new dirt computing, and it is in fact the opposite of "in the clouds".

* Cloud Converter could definitely use a good logo. :) And a good UI -- right now it's a set of scripts with instructions and examples on how to use them. If you have Java and Eclipse, it's pretty easy to get started.

Side note -- we've got a start on a decent UI (it's in the code) but I figured it was more interesting to release this now than to wait until I completed that.

Would love to hear any feedback.

Cheers!

Posted by Steve Nitura on January 9, 2009 03:22 PM:

I would like to replicate an appointment on my calendar for the next 53 weeks, how can I do that?

Posted by Jon Mountjoy on January 12, 2009 03:29 AM:

Not sure what your comment is about Steve.

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