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Demystifying Extender & Python

Extender may well be Orchid's most powerful product, while also being its least understood. Let's see if we can help demystify it a little.
 

What exactly does Extender do?

If there is no easy answer to that it’s only because Extender’s power lies in its versatility. What it can potentially do is really limited only by your imagination.

In short, Extender monitors changes to Sage 300 data, and when a specified event takes place, it initiates a specified action. That action could be as simple as logging details of a data change for audit purposes, or sending an email to advise someone of the change. It might also mean triggering bespoke validation logic, initiating the capture of additional information, or interfacing with external applications.

With Extender, you can also create customized Sage 300 Views and Screens, using Python scripts. This allows you to easily develop your own modules for your customers.

More about Extender:

  • See the Extender product page, where you can also download the product brochure, and find links to selected product videos.
  • While you are there, check out the quotes at the bottom of the page to see what some of our clients think of Extender.
  • Read our earlier blog article for some examples of customisations using Extender. 
  • Read a couple of real life Case Studies to see how K&K Interiors and Western Marketing have benefited from creative implementations of Extender.
  • Browse the articles about Extender in our Knowledge Base (login required).
  • If you are ready to get into the detail, browse our full range of video resources, or download our Extender Training Guide from the Resources area of our website (login required)
The Power of Python
Python

Much of Extender’s flexibility and power comes from the way it integrates with Python scripts. Python is a widely used open source scripting language that lends itself well to being embedded into other applications, such as Orchid Extender.

Python is built upon a philosophy of clarity and readability, making it accessible to those with limited programming experience. It has been consistently ranked in the top 5 of the worlds most popular programming languages by the TIOBE Programming Community index.

Another reason Orchid chose Python is that, as an “interpreted language”, the code doesn’t need to be complied before it can be executed. Amongst other things, this means Extender can store the scripts in the Sage 300 company database, from where they are included in “dump & load” operations, further reducing complexity and risk.
 

More about Python:

There is a wealth of information on the official Python.Org website, as well as on numerous independent sites, but we think these are some good places to start:

 

About the Author:

David Lacey is Communications Manager at Orchid Systems. You can find out more about David and other Orchid staff members at the bottom of our About Us page.

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