We are getting ready to upgrade the server to 8.5.1, and I’ve been told that if I use code for 8.5.1 in our databases, that the application may break for anyone using a Notes8 basic client.
I’d like to get feedback on development issues people are having.
Subject: No different than any other version before
If you use version specific functionality that does not exist in an older version it will either not show up or give the user errors. With the Rich Client, it’s more likely that they just wont see it: like Composite Applications, Xpages, or Widgets.
Keep yourself within the boundaries of the version your users have an you will be good.
Subject: as john said
as far as you stay clear from any new design elements, you can use apps developed using 8.5.1. for older client versions.
I’m using 8.5.1 designer since it came out to develop for mixed Notes 6 and 8 clients and I’ve seen no problems.
In fact I cannot recall any problem of this kind over all my experience developing for Notes. I’ve frequently used later versions of designer to develop for earlier client versions - as far as you take care not use any new features and do not create NSF files using incompatible ODS - it has always worked smoothly.
Subject: well there is one case that we’ve seen recently
when you save script library in the new eclipse editor “with errors”, then switch back to earlier version or non-eclipse editor, you may end up seeing different code in different environments. Or getting notification that a particular subroutine already exists even if you see just one instance of it.
Copying all script library text in eclipse editor, saving as lss file and importing it in earlier version allows to synch back both environments.