Billing it as a "...rapid application development (RAD) tool for creating relational database applications," Microsoft FoxPro is essentially an IDE focused on the creation of database applications and components. The built in SOAP toolkit allows developers to both create and consume Web services. Additionally, when used with an IIS Web server, COM components created with Visual FoxPro can be called from within Active Server Pages, and the FoxISAPI allows for more direct IIS/FoxPro application integration. While Microsoft recommends MS Access for those new to database development or in use with Microsoft Office; Visual FoxPro is the recommended tool for the actual development of database applications.

Key features in later releases of FoxPro include support for Database Events (triggers with the ability to fire automatically when a DB is opened, closed, or modified); an included version of MSDE (Microsoft SQL Server 2000 Desktop Engine) allowing for simplified migration of FoxPro applications to SQL Server as the need arises; and OLE DB provider support allowing external OLE DB aware applications to access FoxPro data.

Other notable capabilities include batch processing, SQL support, the "Command Window" allowing developers to interact with the IDE at application runtime; and support for COM+ services. InstallShield Express is included for simplified application deployment.

Visit Microsoft's Visual FoxPro Web site for further information.