**************************************************************************** Instructions for AmiBase Version 3.76 Written,devised and programmed by Keith Grant August 1989 MY ADDRESS - 15 LAUREL DRIVE TILEHURST READING BERKSHIRE RG3 5DY ENGLAND. ***************************************************************************** New Relase: Version 3.76: From 2.0 to 3.76! AmiBase is now much, much better! A major problem with 2.0 was that it was written in one massive block of code. It is now written in loads of modules. This will allow many more records to be allowed into the program at one time. I have also written a 'system setup' program which allocates the best amount of memory, depnding on how you answer the questions. Some minor bugs have been ironed out, and AmiBase has just generally been cleaned up. ************************* *P L E A S E N O T E ! * ************************* AmiBase Version 3.76 is now Shareware. I spent many, many hours splitting it into modules, and debugging etc. IF YOU USE AMIBASE AND FIND IT HELPFUL AND OF SOME USE TO YOU. PLEASE SEND A CONTRIBUTION TO ME (£5 OR ANYTHING ABOVE GRATEFULLY ACCEPTED) WHICH WILL ENCOURAGE ME TO WRITE MORE AND BETTER(?) STUFF; and to allow me to purchase better utils, and hardware for my Amiga which allows me to do so. Sending me a contribution will put you on my mailing list for future versions of AmiBase, and any other programs I do. MY ADDRESS IS AT THE BOTTON OF THIS DOCUMENT, AND ALSO ON THE 'ABOUT' SCREEN DISPLAY ON THE ACTUAL PROGRAM. P L E A S E S U P P O R T S H A R E W A R E W R I T E R S ! T H A N K Y O U ! YET ANOTHER NOTE: ================= If this doc. does not explain what you wish to know, or you have any problems, or if you discover ANY bugs (no matter how minor) then PLEASE write to me. Any communication is WELCOME. And I will reply to ALL letters. Important Note! --------------- If while reading this DOC you come across a place where it says the PATHS will be reset to default,IGONORE IT! IT will not happen,it has been ammended. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- AmiBase is a ShareWare database,with all the needed commands of a professional database. You can define upto eight different fields,and have as many records as you wish (memory permitting,of cause!) This program is Shareware,and so can be swapped,copied,and used by anyone and everyone.It CANNOT be sold for any purpose by anyone.This rule does not apply to PD dealers who may charge a minimal copying fee,etc. This program was originally programmed for Ray Burt-Frost`s PD library,and so is the first and original distributor. NOTE TO DISTRIBUTORS : This program must be distributed on it`s own disk as originally supplied.This document must also be kept intact on this disk.Failure to copy ALL files on this disk,will most probably result in the program not working 100% ! Anyway onto the instructions.The program itself is very simple and easy to use,and should be easy to get the hang of,using this document only as reference.Absolute beginners however should read all of this document. AmiBase is a Menu/keyboard driven program.You select which option you want by means of pressing and holding the RIGHT mouse button,and moving the pointer over the bar at the top of the screen. There are three menus,these are :- PROJECT,AMMEND and MISC. The commands on these menus are as follows:- PROJECT MENU: Make a new file Open an old file Save Current file Delete file Rename file Search for file Change Path Sort File Backup/duplicate file View Directory Move File About Quit AMMEND MENU: Add records Delete records Change record data Change file spec. MISC MENU: Next record Jump to record (X) Previous record First record Last record Print current record Print all records in file Clear file from memory List on a field Search file on a field Print current file spec. This document will now explain what each option does,and how to use it. PROJECT menu : Option MAKE A NEW FILE This is the option you select to initilize your own brand new file. If you have already got a file in memory when you select this option,and you have changed that file and not resaved it,you will be alerted and asked if you wish to cancel the option so that you can resave your file.This will happen as well on the following options : Open an old file,Backup/duplicate file. If you haven`t got a unsaved file,or you have already resaved it,the option will continue. It will then present a little window with the prompt `Please enter filename :`,here you type the name you wish to call your new file.Just type the name,don`t add any /`s or paths,because this is already done for you,and doing so will cause the program to report an error. You will then be asked how many records you want,this is just the initiation,it doesn`t mean how many record do you want,period,you can add records later. Then how many fields do you want.You can have a maximum of eight fields,this should be ample for everyone.Type a number between 1-8 (RETURN) You will then be asked for today`s date.This is simply for the creation date of the file.It effects nothing,and is simply for your reference. You will then be asked for a filenote.This is just like putting a COMMENT on a file in CLI,it is like the creation date,simply for your reference,if you don`t want one just hit return. Now you will be asked if all the data you have just typed in was correct,look under the window,and you will see all the data displayed in the black window,this appears as you type it in.Check the data,and if it is what you want,then type `y` or `yes` to the question. The screen will then clear,and a bigger window will appear,this is for typing in the name of your fields.You will be prompted as to what field number it is,and what you want to call it.Type in any name you wish,but I recommend keeping field characters to a minimum.As before,the data will appear under the window as you type,you will then be asked if the data below is correc,if you type `yes` or `y`,it continues,if you type `n` or `no` then you can retype the data. You will then be presented with a much bigger window,this is for typing in the actual record data.You will be told what record number it is,etc.When prompted,type in the data you want in each field.If you make a mistake,carry on,you can change it later with the `Change record data` option. When you have finished typing in the data,AmiBase will automatically save your new file to the path specified.Reporting it`s status as it does so. You have now finished initilizing your new file.It is now in memory and you can use all the options to manipulate it. PROJECT menu : OPEN AN OLD FILE. Selecting this option with a unsaved changed file in memory will result in AmiBase giving you a warning and a chance to resave it,as explained in the Make a new file option. It will then warn you that the source and destination paths have been reset to default.This will be overcome in the next version. You will then be asked for the name of the file you wish to load into memory.Type the name with no /`s and paths as usual (e.g `File One`).AmiBase will then load the file.If it cannot be found an error will be found,and you told.If it is found.It will be loaded,showing the status.The program will then be memory to manipulate with all the options. PROJECT menu : SAVE CURRENT FILE. If you select this option with no file resident in memory,you will be told,and returned to the main menu.The same applies if you haven`t changed the data in anyway. If you have changed/ammended the data in any way,the file will be resaved with the new data overwriting the old,display it`s status.You will then be returned to the main menu with the file still resident in memory. PROJECT menu : DELETE A FILE. Having a file resident while selecting this does NOT effect the file. Selecting this option will result in the usual small window appearing,asking for the name of the file you wish to delete.You will then be asked if you are sure that you wish to delete it.You answer by clicking in either of the two boxes displayed.One is `Ok,go ahead`,the other `Forget It!`,selecting Ok,go ahead will result in the file being erased from the current disk/path which cannot be returned.Selecting the other box (Forget it!) will result in the option being cancelled,and you being returned to the record you were last looking at (if you had a file in memory) otherwise it will return to the message asking you to make or open a file. PROJECT menu : RENAME FILE Having a file resident while selecting this does NOT effect the file. You will be asked for the filename of the file you wish to rename,you will then be asked for the new name you wish to call it. AmiBase will then rename the old file to the new name,this option does NOT change any other data in ANY way.You will be returned to the previous status. PROJECT menu : MOVE A FILE This is used if you decide you wish to move a file to another path. You will simply be asked what filename and what path to move it to. PROJECT menu : CHANGE PATH This option will allow you to change the current source and destination paths,I recommend that you do not do this and use this disk as it was designed with the directory `Datafiles` to store your files.But you may wish to change it,say if you have two drives,etc. It simply tells you what the current source/destination paths are,and then asks you for the new ones.Do not type a `/` at the end,as AmiBase does this automatically.So for example if you wanted to change the destination to `DF1:My Files` you would type exactly that,and NOT `DF1:My Files/`. You will then be returned to the previous status. PROJECT menu : SORT CURRENT FILE This option sorts only the current file,so if you want a file sorted,open it first from the same menu,described above. It will sort the file either into alphabetical or numerical order depending on what data it comes across in the fields.If it finds numbers it will sort all the records into numerical order (smallest number will be record number 1).If it finds characters,which are normally the most common data,it will form all the records into alphabetical order. You can sort the file on any of your fields.(Max 8) AmiBase will ask you at the beginning what field you wish to sort the file on.(Printing all the fields for your reference.) You will then be returned access your file as usual,but now the file will be sorted. If you wish your file to be sorted on disk,you MUST resave it,after it has been sorted by using the `Save Current File` option,as described above.Amibase will warn you if you don`t and select a option which will lose the changes.You will then be given the chance to resave it.So don`t worry about forgetting to save it.Just always use the `Leave Database` option,as this will warn you.Resetting the computer won`t!!! PROJECT menu : BACKUP/DUPLICATE FILE After selecting this option you will be asked for the name of the file you wish to backup/duplicate.You will then be required to type the name you wish to call the duplicated file.Be careful not to use the same name as the original,as this would defeat the object of the option,although it would NOT lose you your file.You will then be returned to the previous status. PROJECT menu : VIEW DIRECTORY This simply does what it says,it will display a big window,which will then proceed in showing all the contents of the current SOURCE directory (default being `DF0:Datafiles/`) Clicking the left mouse button will close the window and return you to the previous status.You can select this option any when,as you can for the last six options. PROJECT menu : ABOUT This simply displays a window showing some credits,thanks,etc.Press the left mouse button to exit back to your file.It will not affect your current file in any way. AMMEND menu : ADD RECORDS This option clears any files from memory,so make sure that you have resaved your ammended file,if you have one whilst selecting this option. This will allow you to increase your file with more records,when the need arrives. You will be asked for the name of the file you wish to add more records to,you will then be asked how many more records you want.You will then be presented with a big window and you will then be allowed to type in the data,exactly the same as when you made it with the `Make a new file` option.When you have finished,AmiBase will automatically save the new data at the end of the file under the same filename.That file will then become the current one.Allowing you to access it.YOU DO NOT HAVE TO RESAVE THE FILE. AMMEND menu : DELETE RECORDS This option allows you to delete records from the CURRENT file,you will be asked how you wish to delete the records.You have two options here.One is to delete the records `one by one` which means AmiBase will go through the WHOLE file asking you whether you want the current record deleted,answer by pressing either the `y` or `n` key for yes and no respectively. The other option is by entering the record number which you want to be deleted.AmiBase will then delete the record. On both sub-options,there will be some disk accessing,AmiBase will need the master disk in DF0: for this operation.(Recommended to always use this disk!).Don`t panic it is not changing the current file which is on disk already,so you can delete records just in memory,and not bother resaving the data if you don`t want to.The original data will still be on the disk.If you do wish to save it with the deleted record(s) gone.Use the `Save current file` option as described above. You will then be returned to the current file with the records missing from the file,because you just deleted them! AMMEND menu : CHANGE RECORD DATA This option allows you to change the data in any record in the current file.For example you made a spelling mistake,and you just noticed it.You can select this option to ammend it.AmiBase will ask you if you wish to change the current record,that is the record you were last looking at.Press the `y` key or the `n` key for yes or no.If you select no,you will be asked for a record number.You will then be presented with the record data,as you will if you selected yes,you will be asked what field you want to change the data on.This is answered by typing 1-8 followed by enter.Typing one will change the first field,two,the second field,etc,etc. You will then be presented with a window,stating the current data in that field.You will then be asked for the new data,type it in and press return.The record will be reshown with the ammended field.You will be asked again for a field number,type `0` and return to exit back to previous status.(ACCESS mode) You can then resave the data if you wish using the option in the PROJECT menu.If you don`t want to,just ignore any warnings. AMMEND menu : CHANGE FILE SPEC This option really means `Change the creation data and/or the Filenote`,because the rest of the file specification can be changed with the other options. You will be shown the current creation data,and asked if you want to change it,press `y` or `n` for yes and no,pressing `y` will result in you being allowed to type in the creation date,you will then be presented with the current filenote as you will if you just pressed `n`,you will be asked if you wish to change it.The results being the same as above.You will then be returned to ACCESS mode (previous status),you can then resave the file using the PROJECT menu.Or if not,ignore warnings. MISC menu : NEXT RECORD This simply moves onto the next record in the current file.If you have reached the top of the file,you will be told. A keyboard shortcut has been included for quick viewing,pressing the `n` key will result in the same way as selecting the option in the menu. MISC menu : JUMP TO RECORD (X) This allows you to jump to any record in the current file,by simply typing it`s number in the window when asked.If you type past the files record range,a beep will be emitted,and you will be asked again. MISC menu : PREVIOUS RECORD This moves back one record from the current record.E.G.If you are on record number 14,you will move back to record number 13.The keyboard shortcut is achieved by pressing the `p` key. MISC menu : FIRST RECORD This simply displays the first record in the file.Pressing the `f` key has the same effect. MISC menu : LAST RECORD This simply displays the last record in the file.Pressinhg the `L` key has the same effect. MISC menu : PRINT CURRENT RECORD This option allows you to output the current records data to your connected printer.If you do not have a printer connected a error will be returned.Select your printer and the other options in preferences included on this disk. You will then be asked for a title,if you don`t want one,just press RETURN. The record(s) will then be printed via the printer. When the task is completed,you will be returned to the previous status. MISC menu : PRINT ALL RECORDS IN FILE This option does exactly the same as the one above,but prints all the records. MISC menu : CLEAR FILE FROM MEMORY This will erase the current file from memory.If you have changed a file (ammended) then you will be warned.IF not,the command will be carried out straight away. MISC menu : LIST ON A FIELD This option will print all the data in one field in the current file. You will be asked what field you wish to list on.Press the required number (1 being the first field),AmiBase will then open a big window,and the data on that field will be listed.Once the end of the file is reached.Pressing the left mouse button will return to ACCESS mode. MISC menu : SEARCH FILE ON A FIELD This allows you to search for particular data on one field.For example,say you had a file set up for books you have read,and you wanted to find all the books written by Stephen King,you would type the number for the `Author` field,and AmiBase would then print every record it finds with that name in the `Author` field.Useful for finding records,etc. MISC menu : PRINT CURRENT FILE SPEC This simply provides reference on the current file,amount of fields,their names,current source/destination paths,etc,etc.Pressing the left mouse button will return you to ACCESS mode. **************************************************************************** Well that`s about it,anything you don`t understand or you can`t get to work,write to me and let me know,I will do everything in my power to help/solve the problem. If you find ANY bugs no matter how small,please let me know,theres a free delivered copy of the new version for you,if you do. And if you have any ideas on how to improve AmiBase for later versions,let me know,and the above offer is the same.Fresh ideas from different people sometimes I don`t think of myself,everyone`s got differnent ideas,so let me hear them! If you get a error,click in the `DRUNKEN WISDOM` window and type RUN then hit return,and the progam will re-run. Write to me at the following address,or phone me up,ask for Keith. Keith Grant, 15 Laurel Drive, Tilehurst, Reading, Berkshire, RG3-5DY, England. Telephone : 422465 I hope AmiBase is useful and helpful to you. Thanks......... Keith Grant. Mayt 1990.