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DataBase Structure Manager
--------------------------
Version 2.1
by
Progressive Data Systems
P.O. Box 631
Middleton, WI 53562
Phone (608) 836-5075
Copyright 1989 Progressive Data Systems. All rights are reserved.
This manual may not be transcribed, reproduced, or translated into any
natural language or computer language in whole or in part, by any means
or in any form without the prior written permission of a duly authorized
representative of Progressive Data Systems in Middleton, Wisconsin.
Page i
DataBase Structure Manager, Version 2.1
Limited Warranty and Liability
------------------------------
Progressive Data Systems is not responsible for your specific
application or any problems resulting from use of this software.
Progressive Data Systems has no liability to you or any other person or
entity for any lost profit, lost savings, loss of goodwill, or damage
including special, consequential, or incidental damages caused either
directly or indirectly by the use or inability to use this software,
or for any claim by any other party. Some states do not allow the
limitation or exclusion of liability for consequential or incidental
damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you.
THE FOREGOING WARRANTY IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES AND
CONDITIONS EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THOSE
CONCERNING MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. THE
PROGRAM IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND.
Progressive Data Systems DOES NOT WARRANT THAT THE SOFTWARE WILL MEET
YOUR REQUIREMENTS OR THAT THE OPERATION OF THE SOFTWARE WILL BE
UNINTERRUPTED OR ERROR FREE. ALL RISK CONCERNING THE PERFORMANCE AND
QUALITY OF THE PROGRAM IS WITH YOU. SHOULD THE PROGRAM PROVE
DEFECTIVE, YOU (AND NOT Progressive Data Systems) ASSUME THE ENTIRE
COST OF ALL NECESSARY CORRECTION, REPAIR, OR SERVICING.
This agreement is governed by the laws of the State of Wisconsin. If
any part of this agreement is invalidated, the remainder of the
agreement will remain in effect. You acknowledge that you agree to
be bound by the terms and conditions of this agreement. Your use of
this software constitutes your acceptance of the limited warranty and
license agreement.
Trademark Acknowledgements
--------------------------
ASP logo is a trademark of the Association of Shareware Professionals.
CLIPPER is a trademark of Nantucket Corporation.
dBASE, dBASE III, dBASE III PLUS, and dBASE IV are trademarks of
Ashton-Tate, Inc.
DESQview is a registered trademark of Quarterdeck Office Systems.
FoxBase is a registered trademark of Fox Software, Inc.
NANTUCKET is a registered trademark of Nantucket Corporation.
Novell is a registered trademark of Novell, Inc.
PLINK86-Plus is a trademark of Phoenix Technologies, Ltd.
Page ii
DataBase Structure Manager, Version 2.1
Limited Software License
------------------------
DataBase Structure Manager is copyrighted.
Copyright 1989 Progressive Data Systems.
Non-registered users are granted a limited license to use the DataBase
Structure Manager software for a limited time to determine whether it
meets their operating needs and requirements. This limited license is
provided for the sole purpose of allowing non-registered users to
evaluate the DataBase Structure Manager software. Continued use of
the DataBase Structure Manager software requires a valid software
license agreement with Progressive Data Systems. Your use of this
software constitutes your acceptance of the limited warranty and
license agreement. The license is terminated if you fail to comply
with any term or condition of this license agreement.
This limited license is for a single copy of the DataBase Structure
Manager software and has been granted by Progressive Data Systems
with their mailing address at Post Office Box 631, Middleton,
Wisconsin 53562. The DataBase Structure Manager software is not
sold. It may be licensed to you for your personal use on any one
computer. (Please refer to Appendix D for license registration
information.)
Copies of this software may be made for trial use and short-term
evaluation by others on a non-commercial basis. You may not charge
anything for the DataBase Structure Manager software. The only
exception to this is a cost-based fee (not to exceed the equivalent
of fifteen dollars in U.S. currency) to cover distribution costs.
The full set of programs and documentation must be included with
any distributed copies.
You may not modify DataBase Structure Manager or distribute this
software in a modified form. The modification prohibition includes,
but is not limited to, reverse engineering, disassembling and
decompiling.
You may not distribute this software in combination with any other
service or product, or as a part of an institutionally or
corporate-sponsored distribution. Bundling agreements and site
licenses may be negotiated with Progressive Data Systems.
The documentation provided here may change at any time without notice.
Information presented in this documentation is not a representation of
any form of commitment by Progressive Data Systems. Progressive Data
Systems does not assume responsibility for the use of the
documentation, nor for any patent infringements or other rights of
third parties who may use the documentation.
Page iii
DataBase Structure Manager, Version 2.1
Shareware Distribution
----------------------
The DataBase Structure Manager is NOT public domain software, nor is
it free (or freeware).
The DataBase Structure Manager is distributed using the shareware
marketing concept. The software may be freely copied and distributed
to others provided no charge is assessed for the software and the
software is not bundled with any other software. If you distribute
this software, all files must be included without modification.
Please take care to ensure all files are included in the distribution
process.
Shareware is the ultimate, consumer-oriented, value protection
system. You, the consumer, may be assured of good values in software
by acquiring and investigating the shareware software before you
commit yourself to purchasing an extended software license agreement.
You are indeed sought out for this very purpose and an attempt is
made to get the software to you as inexpensively as possible.
Shareware software must make it on its own merits without the
expensive marketing hype of traditional commercial software. You are
the judge and you can directly influence the acceptance of any of the
shareware software you try by either recommending or not recommending
the software to others.
If you should find through your examination of the software that it
does not perform up to your expectations or it does not meet your
requirements, you are not obligated to pay anything so long as you do
not continue to use the software. If this is the case with the
DataBase Structure Manager, I sincerely thank you for trying the
software.
If you find the software to competently perform up to your
expectations, but it does not satisfy your particular requirements,
you may want to consider encouraging someone else to try it.
If you find the software does meet your requirements, it performs in
a suitable manner, and you wish to continue to use the software, (or
you wish to continue to use the software for any other reason,) you
are obligated to register with the author to obtain an extended
software license agreement.
The shareware marketing method must be successful for both the
software users and software developers to ensure its viability.
Please support the shareware marketing method and the software
developers who are providing you with your quality programs by
registering the shareware programs you continue to use.
Page iv
DataBase Structure Manager, Version 2.1
Technical Support
-----------------
Technical support for registered users is provided for a period of
one year beginning on the first day of registration. The technical
support is available Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
(Central Standard Time). Please use the documentation provided to
solve any problems before requesting technical assistance.
Please have the following information available when you call
Progressive Data Systems for technical support at (608) 836-5075:
1. DBSM license registration number.
2. DBSM version.
3. DOS version.
4. CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT file contents.
5. Available system memory before executing the DBSM program as
reported by the DOS CHKDSK command.
Do not be deterred from requesting technical assistance if you
cannot determine all of the above information. If you are at your
computer when you call, we should be able to work together to gather
the necessary information.
_______
____|__ | (tm)
--| | |-------------------
| ____|__ | Association of
| | |_| Shareware
|__| o | Professionals
-----| | |---------------------
|___|___| MEMBER
The Association of Shareware Professionals is dedicated to
strengthening the future of shareware as an alternative to commercial
software.
Page v
DataBase Structure Manager, Version 2.1
Table of Contents
-----------------
Limited Warranty and Liability........................... i
Trademark Acknowledgements............................... i
Limited Software License................................. ii
Shareware Distribution................................... iii
Technical Support........................................ iv
Association of Shareware Professionals Membership........ iv
Table of Contents........................................ v
Introduction............................................. 1
A Brief Relational Database Primer....................... 1
The DBSM Advantage....................................... 2
Practical Applications................................... 3
Features Summary......................................... 4
Urgent Information
DBSM System Files...................................... 5
Unique Data Field Names................................ 6
Database Structure Generation.......................... 6
dBASE IV Database File Format.......................... 6
Memory Requirements.................................... 7
Insufficient Memory Error Message...................... 7
Application Database File Location..................... 7
Multi-tasking.......................................... 7
External Program Execution............................. 7
System Configuration
Hardware Requirements.................................. 8
Software Requirements.................................. 8
Runtime Environment Settings........................... 8
Memory Allocation and Use............................ 8
Memory Variable Allocation......................... 9
External Program Execution/Index Buffers Allocation 9
Expanded Memory for Index Buffers.................. 10
Snow Elimination..................................... 10
Recommended Runtime Settings......................... 10
Enabling DOS Command Execution......................... 11
Network File Control..................................... 12
Technical Specifications
Maximum Database Specifications........................ 13
Numeric Data Field Length Specifications............... 13
Database File Name Conventions......................... 13
Data Field Database Assignments........................ 13
Corrupted Databases.................................... 14
Installation
Hard Disk.............................................. 15
Diskette Drive......................................... 15
System Startup
Database System Application Directory.................. 16
Command Line Parameters................................ 16
First-Time Operation................................... 17
Page vi
DataBase Structure Manager, Version 2.1
Table of Contents
-----------------
System Startup (Cont'd)
Hard Drive Operation................................... 17
Diskette Drive Operation............................... 18
Configuration Information Validation................... 19
Ownership/Registration Reminder........................ 19
Menu System
Menu Types............................................. 20
DOS Command Execution.................................. 21
Dictionary Maintenance
General Dictionary Maintenance......................... 22
Record Maintenance Menu-Bar Commands................. 22
Memo Field Edit Commands............................. 24
Data Field Maintenance................................. 24
Database Descriptions.................................. 27
Database Data Field Memberships........................ 29
Index File Specifications.............................. 30
System Description..................................... 31
Application Database Operations
Index File Creation.................................... 32
Database Structure Variance Report..................... 32
Database Structure Generation.......................... 34
System Documentation
General Documentation.................................. 39
Documentation Title Page............................. 39
System Description................................... 39
Database Summary Report.............................. 39
Database Extended Comments........................... 40
Index File Specifications............................ 40
Data Field Documentation............................... 41
Database............................................. 41
System............................................... 41
Utilities
Printer Menu........................................... 42
Index All DataBase Structure Manager Files............. 43
Configuration Settings................................. 43
Screen Display Settings................................ 47
Show Structure of Database on Disk..................... 47
Compress Database's Memo File.......................... 47
Usage Hints.............................................. 48
Program Error Reporting Procedures....................... 49
Appendicies
Appendix A - Full-Screen Edit Command Summary.......... 50
Appendix B - Memo Text Edit Command Summary............ 51
Appendix C - Enhancement Suggestions................... 52
Appendix D - Order Form................................ 53
Index.................................................... 54
Page 1
DataBase Structure Manager, Version 2.1
Introduction
------------
The DataBase Structure Manager (DBSM) is a data dictionary system
specifically designed to manage Dbase-type relational database systems.
It provides the ability to maintain multiple database data field
specifications and to create database structures according to their
dictionary specifications. It effectively replaces the dBASE III PLUS
CREATE and MODIFY STRUCTURE commands with a more comprehensive and
controlled development process. The database structures may be
created in the dBASE III PLUS/FoxBase file format or Clipper file
format depending on the database type specified in the configuration
settings.
The DataBase Structure Manager also performs maintenance of index file
specifications and creates Clipper-style index files (*.NTX). All data
dictionary information may be reported in the comprehensive, predefined
documentation reports. A DBSM Structure Import Utility is provided
with the DBSM system to automate the process of updating the data
dictionary with database structure information from existing databases.
A Brief Relational Database Primer
----------------------------------
A primary design goal of relational database development is to reduce
unnecessary data redundancy. This is accomplished by subdividing the
data into logical components (ie., databases or tables) and specifying
any key relationships between those components. The key database
relationships are maintained by including a common key data field in
each of the related databases. The common key data field then serves
as a link between them.
A simple example of this design is an inventory system with the data
subdivided into an inventory master file and a vendor master file. In
this example, the key data field, VENDORID, is used in both databases.
The VENDORID field links an inventory item in the inventory master file
to its related vendor in the vendor master. This subdivision reduces
data redundancy since a vendor may be a supplier for many different
inventory items.
The relational database design technique of subdividing the informa-
tion and substituting the vendor identification data field into the
inventory item record is preferable to having only one database which
includes all of the vendor information (ie., company name, address,
phone number, etc.) in each inventory record. It is preferable because
it reduces the amount of unnecessary redundant information which in
turn simplifies the database update process. It is, for example, much
easier to change a vendor's phone number in one place in the vendor
master than it is to seek out all of the inventory item records where
it could occur and then change each occurence.
Page 2
The DBSM Advantage
------------------
The DataBase Structure Manager maintains two data dictionaries. One is
the database dictionary where general information regarding each
database is maintained. The other is the data field dictionary where
information concerning all data fields is maintained including the
assignment of a data field to one or more databases. Data field
definitions are checked during data entry to ensure that they comply
with the database type specified in the configuration settings. For
example, if the database type is dBASE III PLUS, then a character
field's length may not exceed 254 characters.
The process of developing relational database systems is simplified and
controlled by the DataBase Structure Manager. It is simplified by
allowing redundant key data field definitions to be eliminated. For
instance, in the earlier example, a VENDORID key data field that occurs
in the vendor master and inventory databases need only be defined once
in the data field dictionary. After the VENDORID data field has been
defined, it may then be assigned to the appropriate databases.
The development process is more controlled because the singular
definition of key data fields ensures consistent definitions in each
database where it occurs. For example, it is not possible to assign a
key data field to some databases with the data field defined as a
numeric data type and assign it to other databases defined as a
character data type. It also helps to ensure the data field name is
the same in each database by encouraging the assignment of existing
data fields rather than requiring that every data field be defined each
time a database structure is defined.
Updating a data field specification that occurs in multiple databases
requires only one data field change in the data field dictionary. Once
the data field has been changed, the database structures that contain
the data field may be regenerated by selecting them from a point and
select window. Please notice that in this process, there is no need to
find all the databases that use the data field and the change that is
made will be consistent for all related databases.
The process of eliminating unnecessary data field definitions need not
be restricted to key data fields. Any data fields that are used in the
same manner, for instance zipcode, may be defined once and then
assigned to as many databases as necessary.
The DataBase Structure Manager also provides the capability to document
the database system. The data field dictionary allows maintenance of
more information than just the mandatory specifications (ie., data
field name, type, length, and decimals). Each data field may be
documented more fully than the traditional structure maintenance
commands allow by including such information as picture format,
default value, low range value, high range value, a validation
procedure name, description, and an indication as to whether the
field is required during data entry. In addition, databases and the
general database system may be described in detail using the system's
open-ended text processor. All of the information maintained may be
reported.
Page 3
Practical Applications
----------------------
The DataBase Structure Manager may be used in several different ways.
The most obvious use is the controlled development of database
specifications and their related database structures as noted
previously. Database structures may be created using the dictionary
database specifications. Before a new database structure is generated,
the dictionary database structure specifications may be compared with a
corresponding database on disk. The resulting Structure Variance
report will note any differences or similarities. This is especially
important when a database structure is being regenerated, since the
data from the corresponding database on disk will be appended to the
new database structure.
The transfer of data from a corresponding database is dependent on the
similarity of the data fields. The data fields must be the same name
and data type to be transferred. Where numeric and character data
fields are similar in name and data type, the length characteristics are
also important. For instance, if the dictionary definition of a charac-
ter data field's length is less than the similarly named data field in
the corresponding database on disk, it is possible to truncate data dur-
ing the transfer process. The Structure Variance report makes it easy
to identify these situations before generating a new database structure.
If there is a corresponding database on disk for a new database being
generated, delete status records may be included or omitted in the new
database structure according to the user request. If the delete status
records are included, they will remain in delete status in the new
database!
Database system developers may combine the database specification
features with the documentation features to provide professional
database system documentation to be used in system proposals or for
completed system documentation. The major reports are database data
field documentation, complete system data field documentation (with
database cross-reference), free-form text reports describing the
database system and individual databases, and index file
specification documentation.
The DataBase Structure Manager data dictionary files may be used as an
integral part of the application database system. Since the data
dictionary files are in a Dbase-type file format, the data field
specifications for default value, low and high range value, validation
procedure name, and picture format may be directly referenced by the
application database system to ensure data integrity. In fact, the
application database system may provide procedures that directly
maintain the dictionary data field characteristics. If this technique
is properly implemented, data field validation parameters may be
updated without requiring any changes to the application program code.
The DBSM Structure Import Utility may be used to gather database struc-
ture information into the data dictionaries from existing databases.
This feature is especially useful for anyone who needs to understand an
existing database system. Once the basic database structure
information is imported, the DataBase Structure Manager may then be
used to enter additional information gained through other sources.
Page 4
Features Summary
----------------
Documentation
-------------
Comprehensive data field documentation grouped by database and by
the entire database system (with database cross-references).
General database summary information (including free-form extended
comments) and index file documentation may also be reported.
Informed Structure Generation
-----------------------------
Differences between dictionary database specifications and
corresponding databases on disk are highlighted using the structure
variance report. The report information is determined by comparing
the dictionary database specification with a corresponding database
structure specification on disk.
Controlled File Access
----------------------
In a network environment, only one user at a time is allowed access
to a directory's DBSM system files when using the DataBase Structure
Manager or the DBSM Structure Import Utility.
Regenerating a database structure using DBSM can only occur when the
specified database is exclusively accessed. If exclusive access
by DBSM is not possible, a message will be displayed noting the
situation. (Nantucket Clipper file- and record-locking conventions
must be used by all programs concerned to guarantee proper network
file access control.)
Dictionary Search Capability
----------------------------
Database dictionary information may be searched and reported based
on various user-supplied selection criteria.
Supports Clipper's Very Large Character Fields
----------------------------------------------
Clipper's support for very large character field specifications (up
to 32K) is maintained in a transparent manner. Character data
field lengths are specified by simply entering the length into the
length specification as opposed to the usual method of using both
the field length and field decimals specifications.
Customization, Enhancements, and Extensions
-------------------------------------------
The DataBase Structure Manager system may be customized, enhanced,
or integrated into existing systems only by Progressive Data
Systems. If interested, please contact Progressive Data Systems for
more information.
Page 5
Urgent Information
------------------
DBSM System Files
-----------------
USER BEWARE - Your database files may be in jeopardy. All DBSM
system files are assumed to be under the exclusive control of the
DBSM program. The DBSM system files include the dictionary
databases, their associated index files and memo databases, and some
temporary files. The DBSM program assumes that it may delete and
create these files as needed. Before using the DBSM, please ensure
that there will not be any conflicts in the directory in which it
will operate.
The DBSM system file names have been specifically chosen to avoid
conflicts with most file names. Every file name used by this system
except for the executable files, will begin with a dash, "-" and has
an underscore character, "_", in the fourth position. (For those of
you who are versed in wildcard pattern matching, the pattern is
"-???_*.*".) If you have any files matching this pattern in the
directories where this program will be working, you should examine
the list of DBSM files below for conflicts. If there is a conflict,
you will need to change your file names or refrain from using this
system in the directory with the conflicting names. Otherwise, you
risk having your files deleted and this system will not operate
correctly. You are responsible for ensuring file compatibility. If
you have ANY doubts or are using this system for the first time, I
encourage you to install this system in a temporary directory and
place a COPY of the databases from one of your systems into it. (Do
not simply move the originals into the temporary directory.) Get to
know this system before maintaining "live" database information.
The names of the DBSM system files are as follows:
Databases and Associated Memo Databases
-----------------------------------------------------
-DAT_DCT.DBF Data Field Definitions
-FIL_FLD.DBF Database Data Field Members
-FIL_MST.DBF Configuration Information
-FIL_MST.DBT Configuration Information Memo Database
-FIL_NAM.DBF Database Descriptions
-FIL_NAM.DBT Database Descriptions Memo Database
-FIL_NDX.DBF Index File Specifications
Index Files Temporary Files
------------ ---------------
-CAT_NAM.NTX -SAV_DBF.DBF
-DAT_FLD.NTX -SAV_DBF.DBT
-FIL_DSC.NTX -TMP_1.DBF
-FIL_FLD.NTX -TMP_1.DBT
-FIL_NAM.NTX -TMP_1.NTX
-FIL_NDX.NTX
-FLD_NAM.NTX
If you have any doubts about file name conflicts, before
executing DBSM, execute the following wildcard DOS directory command
in the directory where you expect to work with DBSM: DIR -???_*.*
Page 6
Urgent Information
------------------
DBSM System Files (Cont'd)
--------------------------
Any files matching the wildcard pattern will be displayed. If the
display returns any of your file names, compare them with the DBSM
files listed above to ensure there is no file name conflict.
Unique Data Field Names
-----------------------
Data field names must be unique across all databases in the diction
-ary. For example, there can only be one data field named "VENDOR"
in the dictionary. It can occur in multiple databases. This
ensures a consistent definition in every database where it occurs.
Database Structure Generation
-----------------------------
When database structures are generated where there exists a
corresponding database on disk in the same directory, an attempt will
automatically be made to transfer data from the original database.
Information will only be transferred where both the data field name
and the data field type match.
If you have changed a data field name in the database dictionary
specification, the information will not be transferred from the
original database for that data field. If you are changing field
names and you want the old values transferred, retain the old data
field name, add the new data field name, and then generate the new
database structure. Once the new structure has been successfully
generated, transfer the data from the old field into the new field
and verify the results. When the transfer is successful, then
delete the old data field definition and generate a new database
structure.
dBASE IV Database File Format
-----------------------------
dBASE IV databases without memo or floating point data types are
compatible with the DBSM system. Their structure information may be
imported into the dictionary using the Structure Import Utility.
The full dBASE IV file format is not supported by the DBSM system.
Any Dbase databases with memo fields that have been accessed or
created by dBASE IV are currently interpreted by the DBSM system as
corrupt database files. The reason is due to the new "associated
memo file" indicator. Dbase dialects prior to dBASE IV, use the
hexadecimal value "83" in the 1st byte of a database to indicate an
associated memo file. dBASE IV uses the hexadecimal value "8B" in
the 1st byte to indicate an associated memo file. If a database
with any memo fields is USE-d by dBASE IV, it will set the 1st byte
of the database to its own format. There may be a good reason why
databases with memo fields are not backwards compatible...
The dBASE IV floating point data type is not recognized by the
DBSM system, but databases with the floating point may be imported.
The floating point data type will be interpretated as an undefined
data type, "U", with field length and decimals set to zero.
Database structures may not be generated with undefined data types.
Page 7
Urgent Information
------------------
Memory Requirements
-------------------
The DBSM requires a substantial amount of memory to run. The DBSM
will look for a character string in the DOS environment to determine
how it will allocate and use different portions of memory when it
loads. It is strongly suggested that the runtime setting be
established before attempting to run the DBSM. Please refer to the
System Configuration - Runtime Environment Settings documentation
section for more information.
For a quick start, the following runtime setting should be sufficient
for most systems:
set DBSMDCT=V007;R000
This command is case-sensitive. Where upper-case letters are
indicated, upper-case letters must be used.
Insufficient Memory Error Message
---------------------------------
An insufficient memory error message and prompt will be displayed in
the upper-left corner of your screen if there is not enough free
memory available to complete an operation. For more information,
please refer to the documentation section that covers the operation
which caused the insufficient memory error to occur.
Application Database File Location
----------------------------------
DBSM will only generate database structures and index files in the
current directory. Therefore, the DBSM must be run in the directory
where the application database structure(s) need to be created.
Multi-Tasking
-------------
Do not run multiple copies of DBSM in a multi-tasking environment
(ie. DESQview, etc.) in the same directory. The DBSM uses standard
temporary file names which could easily be mixed up when running
multiple copies of the DBSM. For the same reason, simultaneous use
of DBSM and DBSMIMP in the same directory should also be avoided.
External Program Execution
--------------------------
DOS commands may be initiated from most menus by pressing "F3".
However, running a DOS command is risky. It is risky in the sense
that the DBSM system may abnormally terminate if the system memory
is not well-ordered. Abnormal termination is not normally
detrimental to any files, but it is inconvenient. For more
information, refer to the "DOS Command Execution" documentation
section.
Page 8
System Configuration
--------------------
Hardware Requirements
---------------------
Minimum 512K system memory (640K suggested).
A hard disk is recommended for best operating performance. Floppy
disk-based systems may be used, but there may be a considerable
amount of diskette swapping required for single-diskette systems.
Software Requirements
---------------------
* DOS 2.0 or higher (DOS 3.1 or higher for network file control).
* CONFIG.SYS
The following are minimum specifications for the FILES and
BUFFERS parameters in the CONFIG.SYS file:
1) BUFFERS=8
2) FILES=19
* Memory Usage
The DataBase Structure Manager requires a minimum of 390K (399,360)
bytes of RAM to enable it to manage the largest possible dBASE III
PLUS database. See Memory Allocation and Use for more information.
Runtime Environment Settings
----------------------------
* Memory Allocation and Use
Memory allocation and use may be controlled in three different
categories - memory variables, index buffers/external program
execution, and expanded memory (LIM 3.2). The amount of memory
allocated for each category may be tailored (except for memory
variable memory allocation) to meet your specific usage
requirements and hardware/software configuration.
DBSM.EXE will search for the "DBSMDCT" specification in the DOS
environment. The method for designating the memory allocation
is through the use of the DOS SET command. The DOS SET command
for the "DBSMDCT" specification is as follows:
set DBSMDCT=V007[;Rnnn][;Ennn][;S1]
Where:
V007 = Memory variable memory allocation.
Rnnn = External program execution and
index buffer allocation.
Ennn = Expanded memory allocation for
index buffers.
S1 = "Snow" elimination.
This command is case-sensitive. Where upper-case letters are
indicated, upper-case letters must be used. The runtime settings
are the same settings as defined for Nantucket's Clipper (Summer '87)
runtime settings (ie., set CLIPPER=...). The documentation provided
with Clipper (Summer '87) may be useful if a further description
of the "set DBSMDCT=" settings is necessary.
Page 9
System Configuration
--------------------
Runtime Environment Settings (Cont'd)
-------------------------------------
* Memory Allocation and Use (Cont'd)
1. Memory Variable Allocation
Memory variable memory allocation should always be "V007" to
ensure there is sufficient memory available for all memory
variables required.
2. External Program Execution/Index Buffers Allocation
The optional "Rnnn" parameter indicates memory space (in 1024
byte units) to be allocated for index buffers and external
program execution. If the "Ennn" parameter is specified, the
"Rnnn" parameter will be used solely to allocate memory for
external program execution. This parameter is optional, but it
is suggested that a value be determined to ensure that memory
is efficiently allocated in a manner that best suits your
specific needs. (Please refer to the documentation "Enabling
DOS Command Execution" for further information on running
external programs.)
The "Rnnn" value is only evaluated at the time the program is
loaded. At that time, the load process will attempt to provide
the amount of memory requested in the "Rnnn" parameter for the
external program execution/index buffering. All memory
allocated to this area will not be available for loading the
main program code and data. If there is insufficient memory
left for the program code and data after allocating memory
according to the "Rnnn" value, the program will terminate with
the message "Not enough memory".
If you do not intend to run external programs from inside the
DataBase Structure Manager, you should set the "Rnnn" parameter
value to zero (ie., "R000") to free up the maximum amount of
memory for program data manipulation. If this runtime setting
is specified (ie., set DBSMDCT=V007;R000), the minimum amount
of RAM required to load the DBSM is 390K (399,360) bytes.
There will still be sufficient memory for indexing operations.
If external programs are to be run, the minimum "Rnnn" value
must be at least 26K bytes (ie., "R026"). This minimum value
will allow the running of DOS internal commands (COPY, DIR,
etc.) and external programs up to approximately 8K in size. If
the runtime setting "R026" is used, the minimum amount of RAM
required to load the DBSM is 400K (409,600) bytes. Running
larger external programs will require a corresponding increase
in the "Rnnn" parameter value and an increase in the minimum
amount of RAM required to load DBSM.
Page 10
System Configuration
--------------------
Runtime Environment Settings (Cont'd)
-------------------------------------
* Memory Allocation and Use (Cont'd)
2. External Program Execution/Index Buffers Allocation (Cont'd)
If no "Rnnn" parameter value is set in the "set DBSMDCT=..."
statement, a default value will be calculated at load time.
The default value supplied for this parameter is dynamically
determined as a percentage of free memory available at the time
the DataBase Structure Manager program is loaded and executed.
3. Expanded Memory for Index Buffers
The optional "Ennn" parameter identifies expanded memory space
(in 1024 bytes units) to be used for index file buffers. The
expanded memory must conform to the LIM 3.2 specification. If
this parameter is supplied, the minimum value is "E016" which
represents 16k bytes.
* Snow Elimination
The optional "S1" parameter specification will eliminate "snow"
in the screen display. If you use this parameter to eliminate
"snow", the display will be cleaner, but the display will
operate a little bit slower.
* Recommended Runtime Settings
The recommended setting for providing the greatest amount of
free memory for dynamic program allocation and thereby allowing
the largest database structures to be generated is as follows:
set DBSMDCT=V007;R000
The above setting does not allow any external programs to be
run, but there will be sufficient memory made available for
index buffers.
The recommended setting for allowing the minimum external
program execution and still providing a large amount of free
memory for dynamic program allocation is as follows:
set DBSMDCT=V007;R026
Both of the above settings assume there is no expanded memory
available for indexing operations.
Page 11
System Configuration
--------------------
Runtime Environment Settings (Cont'd)
-------------------------------------
* Enabling DOS Command Execution
There are 3 requirements that must be met before external programs
may be executed from within the DataBase Structure Manager. (The
"Run DOS" command may be initiated by pressing function key "F3"
at all menus except the printer port and printer type menus.)
The first requirement is the minimum memory requirement needed to
run external programs. Before loading the DBSM program, there
must be at least 400K (400,600) bytes of RAM available. You may
determine the amount of memory available using the DOS CHKDSK
command.
Secondly, the "Rnnn" parameter of the runtime environment settings
must be at least 26K (ie., set DBSMDCT=V007;R026). See the
earlier description of runtime environment settings for more
information.
The last requirement is that the DOS command processor
(COMMAND.COM) location must be specified in the DOS environment.
This is required even if COMMAND.COM resides in the same directory
where the DataBase Structure Manger will be run. The DOS SET
command may be used for this purpose. To specify the command
processor location, use the following SET command syntax:
set COMSPEC=[d:][\<path>]\COMMAND.COM
Where
[d:] Optional disk drive specification.
[\<path>] Optional directory path to COMMAND.COM
For more information regarding the DOS SET command, please refer
to your DOS manual.
Page 12
Network File Control
--------------------
DBSM has the ability to coordinate network file access only with
those programs using the same network file locking procedures as
Nantucket's Clipper-compiled programs. dBASE III PLUS network
file- and record-locking procedures are NOT compatible with
Clipper's methods. Clipper (Summer '87 version) uses the DOS 3.1
RLOCK command in an unconventional manner.
The network file control operates in two different areas. First,
it controls the DataBase Structure Manager use so that only one user
at a time is allowed to run the program in the same directory.
Essentially, this eliminates the need to personally coordinate with
other developers who may periodically need to make changes in the
same database dictionary. If a user does attempt to run DBSM or
DBSMIMP in a directory where either of these programs is already in
use, one of the following messages will be displayed:
File "-FIL_MST.DBF" is in use. Retry, Wait up to 2 min., or Exit?
or
File "-FIL_NDX.DBF" is in use. Retry, Wait up to 2 min., or Exit?
The new user will have three options. The new user may retry, wait
up to 2 minutes for the current user to exit, or exit the program.
If the second message is issued (ie., the message containing the
reference to the "-FIL_NDX.DBF" file), the new user should exit
their attempt to run DBSM or DBSMIMP.
The second area of file control concerns the application database
files on disk which may need to be accessed by the DBSM to gain
information about the database or, more importantly, to regenerate a
new database structure. When a database is locked, most attempts to
gain information will simply note that the database may not be
accessed. In the case where a database structure is being
regenerated, the DBSM will attempt to lock the database file for
exclusive use. If this is not possible, a message will be displayed
noting the situation and the database structure creation process
will be exited.
,---------------------,
**********************| Special Emphasis! |***********************
'---------------------'
Any file/record-locking and checks for file/record locks must comply
with Nantucket's Clipper-compiled file/record-locking techniques to
facilitate coordinated network file access control with the DBSM.
File/record-locking methods that are not compatible may cause
unpredictable results. If you are not sure about other program's
file/record-locking compatibility with Clipper's techniques, do not
rely on the DBSM's network file control features to eliminate network
file access contention between programs.
Page 13
Technical Specifications
------------------------
Maximum Database Specifications
-------------------------------
The maximum database specifications may be achieved by either
designating the Clipper database type or the custom database type in
the Configuration Settings (See Utility Menu). If the custom
database type is specified, the custom database specifications must
be entered. In no case will the DBSM be able to generate a database
that exceeds the following specifications:
Database record length......: 32,766
Number of database fields...: 1,024
Character field length......: 32,766
Numeric field length........: 20
Decimals field length.......: 18
Index key expression length.: 250
Index key expression fields.: 42
The amount of available system memory may be exceeded prior to
reaching any of these maximum specifications. If a database
structure specification exceeds the maximum dBASE III PLUS database
specifications, Nantucket Clipper (Summer '87 version) conventions
will be used in interpeting and maintaining the database structure.
The database record length values reported and used by this system
are calculated by summing the length of all data fields in the
database. The database's 1-byte delete status position is not
included in the record length.
Numeric Data Field Length Specifications
----------------------------------------
Every numeric field specified must include 1 position to the left of
the decimal point. When decimals are indicated, the number of deci-
mals cannot exceed the numeric field length minus 2. For example,
the minimum numeric field length for a number with 2 decimals is 4.
A custom database type must be defined in Configuration Settings to
allow numeric data fields to be the maximum allowable for dBASE IV
databases (ie., field length 20, decimals 18).
Database File Name Conventions
------------------------------
In addition to the standard DOS file naming rules, no database or
index file name may include spaces, asterisks, or question marks.
Data Field Database Assignments
-------------------------------
The data field maintenance screen includes a display of the database
names a data field has been assigned to. Only the first 36 database
assignments will be shown on the data field maintenance screen.
Page 14
Technical Specifications
------------------------
Corrupted Databases
-------------------
Some procedures test for the presence of a valid database. A
database is considered corrupt if some of the database header infor-
mation is incorrect. This includes the case where an associated
memo database has been designated in the database header informa-
tion, but no associated memo database is found with the database.
Some dBASE IV database file formats are also interpreted as corrupt
databases (See page 6 for more information). Operations which
detect the invalid databases will provide a message and will either
abandon the current operation or, if possible, continue without it.
Page 15
Installation
------------
The first order of business is to make backup copies of the system
diskettes. (If you are unfamiliar with this process, please refer to
your DOS manual. See the DISKCOPY command.) Before beginning the
installation process, please read the READ_ME.1ST file. Assuming the
READ_ME.1ST file is in the current drive and directory, it may be
displayed a screen at a time by using the following DOS command:
TYPE READ_ME.1ST | MORE
Hard Disk
---------
To install the DBSM system onto your hard disk, simply copy the
executable files, DBSM.EXE and DBSMIMP.EXE, into a directory in the
DOS executable search path and copy the documentation files,
DBSM.DOC, DBSMIMP.DOC, and READ_ME.1ST, into any directory
desired.
For the less experienced user, you may first have to determine
what a DOS executable search path is and if there is an existing
specification for your computer. If you are unfamiliar with the DOS
executable search path, please reference your DOS manual for further
information. See the PATH command.
Once the desired drive and directory has been determined, use the
DOS COPY command to copy the two executable files to the proper
destination. The following DOS directory command, DIR, may be used
to find any DBSM system executable files on a diskette in the A:
drive:
DIR A:*.EXE
An example of copying the DBSM.EXE file from drive A: to the
subdirectory "\UTIL" in drive C: is as follows:
COPY A:DBSM.EXE C:\UTIL
Diskette Drive
--------------
There is virtually no installation required for operating from a
diskette drive. You should ensure that you have made backup copies
of the system diskettes. Operation from a single-diskette drive is
possible, although it is not recommended for reasons of efficiency.
When you are restricted to a single-diskette drive system, you will
find a considerable amount of diskette swapping is necessary when
frequently moving between different operations.
Page 16
System Startup
--------------
Database System Application Directory
-------------------------------------
The DBSM most conveniently manages a database system's application
databases if they are in a single directory. Before executing DBSM,
the application database files should be in the current directory.
If the configuration master file, "-FIL_MST.DBF", is not found in
the current directory, the load process will halt and a prompt
message will be issued to determine if you wish to continue.
Choosing not to continue will allow you to investigate the "missing"
files situation rather than allowing DBSM to continue and generate
any missing system files.
Command Line Parameters
-----------------------
There are three optional command line parameters. Each parameter
must begin with a forward slash ("/") and multiple parameters
must be separated by a single space. Parameters may be specified in
any order. To list the call parameter syntax, you may include either
"/H" or a question mark in the command line. All parameters are
optional.
Usage: DBSM [/Cn] [/Pn] [/F]
Where
/Cn = Screen type "/C1" through "/C5".
Colors = C1 through C4 Monochrome = C5
/Pn = Printer type "/P1" through "/P9".
/F = Load program from diskette drive.
Sample Use #1: DBSM /P8 /C2
Use the custom printer codes and
the color display scheme #2.
Sample Use #2: DBSM /F
Load this program from the diskette
in drive A:.
* Screen Display Type
There are four different color display schemes available. They
are indicated by using the parameters "/C1" through "/C4" (without
the double quotes). The monochrome display parameter is
designated with the "/C5" parameter. If no screen display type is
specified, the display scheme designated in the Configuration
Settings (See Utility Menu) will be used. In every case (no
matter what settings are specified), if a color monitor card is
not detected, the display scheme will be monochrome. If a color
card is detected and the primary display device is a monochrome
monitor, DBSM will allow color schemes to be selected and
implemented.
Page 17
System Startup
--------------
Command Line Parameters (Cont'd)
--------------------------------
* Printer Type
The printer type specification has the general format of "/Pn"
(without the double quotes) where the printer identifier "n" may be
any number from one to nine (See table below.). If no printer is
specified in the command line, the printer type indicated in the
Configuration Settings will be used.
Printer
Identifier Printer Type
---------- ----------------------------
1 Epson FX-86e/286e
2 Epson RX-100
3 NEC 3550
4 Panasonic KX-P1592
5 Brother M-1509
6 IBM Proprinter XL
7 IBM Quietwriter
8 Custom Printer (Requires additional definition)
9 HP LaserJet series II
* Diskette Drive Operation
This command line option allows DBSM to be loaded from a diskette
drive. The command line option is specified with a "/F" (without
the double quotes). When this option is used, the program
initiation sequence will pause to allow the diskette drive
containing the DBSM executable program, DBSM.EXE, to be removed
and then be replaced by the diskette containing the system
database dictionary files. Diskette drive A: should be used as
the primary drive. It is possible to run DBSM using only a
single-diskette drive, but as different DBSM program features are
selected, it may be necessary to exchange the DBSM system diskette
and the system data dictionary files diskette to allow the
necessary program code to be loaded.
First-Time Operation
--------------------
Any time DBSM is loaded and it does not find its system files, it
will regenerate them. This will be the case the first time DBSM is
executed. If the configuration file is generated, the Configuration
Settings procedure will be initiated before proceeding to the main
menu. (Refer to Configuration Settings for more information.)
Hard Drive Operation
--------------------
The DBSM needs to be executed in the directory where the database
system files are located.
Page 18
System Startup
--------------
Diskette Drive Operation
------------------------
DBSM will operate from a diskette drive. The "/F" command line
parameter must be used to pause the startup procedure to allow the
system disk containing DBSM.EXE to be replaced by the applications
database disk.
To load DBSM from drive A:, place the diskette containing DBSM.EXE
into diskette drive A:, make drive A: the current drive (if
necessary), and enter the following command at the DOS prompt:
DBSM /F
The program will begin to load and execute. Shortly, a message will
appear asking you to remove the diskette from the drive and put the
data disk in place of it. The data disk should contain the DBSM
system dictionary files and/or the application database files in the
root directory if they have been created. If they have not been
created, place a formatted diskette which you intend to use for the
data dictionary information into the diskette drive. Once the
diskettes have been exchanged, press Enter to continue. The main
menu will then be displayed.
At some point, you may cause the program to switch overlays. The
first time the program cannot find the DBSM.EXE file to load in the
needed overlay, the following message will appear at the bottom of
the screen:
PLINK86 Overlay Loader - Can't find file DBSM.EXE.
Enter file name prefix (X: or path name) or '.' to quit=>
The description that follows assumes you have started the program
from drive A:. If you have a second floppy drive, place the
diskette containing the DBSM.EXE file into drive B: and then respond
to the missing file prompt with "B:" (without the quotes) and press
enter. From then on, the file will always be found in the B: drive
without issuing a prompt.
If you have only one drive, you should respond to the missing file
prompt with "B:" (without the quotes) and then press enter. You will
be prompted to insert the diskette in drive B:. Extract the data
disk from drive A: and then place the diskette containing the
DBSM.EXE file in drive A:. Once this is accomplished, respond to
the prompt by pressing enter. From then on, every time the data
disk is needed, you will be prompted to insert the drive A: diskette
into the diskette drive and every time the DBSM.EXE file is needed,
you will be prompted to insert the drive B: diskette into the
diskette drive.
As you may imagine, if you only have one diskette drive, you will be
doing a lot of diskette swapping. One way to keep the swapping to
minimum is to do all your work in one area of the program before
moving to another area.
Page 19
System Startup
--------------
Configuration Information Validation
------------------------------------
Every time DBSM is loaded, it checks for proper configuration
information in the configuration database. If there is any invalid
information detected, the Configuration Settings maintenance
procedure is invoked with an error message indicating the first
error that was discovered. All errors must be corrected before
exiting the Configuration Settings procedure.
Ownership/Registration Reminder
-------------------------------
An ownership/registration reminder will be displayed as a part of
the system startup procedure the first time the DBSM is run in any
directory (as determined by the lack of system database files) and
once in each directory the DBSM is run in on Wednesday.
Page 20
Menu System
-----------
Menu Types
----------
* Main Menu
The main menu selections allow one of three standard sub-menus to
be displayed. The menu options are selected by number except for
the the quit option ("Q") and the "Run DOS" command option ("F3").
* Standard Sub-Menus
Standard sub-menus are the menus that may be directly or
indirectly called from the Main Menu. Menu options are selected
by letter. Pressing the enter key, escape key, or 'Q' will
return control to the previous menu.
* Quick Menu Traversal
At any standard sub-menu, the main menu options are also
available. For example, if the current standard sub-menu is the
Printer Menu, you may switch to the Maintenance Menu by simply
pressing "1".
* Database Selection Menus
Operations requiring the selection of an application database
will use a point and select menu. An example of one such
operation is the database structure generation. These point and
select menus will display all database file names and
description fields in alphabetical order by database file name.
If there are more than 17 databases defined in the system, it
will be necessary to use the cursor control keys to scroll the
display. A single database may be selected by cursoring to the
desired database file and then pressing enter. The cursor may
be positioned to the first file name that begins with a
particular letter by entering the associated letter. All
databases may be selected for an operation by pressing the "F5"
function key.
The cursor control keys for traversing the menu are as follows:
Down Arrow = Go to the next database file below the
current highlighted database.
Up Arrow = Go to the next database file above the
current highlighted database.
Page Down = Scroll the entire screen down one page.
Page Up = Scroll the entire screen up one page.
Home = Go to the first database.
End = Go to the last database.
<letter> = Go to the 1st file beginning with this letter.
If there are no database files defined, a usage error message
will be displayed in place of the menu. Control will revert to
the previous menu after pressing return.
Page 21
Menu System
-----------
DOS Command Execution
---------------------
Running a DOS command is risky. It is risky in the sense that the
DBSM system may abnormally terminate if the system memory is not
well-ordered. Abnormal termination is not normally detrimental to
any files, but it is inconvenient since the program must be re-
loaded. The DBSM system code is not rugged enough to consistently
correctly manage the system memory under anything less than good
conditions. Conditions are most favorable to run DOS commands
before extended DBSM use has occurred. With the above in mind....
A DOS command may be executed by pressing function key "F3" at most
standard menus except the Printer Selection and Printer Port
Selection menus. The DOS Command option is only available if the
"Rnnn" parameter of the DBSM runtime environment setting has been
properly set. (Please refer to "Enabling DOS Command Execution" for
more information.)
After the first external run command has been executed, subsequent
calls to run a DOS command will allow the previous command to be
recalled to the command line by pressing the "F3" function key.
If there is insufficient memory available to run the requested
program, there are a few possible error conditions that may occur
(two of which are unrecoverable). If there is not enough space to
load the DOS command processor, the error message "Proc RUNDOS line
0, RUN error" will be displayed and the DBSM program will terminate.
If the external program requested is too large for the memory
allocation, the message "Program too big to fit in memory" will be
displayed and you will be returned to the previous menu.
If the program can be loaded, but it attempts to increase its memory
usage beyond the allocated bounds, the message "Not enough memory
Program aborted" will be displayed and control will return to the
previous menu. If this last scenario is executed by the external
program in an unruly manner (ie., not using the proper calls to DOS
to use more memory), it is possible to lock-up the computer. The
only recovery possible for this last situation is to reboot the
computer.
Another possible error condition is if there is insufficient space
for the environment, the following message will appear: "error 2009:
Not enough space for environment". Simply press the Enter key to
return to the previous menu.
Page 22
Dictionary Maintenance
----------------------
General Dictionary Maintenance
------------------------------
* Record Maintenance Menu-Bar Commands
A standard horizontal menu-bar is provided for command selection.
The commands may be initiated by cursoring over to the desired
option and then pressing enter or by entering the first letter of
the command option. The left-arrow and up-arrow cursor will move
the cursor left one position with wrap-around. The right-arrow and
down-arrow will move the cursor to the right one position with
wrap-around. The return key or page-down key will initiate the
command that is currently highlighted. The escape key will exit the
maintenance the same as having initiated the quit option. When
moving the cursor from command to command, the line below the
command line will provide a brief description of the command.
1. Record Traversal
Records are sequenced in alphabetical order using the top
field in the screen display.
A. Next
Display the next record. If there are no more records in
the sequence, an appropriate message will be temporarily
displayed.
B. Previous
Display the previous record. If there are no previous
records, an appropriate message will be temporarily
displayed.
C. First
Go to the first record in the sequence.
D. Last
Go to the last record in the sequence.
2. Record Maintenance
Both the Add and Edit commands initiate a full-screen edit
procedure. For a description of the full-screen edit commands,
please refer to Appendix A.
A. Add
Add a new record.
B. Edit
Edit the record that is currently displayed.
Page 23
Dictionary Maintenance
----------------------
General Dictionary Maintenance (Cont'd)
---------------------------------------
* Record Maintenance Menu-Bar Commands (Cont'd)
2. Record Maintenance (Cont'd)
C. Delete Toggle
If the record is active, the record will be set to delete
status. If the record is in delete status, the record will
be un-deleted. If there are records that have been left in
delete status as a result of using the delete toggle
command, then upon exiting from the maintenance section, ALL
delete status records from the specific dictionary database
will be removed. (Please refer to the specific dictionary
deletion procedure for more details.)
3. Search Records
Records may be searched using one or more search field
criteria. All available search fields will be displayed.
Search values may then be entered. Multiple search field
selections are AND conditionals. For example, if a character
data field type (type = "C") is selected along with a data
field length of 15, then all character data fields that have a
length of 15 will be retrieved.
A selection flag must be provided for each selected search
field to specify the type of match. The adjacent selection
flag for each selected search field may have one of the
following values:
Selection Flag Match Designation
-------------- -------------------------------------------
= Exact match.
> Match values greater than the search value.
< Match values less than the search value.
# Match values not equal to the search value.
A tally of the search matches will be maintained in the lower
right-hand quadrant of the display screen.
4. Exiting Maintenance
If any records have been left in delete status as a result of
using the delete toggle, the delete process will be initiated
as a part of the exit process. All delete status records are
treated in the same manner in the delete process regardless of
whether they set to delete status in the current maintenance
session, in a previous maintenance session or by operations
in another program.
Page 24
Dictionary Maintenance
----------------------
General Dictionary Maintenance (Cont'd)
---------------------------------------
* Memo Field Edit Commands
1. Help
Use <Alt-H> to display the memo edit help screen.
2. Cursor/Screen Movement and Edit Functions
Please refer to memo text edit command summary (Appendix B).
3. Quitting
A. Use <Ctrl-W> to save the changes and exit.
B. Use the Escape key to quit without saving changes.
4. Print Memo Text
Use <Alt-P> to print the memo text. This command must precede
any commands that alter the content of the memo text. To print
the memo after altering the text, the memo maintenance must be
exited and then re-initiated.
5. Write Memo Text to ASCII Files
Use <Alt-W> to write the memo text out to a disk file. This
command must precede any commands that alter the content of the
memo text. To write the memo text out to disk after altering
the text, the memo maintenance must be exited and then
re-initiated.
Data Field Maintenance
----------------------
* Mandatory Specifications
All mandatory specifications are validated according to the
database type specified in the Configuration Settings.
1. Field Name
A data field name must begin with an alphabetic character and
may not exceed 10 characters. The name may contain letters,
numbers, or the underscore symbol (_). It may not contain
blanks (except for trailing blanks).
Under no circumstances will the DBSM system allow two separate
data fields to be defined with similar data field names.
Separate data field definitions require unique data field
names. This means that data field names must be unique across
all databases in the database dictionary. For example, there
can only be one data field named "VENDORID" in the data field
dictionary. It can be assigned to as many databases as
required.
2. Field Type
The field's data type must be character, numeric, date,
logical, or memo. The first letter of the data type, in
uppercase, is used to indicate the data type (ie., C, N, D, L,
or M).
Page 25
Dictionary Maintenance
----------------------
Data Field Maintenance (Cont'd)
-------------------------------
* Mandatory Specifications (Cont'd)
3. Field Length
The field length specifies the length of the data field.
Standard field lengths will be assigned to date, memo, and
logical field types without regard for the length entered.
Every numeric field specified must include at least one
position to the left of the decimal point.
A special note for Clipper programmers - The DBSM allows the
specification of character fields exceeding 999 characters by
simply entering in the entire value in the data field length
specification. There is no need to use the data field's decimal
specification field to designate the number of 256 byte units in
the character field.
4. Field Decimals
Enter the number of decimal positions. The value entered will
only be recognized if the field type is numeric. All other
field types will automatically be set to zero.
The number of decimals cannot exceed the numeric field length
minus two. For example, the minimum numeric field length for a
number with two decimal positions is four. This allows for the
mandatory minimum one position to the left of the decimal point,
the decimal point, and the two decimal positions.
* Optional Data Field Documentation
1. Required?
This character field may be used to indicate mandatory data
entry for the associated data field. An affirmative indication
can be used to indicate that when the data field appears in a
data entry screen, it must have a value entered.
2. Picture Format
The PICTURE clause used in a display or data entry statement.
3. Default Value
The standard value for the data field. For example, in a
membership system, the STATE field may have a default of 'WI'.
4. Low Range Value
The lowest possible valid value for the data field.
5. High Range Value
The highest possible valid value for the data field.
6. Validate Procedure
Specifies the data field validation procedure name.
Page 26
Dictionary Maintenance
----------------------
Data Field Maintenance (Cont'd)
-------------------------------
* Optional Data Field Documentation (Cont'd)
7. Sequence Code
The sequence code is the major sort field used to control the
data field order in reports and structure generation. The
minor sort field is the data field name. Any ASCII characters
may be used. Remember - Upper case alphabetic characters have
higher precedence than any lower case alphabetic characters.
(See Database Structure Generation - Data Field Order for more
information.)
8. Description
The data field description. This is quite obvious. What may
not be obvious is that it is actually two fields. It is
possible to use the first field for the field decsription (up
to 55 characters) and the second field (the line below the
first) to describe a report heading for the field. The report
heading specification can be especially useful in dynamic
report generation.
* Data Field Database Assignments
Data fields may be assigned to zero, one, or more databases.
The data fields may be assigned to a maximum of 36 databases using
this feature. If more than 36 database assignments are necessary,
the Data Field Membership Maintenance feature must be used.
If the database assigned does not exist, a prompt will appear
asking whether the non-existent database should be added. If the
missing database isn't added, an error message will indicate an
illegal database assignment. If a request is made to add the
missing database, the database add procedure will be invoked. If
a data field is assigned to a database that is in delete status,
the database will be transparently undeleted and the data field
will be assigned.
* Searching
Data fields may be searched on several different fields. These
search fields may be specified individually or in combination. If
they are specified in combination, the selection method requires
that all selection criteria be satisfied to produce a match. For
more information on searching, please refer to page 23.
* Exiting
Active records may be set to delete status and delete status
records may be activated using the "Delete Toggle" command. If
records are set to delete status during a maintenance session, all
delete status records will be removed upon exiting the data field
maintenance.
Page 27
Dictionary Maintenance
----------------------
Database Descriptions
---------------------
* Maintenance
1. Database Name
A legal 8-character DOS file name with the additional
restriction that the file name may not contain any
asterisks, question marks, or embedded blanks.
If an existing database name is changed, the necessary changes
to the dictionary will be automatically changed (ie., database
data field assignments and index file specifications). Also,
if there is a corresponding database on disk, a prompt will be
issued to determine if the database on disk should be renamed.
If the database is locked, a message will so indicate.
Repeated attempts may be made to access the locked database or
the disk file rename operation may be abandoned.
2. Database Title
The database title will be used for report titles and as part
of the menu option description for all database point and
select menus (See Menu Types).
3. Last Structure Update
The last structure update refers to the date the DataBase Stru-
ture Manager last generated the database structure. This date
will automatically be entered each time the associated database
structure is generated. The date may also be entered manually.
4. Extended Comments
Use the text processor to enter extended database comments.
The database extended comments may be reported individually by
using the documentation menu. The extended comments may also
be written directly to an ASCII text file or printed while
inside the text processor. The text processor output functions
are only available prior to making any changes in the edit
session. If changes are made and printing or writing to a file
is desired, you must first exit the edit session and then
re-enter the extended comments text processor. On writing
extended comments out to ASCII disk files, all soft carriage
returns are replaced with hard carriage returns.
5. Import Database Structure Report
Whenever database structure information is imported into the
DBSM using the Structure Import Utility, the option of
retaining a copy of the structure import report with the
database description is available. The copy is assigned to a
memo text field and may not be changed (although it may be
deleted). The import report copy will provide a static view
of the database structure for future reference.
The maintenance of the above fields is not a complete full-screen
edit routine. Once the maintenance has progressed into the
Extended Comments, the fields above it may not be re-edited. The
same restriction also applies to the Import Report viewing.
Page 28
Dictionary Maintenance
----------------------
Database Descriptions (Cont'd)
------------------------------
* Deletions
The database description deletion process will be initiated upon
exiting the database description maintenance if there have been
any database descriptions set and left in delete status.
The database decriptions deletion process is governed by the
"Automatic dictionary updates" designation in the Configuration
Settings (See Utility Menu). If automatic dictionary updates have
not been specified, the following prompts will appear:
Remove the deleted databases from database descriptions?
Remove the data fields unique to the deleted databases?
Remove the deleted database's index file specifications?
No dictionary information related to the deleted database
description will be deleted unless an affirmative response is
entered for the associated removal prompt.
If the automatic dictionary updates have been designated, no
prompts will be issued before invoking the deletion process. The
database descriptions and dictionary information related to the
database descriptions will be removed (ie. data fields unique to
the deleted databases, the associated data field database
assignments, and index file specifications).
Please note that if delete status databases are specified to be
removed, all delete status databases will be removed regardless of
whether they were set to delete status in the current maintenance
session.
In no case will any database on disk be deleted by setting
database descriptions to delete status.
* View Database Structure
The dictionary database structure for the current database
description may be viewed using this option.
* Corresponding Disk Database Information
If there is a database on disk in the current directory with a
name that corresponds to the current database description, an
attempt will be made to access the database file to obtain summary
information. If the database file is not locked, the summary
information will be displayed here. If the database file is
locked, a message will appear indicating the lock. If the
database is found to be corrupted, a message indicating a
corrupted database will be displayed. Please refer to pages 6
and 14 for information concerning corrupt databases.
Page 29
Dictionary Maintenance
----------------------
Database Data Field Memberships
-------------------------------
The central purpose for the Database Data Field Memberships
Maintenance feature is to provide a method for assigning a data
field to a database. The Database Data Field Memberships
Maintenance is not normally required. Under most conditions, this
function may be accomplished more conveniently in the Data Field
Maintenance. However, the maximum number of database assignments in
the Data Field maintenance is 36. If more database assignments need
to be made than the Data Field Maintenance feature allows, this
procedure will provide the ability to make the database assignments.
* Adds
To assign a data field to a database, enter the name of the
database and the name of the data field. Both the database and
the data field must be defined in the dictionary before a data
field may be assigned to a database.
* Edits
Data field assignments may be changed by either modifying the data
field name, the database name, or both. The only requirement is
that the assignment may not duplicate an existing data field
assignment to the same database. That is, a data field cannot be
assigned twice to the same database. Also, any data fields or
databases entered must already be defined in the database
dictionary.
Changing a data field name during the edit process is the
equivalent of deleting a data field assignment and adding a new
data field assignment.
* Deletions
Data field assignments may be deleted by setting the delete toggle
for non-delete status data field assignments. The delete status
data field assignments are not physically removed until the
command to exit the Database Data Field Membership Maintenance is
selected. Until that time, delete status assignments may be
reinstated to active status by selecting the delete toggle.
Page 30
Dictionary Maintenance
----------------------
Index File Specifications
-------------------------
Index file specifications may be used to generate Clipper-compatible
index files and may be reported in the documentation.
* General Index Specifications Maintenance
All index file names must be unique. Index key expressions are
only edited for length. The length of the key expression must
comply with the specifications associated with the database system
type designated in the Configuration Settings. The index key
expressions are not edited to ensure the proper syntax and data
fields are used until DBSM is called upon to generate a new index
using the index key expression. If an invalid index key
expression is used by DBSM to generate a new index file, the DBSM
program will terminate and display an error message on the top
line of the display screen. The error message will begin with the
following:
Proc INTINDEX line 0,
The remaining portion of the error message will be determined by
the type of incorrect key expression.
* Adds
When adding index file specifications, if the associated database
file name is left blank, a point and select database menu will be
displayed. (Please refer to the Menu Types: Database Selection
Menus documentation for information on point and select database
menus.)
Once the proper database file has been entered, the database field
names assigned to the database will be listed below the key
expression data entry field. The number of data fields assigned
to the database may exceed the capacity of the screen area
allocated to display the database's data fields. The entire
database structure may be displayed using the <Alt-V> command.
* Edits
The edit procedure is very similar to the add procedure except
that no database point and select menu is provided for selecting a
database name.
* Deletions
Index file specifications may be deleted by setting the delete
toggle for non-delete status index file specifications. The
delete status index file specifications are not physically removed
until the command to exit the Index File Maintenance is selected.
Until that time, the delete status specifications may be
reinstated to active status by selecting the delete toggle.
Page 31
Dictionary Maintenance
----------------------
System Description
------------------
This is a standard memo text field where general system comments may
be entered. The text entered here may be reported using the
Documentation Menu.
The system description text may be printed or written out to an
ASCII file. These two output features may only be executed prior to
making any changes in the current edit session. Please refer to
Memo Field Edit Commands documentation under General Dictionary
Maintenance for a more complete description of the memo edit
commands.
Page 32
Application Database Operations
-------------------------------
Application database operations test the databases for corrupt header
information before attempting to use them. If a database is found to
be corrupt, the requested operation will be not be performed. Please
see pages 6 and 14 for more information about corrupt databases.
Index File Creation
-------------------
Clipper-compatible index files may be generated according to the
index file specifications. The database's index files are selected
using the point and select database menu. (Please refer to the Menu
Types: Database Selection Menus documentation for information.) All
database files are listed in the point and select database menu
whether the database has any associated database index file
specifications or not. Once a database file has been selected, all
associated index files are generated for the database.
The index file specifications are not validated prior to generating
the index files. If incorrect index key expressions are used to
generate index files, it will cause the DBSM program to terminate
and display an error message on the top line of the display screen.
If the database indicated for an indexing operation has been locked
by another program, a message and prompt will be displayed on the
top line of the screen. Repeated attempts may be made to access the
locked database. The index request will not be accomplished if the
database cannot be accessed.
Database Structure Variance Report
----------------------------------
Differences between dictionary database specifications and the
corresponding databases on disk are highlighted using the structure
variance report. The report information is determined by comparing
the dictionary database specification with the corresponding
database structure specification on disk.
If the corresponding database on disk is locked by another program,
a message and prompt will be displayed on the top line of the
screen. The three options available are to retry gaining access,
waiting up to two minutes for the file to become free, or to exit the
request for the locked file. If the locked file is not accessible,
the report will be produced without the disk database information.
The structure variance information is especially useful to know
before generating a new database structure for an existing database.
For instance, if a character data field's length has been reduced in
the dictionary specification and a new database structure is
generated using the specification, it is possible to lose truncated
character data that no longer fits in the character field's reduced
length.
Page 33
Application Database Operations
-------------------------------
Database Structure Variance Report (Cont'd)
-------------------------------------------
The structure variance report will list the structure of the
corresponding database in the current subdirectory on disk on the
left side of the report. If there is no corresponding database
found, a message will be displayed instead of the corresponding
structure. The database dictionary specification will be listed on
the right side of the report.
All data fields are listed in alphabetical order. Where there is a
corresponding database structure, the data fields with similar data
field names are aligned on the same line with each other. The
middle column of the report is used to indicate similarities and
differences. If the matching data field names have data type,
length and decimals that are exactly equal, a double equals sign
("==") will be placed in the middle column of the report. If the
matching data field names differ in definition by type, length, or
decimals, an inequality symbol ("<>") is reported in the center
column.
Structure variance comments will appear in the far-right column of
the report when there is a difference in the data field names being
maintained. The variance comments are provided from the perspective
of the database dictionary being the most up-to-date information.
For instance, if there is a data field defined for the database in
the dictionary, but the data field does not exist in the
corresponding database on disk, the structure variance comment is
that the data field has been "ADDED."
The database structure information for each database is summarized
at the end of the report. If there were any differences between the
two databases, an inequality symbol is reported in the center
column on the summary line. If there were no differences, the
double equals characters are reported in the center column.
It is possible to exceed the system's available memory when
generating structure variance reports for databases with many
data fields. If this error occurs, more system memory will need to
be allocated for the DBSM program. Please refer to the
documentation section on Memory Allocation and Use to control memory
allocation. If there are any RAM-resident routines loaded, they may
need to be purged to free-up the necessary system memory.
Page 34
Application Database Operations
-------------------------------
Database Structure Generation
-----------------------------
* Database Specification Validation
Before a database structure is generated, the database structure
specification is checked in 3 areas to ensure it conforms to the
type of database designated in the Configuration Settings. If the
database exceeds the maximum number of data fields or the maximum
database record length requirement, or if an undefined data field
type is found, an appropriate message will be issued and the
database will not be generated. Please note that this validation
process will allow data fields with specifications different from
those associated with the database type in the Configuration
Setting to be generated. Data field specifications are only
validated during data field maintenance.
* Data Field Order
The order of the data fields in the new database structure is
determined by the ASCII sort order of the catenated sequence code
and data field name as specified in the Data Field definition.
For instance - if the following data fields are being processed:
Sequence Data Field
Code Name
--------- ----------
z Address
d CustName
d CustId
The data fields would be generated in the database in the
following order:
Data Field
Name
----------
CustId
CustName
Address
* New Database Structure Validation
Once a new database structure has been generated, it will be
immediately tested to verify the record length and number of
fields is equal to the dictionary specification's record length
and number of fields. It will also be tested to see if it is
corrupt as evidenced by an illegal record length or illegal number
of fields. If it does not match the specification, an appropriate
message will be issued and the original database will be restored.
Possible reasons for incorrect database structure generation
include insufficient system memory or insufficient disk space.
Page 35
Application Database Operations
-------------------------------
Database Structure Generation (Cont'd)
--------------------------------------
* Appending Data from a Corresponding Database on Disk
If there is a database on disk in the current directory with a
name that corresponds to the database being generated, data from
the corresponding database on disk (herein referred to as the
"original database") will be appended to the new database
structure once it has been generated. Only those data fields
whose field name and type match across both databases will have
information transferred. Delete status records in the original
database may be designated to have their records included. If the
delete status records are included, the record will remain in
delete status in the new database.
Where there is an original database for the database structure
generation, the original database will be renamed to
"-SAV_DBF.DBF" at the start of the process. If there is an
associated memo database, it will be renamed to "-SAV_DBF.DBT".
The database structure generation procedure tests for the
existence of these temporary file names before beginning the
regeneration of a database structure. The procedure will not
regenerate a new database structure if it detects a file in the
current directory with a temporary save name (ie., "-SAV_DBF.DBF"
or "-SAV_DBF.DBT"). The existence of either of these temporary
files signifies the possibility that a previous structure
regeneration process was prematurely terminated. If that is the
case, the temporary files may contain the "best" original copy of
the database before the structure regeneration process.
If you are changing field names within a database structure and
you want the current values transferred, you should leave the
original data field name and add the new data field name when you
generate the new structure. Once the structure generation is
complete, place the data from the original data field into the new
data field for each record in the database and verify that the
placement worked correctly. When the operation is successful,
delete the old data field definition from the dictionary and then
generate a new structure.
The DBSM also verifies numeric value transfers from corresponding
databases. Numeric data field values that correspond in field
name and field type, but do not have the same numeric field length
and/or decimals length may need to be altered to fit the new data
field definition. You may designate in the Configuration Settings
that automatic numeric value changes may be supplied. In this
case, if the original data field value does not "fit" into the new
definition, the highest or lowest possible value (whichever is
closest) will be placed in the field. If automatic value changes
are not allowed by the Configuration Settings and any incompatible
numeric value is encountered in the data transfer, an appropriate
message will be displayed and the structure generation process is
terminated with the appropriate rollback to restore the original
files.
Page 36
Application Database Operations
-------------------------------
Database Structure Generation (Cont'd)
--------------------------------------
* Appending Data from a Corresponding Database on Disk (Cont'd)
The numeric data field value validation process requires extra
processing time. The amount of processing time required is
directly related to the number of fields in the new database. A
database with many records and many fields per record will take a
significant amount of time to accomplish the transfer of
information. The progress will be detailed on the screen.
If the new database specification doesn't have any data fields in
common with the original database, the appending of information
from the original database will result in the creation blank
records.
* Application Database Memo File Deletion
If a new structure is generated without a memo field specification,
but there used to be a memo field in the original database, DBSM
will delete the old memo database after successfully generating a
new database.
* Memory Requirements
If DBSM runs out of memory during the structure generation, a
message will be displayed at the top-left corner of the screen
with a continuation prompt. The message will appear as follows:
"proc MAKESTRC, out of memory Continue?"
OR
"proc APPENDIT, out of memory Continue?"
There is no way to continue the structure generation. Respond
with an "N" and press return. The program will terminate after
responding to the prompt.
If this occurs during a database structure regeneration where
there is an existing database on disk, some manual file
maintenance to restore the original database files may be
required. A brief description of the structure generation process
is in order. Before a database is regenerated, the corresponding
database on disk and if necessary, the associated memo database
will be renamed to "-SAV_DBF.DBF" and "-SAV_DBF.DBT" respectively.
Once the new database structure has been generated with the true
database name, there is an operation to transfer the corresponding
information from the original database to the new. If the new
database(s) are created, but the original data has not been
completely transferred when the error occurs, a directory of
database files should show the new database(s) under the true name
and the original database under the save name(s).
Page 37
Application Database Operations
-------------------------------
Database Structure Generation (Cont'd)
--------------------------------------
* Memory Requirements (Cont'd)
To restore the original file name(s) in the case where both the
saved databases and the newly created databases exist, first
delete the newly created database(s). Once the delete has
been accomplished (or if the new databases were never created),
rename the saved databases back to their original names.
For example, suppose you are in the process of regenerating a
vendor master database, "VENDMAST.DBF", which also has an
associated memo file named "VENDMAST.DBT". Let's assume the
regeneration procedure renamed the vendor master databases to
"-SAV_DBF.DBF" and "-SAV_DBF.DBT", respectively, and has created
the new database structures under the true database names. Now
the system runs out of memory. After responding "N" to the
insufficient memory message prompt, run a directory of your
database files (ie., "DIR *.DB?").
A portion of the directory should show the saved files and another
portion should show the newly created database structures under
the original names. The next step is to delete the newly created
database files with the following two DOS commands:
DEL VENDMAST.DBF
DEL VENDMAST.DBT
The next step is to rename the saved databases back to their
original names. This is accomplished with the following two DOS
commands:
REN -SAV_DBF.DBF VENDMAST.DBF
REN -SAV_DBF.DBT VENDMAST.DBT
To solve the problem of insufficient memory, more system memory
must be allocated or system memory requirements must be reduced.
In some instances, more system memory may be allocated by changing
the runtime setting (See Runtime Environment Settings). It may be
necessary to free up more system memory by eliminating some RAM-
resident programs.
System memory requirements may be reduced by changing the
structure specification or eliminating the need to transfer
original information to the new database structure.
Page 38
Application Database Operations
-------------------------------
Database Structure Generation (Cont'd)
--------------------------------------
* Disk Space Requirements
If insufficient disk space is determined, an appropriate message
will be displayed and the structure generation process will be
gracefully exited. A conservative approach is used when
determining whether sufficient disk space is available to generate
a new structure. The disk file cluster size is assumed to be
4,096 bytes. If a database with an existing structure on disk is
going to be regenerated, it is assumed the new database will
require the same amount of space. The associated memo database is
included in the calculation if one exists. There must also be an
additional 8,192 bytes available for two temporary files.
For example, if the existing database on disk is 2,000 bytes. The
amount of free disk space must be at least 12,288 bytes. This
breaks down as follows: 8,192 bytes for two temporary files and a
4,096 byte cluster to hold the assumed 2,000 byte new database
file.
* Network File Locks
If the database identified for structure generation has a
corresponding database on disk, an attempt will be made to gain
exclusive access to the database with a file lock. If the
corresponding database file cannot be locked, a message will be
displayed noting the situation. The structure generation
operation will automatically be abandoned after the prompt is
acknowledged. For further information regarding the file-locking
technique and compatibility, please refer to the "Network File
Control" documentation section.
* Corrupt Databases
If the database identified for structure generation has a
corresponding database on disk and the database is determined to
be corrupt, the structure generation will not proceed. The
corrupt database must either be fixed, deleted, or renamed before
another structure can be generated for the database structure
defined in the dictionary. Please refer to pages 6 and 14 for
information regarding the interpretation of corrupt databases.
Page 39
System Documentation
--------------------
All documentation reports may be either displayed or printed. Whenever
the print option is selected, a reminder will be issued to ensure the
printer is ready to print.
In most instances, if the print option is indicated, a prompt will be
issued to determine if near-letter quality printing is desired. A
prompt will not be issued if the active printer is a laser printer or
if the Custom Printer is the active printer and no print control codes
have been defined for the custom printer.
If you want to eliminate the prompt to determine near-letter quality
printing, you may set the active printer to be the Custom Printer
and then ensure that no print control codes are defined for the Custom
Printer. With this setting, no matter what printer is receiving the
report, no prompt will be issued. A reminder will still be issued to
ensure the printer is ready.
General Documentation
---------------------
* Documentation Title Page
The documentation title page provides the cover page for the
documentation reports. It includes the company name and the
database system name centered on the page. The DataBase Structure
Manager copyright notice is provided in the lower-left corner of
the page.
* System Description
The System Description report includes all text entered using the
System Description option from the Dictionary Maintenance menu.
The output from this option is restricted to screen or printer.
However, the information may be transferred to an ASCII file using
one of the System Description maintenance features.
* Database Summary Report
The Database Summary report lists all database file names defined
in the database dictionary. In addition to the database file
name, the report always includes the database description and date
of last structure update by the DBMS system.
If there is no corresponding database in the current directory, it
will be noted in the report. If there is a corresponding valid
database file in the current directory, the date of the last
update of any kind (data or structure), and the total number of
records will be be listed. If a corresponding database is in the
current directory, but the database is determined to be invalid, a
message noting the corrupt database will be provided instead of
reporting the database information. Please refer to pages 6 and
14 for information concerning corrupt databases.
Page 40
System Documentation
--------------------
General Documentation (Cont'd)
------------------------------
* Database Extended Comments
The Database Extended Comments report lists the Extended Comments
entered in the Database Descriptions maintenance. The report is
restricted to screen or printer output, however the Extended
Comments may be written to an ASCII file using one of the
Extended Comments maintenance features.
When selecting the Database Extended Comments option from the
System Documentation menu, a point and select database menu is
provided. The menu consists of all database names and database
descriptions and allows databases to be selected individually or
as an entire group. For more detailed information regarding the
point and select database menu, please read the Database Selection
Menus documentation (See Menu Types).
* Index File Specifications
The index file specifications are reported in alphabetical order
by database file name. All index file specifications for each
database are presented in alphabetical order by index file name.
The detail format for each database includes a line to identify
the database. This line includes both the database file name and
the database description. Each index file specification is listed
on the lines following. The first line for any index specifica-
tion includes the index file name, the first 50 characters of the
index key expression, and an indication as to whether the index
key is unique. The index key expression will be continued on
subequent lines if necessary. If the index key expression exceeds
the maximum length allowed according to the database type
specified in the Configuration Settings, an appropriate error
message will also be listed.
Page 41
System Documentation
--------------------
Data Field Documentation
------------------------
* Database
Each database documentation report lists the data fields alpha-
betically by data field name within sequence code. That is, the
sequence code is the major sort field and the data field name is
the minor sort field. For the abbreviated format, the following
information is listed with each data field: field name, type,
length, decimals, description, and sequence code. The complete
format includes all of the information entered in the data field
maintenance.
When selecting the database data field documentation option
(either the abbreviated or complete format) from the System
Documentation menu, a point and select database menu is provided.
The database menu consists of all database names and descriptions
and allows databases to be selected individually or as an entire
group. For more detailed information regarding the point and
select database menu, please read the Database Selection Menus
documentation (See Menu Types).
* System
The system data field documentation (either abbreviated or
complete format) includes all data fields from every database in
the dictionary. The data fields are listed alphabetically by data
field name. For the abbreviated format, the following information
is listed with each data field: field name, type, length,
decimals, description, and sequence code. The complete format
includes all of the information entered in the data field
maintenance. Both report formats cross reference each data field
to the database(s) it has been assigned to.
Page 42
Utilities
---------
Printer Menu
------------
* Printer Selection
Printer type selections are provided to allow the proper
near-letter quality print control commands to be sent to the
printer before a report is printed and to reset the printer
after the report is printed.
A printer type may be specified by using the appropriate command
line call parameter. The Configuration Settings option of the
Utility Menu will allow a default printer type to be specified.
If no printer type is specified in the command line, the printer
specified in the Configuration Settings will be selected. The
current printer type may be changed at any time by using the
Printer Selection option of the Printer Menu.
If there is no printer type to match your specific printer, you may
be able to select a printer type that your printer will emulate.
If this is not possible or convenient, the Custom Printer type may
be selected. Once the Custom Printer type is active, the printer
control codes defined under the Custom Printer Definition option of
the Printer Menu become effective.
* Custom Printer Control Character Specifications
Custom printer control codes (up to 10 characters in length) may
be defined. These codes are used to set and reset the printer for
near-letter quality printing whenever a near-letter quality report
is requested and the Custom Printer type has been selected.
Each character of the print control command must be entered as a
3-digit number with leading zeroes. The 3-digit number is the
decimal value of the ASCII character. One space is automatically
maintained between numbers during the data entry process. A
maximum of 10 ASCII characters may be represented in this manner.
To delete control characters, the delete or backspace key must be
used; using the space bar will not delete characters.
* Printer Port Selection
Printer port selections change the active output device. Reports
may be directed to one of three parallel ports (LPT1, LPT2, or
LPT3) or to one of two serial ports (COM1 or COM2).
Page 43
Utilities
---------
Index All DataBase Structure Manager Files
------------------------------------------
This option may be run at any time to ensure the integrity of the
DBSM system index files.
Configuration Settings
----------------------
* Company Name
The company name is used for screen display headings and
documentation reports.
* Database System Name
The database system name is used for screen display headings and
documentation reports.
* Default Screen Type
The Default Screen Type is used to control the display screen type
if no valid display screen type was specified on the DBSM
execution command line. If no valid screen type is specified on
the DBSM execution command line and the Default Screen Type has
not been specified, the screen type will be #1 for color monitors
and #5 for monochrome monitors. The monitor type (color or
monochrome) is automatically detected by examining the system for
the presence of a color card. This automatic detection can be
"fooled" if there is a color card on the system, but the primary
display device is a monochrome monitor.
* Default Printer Definition
The sole purpose of selecting printers is to allow the system to
send printer control codes to switch the printer into near-letter
print mode when requested by the user and to reset the printer at
the end of the report.
The Default Printer Definition is used to provide a printer
definition when no valid printer definition was specified on the
DBSM execution command line. If no valid printer definition is
specified on the DBSM execution command line and the Default
Printer Definition has not been specified, the system will "force"
a printer selection before directing output to the printer.
If the Custom Printer is specified, the near-letter quality printer
control code sequence (defined in the custom printer definition
section of the Printer Menu) will be sent to the printer when
near-letter quality printing is indicated.
Page 44
Utilities
---------
Configuration Settings (Cont'd)
-------------------------------
* Default Printer Port
Valid printer ports are: LPT1 through LPT3, COM1, and COM2.
If no setting is indicated, the default is LPT1.
This option allows a Default Printer Port to be specified. The
Default Printer Port specification is mandatory. It will be the
active printer port at startup. The active printer port may be
changed at any time by using the Printer Port Selection option of
the Printer Menu.
* Automatic Dictionary Updates
This configuration setting controls whether a manual affirmation
is required when deleting database descriptions. Normally in the
database description deletion procedure, all dictionary
information related to the delete status databases should be
deleted. This includes the data fields unique to the delete
status databases, related index file specifications, and the
database descriptions themselves. However, if automatic
dictionary updates are denied through the use of this setting,
these dictionary elements must be individually specified to be
deleted. Please refer to the Database Descriptions - Deletions
for more information.
* Automatic Numeric Value Adjustments
Automatic numeric value adjustments may be designated to
automatically adjust numeric values when a database structure is
being generated and corresponding data field values from an
existing database on disk are being transferred.
If there is a database on disk in the current directory with a
name that corresponds to the database being generated, data from
the corresponding database on disk will be appended to the new
database structure once it has been generated. Only those fields
whose field name and field type match across both databases will
have information transferred. Values for numeric data fields that
correspond in field name and field type, but do not have the same
numeric field length and/or decimals length may need to be altered
to fit a new numeric data field definition.
You may designate in the Configuration Settings that automatic
numeric value changes may be supplied. In this case, if the
original data field value does not "fit" into the new definition,
the highest or lowest possible value (whichever is closest) will
be placed in the field. If automatic value changes are not
allowed by this setting and an incompatible numeric value is
encountered in the data transfer, an appropriate message will be
displayed and the new structure generation process is terminated
with the appropriate rollback to restore the original files.
Page 45
Utilities
---------
Configuration Settings (Cont'd)
-------------------------------
* Include DataBase Structure Manager's Database Files
The Structure Import Utility has a database directory feature and
a feature to import all databases in the current directory. If
this DBSM database inclusion setting is set to include DBSM files,
the DBSM files will be included in the Structure Import Utility
feature operations. Otherwise, DBSM databases will be ignored.
Normally, there is no need to include DBSM databases in the
database import operation (unless the DBSM databases are being
maintained and documented by DBSM).
* Index DataBase Structure Manager Files at Startup
As a precautionary measure, all DBSM system index files may be
indexed each time DBSM is executed. This is not normally
necessary, however if the DBSM dictionary databases are being
maintained outside of the DBSM program, it may be necessary and
convenient to use this option to ensure valid system index files.
* Database System Types
The Database System Type designation is used to validate the
database, data field, and index file specifications. The data
field specifications will be checked during the data field
maintenance. The database record length and number of fields will
only be checked before attempting to generate a database
structure. Data field types are also checked for validity before
generating a database structure. The index file specification
length will be checked during index file maintenance.
1. dBASE III PLUS/FoxBase
The dBASE III PLUS database specifications will be applied when
validation procedures are performed to ensure correct database,
data field, and index file specifications. The FoxBase
specification is considered equivalent to the dBASE III PLUS
specification.
2. Clipper - Summer '87
The Clipper (Summer '87 version) database specifications will
be applied when validation procedures are performed to ensure
correct database, data field, and index file specifications.
Page 46
Utilities
---------
Configuration Settings (Cont'd)
-------------------------------
* Database System Types (Cont'd)
3. Custom Database Specifications
The custom database specification allows more flexible control
over the database specifications. With this selection, the
following database criteria must be specified: maximum record
length, maximum number of database fields, maximum character
field length, maximum numeric field length, maximum number of
decimals, and the maximum length for an index file
specification. The Custom Database specifications will be
applied when validation procedures are performed to ensure
correct database, data field, and index file specifications.
Data field specifications will be applied during Data Field
Maintenance, general database specifications (record length,
number of database fields, and data types) will be applied
during database generation.
When the custom database maximum specifications are set, the
DBSM gives you free rein to enter database specifications based
on the custom specifications. However, when it comes to
generating databases, no database may be generated that exceeds
the following maximum specifications:
Database record length......: 32,766
Number of database fields...: 1,024
Character field length......: 32,766
Numeric field length........: 20
Decimals field length.......: 18
Index key expression length.: 250
The amount of available system memory may be exceeded prior to
reaching any of these maximum specifications.
The database record length values reported by this system are
calculated by summing the length of all data fields in the
database. The 1-byte position in databases for the delete
status is not included in the record length.
A custom database type must be defined in Configuration
Settings to allow numeric data fields to be the maximum
allowable for dBASE IV databases.
* Universal Database Filename Suffix
The database filename suffix is used to allow database filename
suffixes other than the standard "DBF". All operations involving
databases on disk will make use of this specification. This
includes, but is not limited to, operations of database structure
generation, database structure variance reporting, database memo
file compression, database directory displays, and importing
database structure information into the DataBase Structure
Manager.
Page 47
Utilities
---------
Configuration Settings (Cont'd)
-------------------------------
* Column Heading/Detail Divider Line
The character used in the line that separates the column
heading(s) from the column's detail information may be designated
by supplying the ASCII decimal value of the character. The
character's ASCII decimal value must be in the range of 33 through
254, inclusive. The currently selected characters are displayed
just to the right of the ASCII code decimal value.
The Screen Heading/Detail Divider character is used for reports
directed only to the screen.
The Printer Heading/Detail Divider character is used for any
reports when the printer output option is requested.
Screen Display Settings
-----------------------
The current screen display setting may be changed to any one of 4
different color schemes (if the DBSM detects a color card) or to
monochrome. If no color card is detected, this option simply
reports that a monochrome monitor has been detected and no further
settings are available.
Show Structure of Database on Disk
----------------------------------
Any database files in the current directory may be specified to
report their structure information. The report may be directed to
the display screen or the printer.
Compress Database's Memo File
-----------------------------
Some database systems (Clipper - Summer '87 included) do not always
reclaim memo field space that has been used and then deleted. Over
time, it is possible to accumulate a significant amount of wasted
space in the memo database. This feature will eliminate the "dead"
space by re-creating the database and appending the data from the
original files. Databases determined to be corrupt will not be
compressed. See pages 6 and 14 for the definition of a corrupt
database.
When using the memo compress feature, it is possible to run out of
system memory. If this happens, find your original database files
under the saved names of "-TMP_1.DBF" and "-TMP_1.DBT" and rename
them to their original names. Before doing the rename, first
determine whether the new database files with the original names
have been created. If this has already been done, then you should
delete them and then rename the saved files back to their original
names.
Page 48
Usage Hints
-----------
Pseudo-Database Definitions
---------------------------
Databases may be defined that will never be used as application
databases. Instead, the database serves to consolidate a specific
set of data fields. For instance, if you want to document all the
key data fields, you can define a database called KEYFLDS and assign
all the key data fields to it.
Program memory variable documentation may be maintained and reported
by defining the memory variables as data fields in a special
database.
Data Field Headings
-------------------
The data field description is maintained in two data fields in the
data field dictionary. You may find it convenient to use one of the
description data fields for maintaining a data field report heading.
The data field report heading could be used in dynamically
generating reports.
Dynamic Structure Variance Information
--------------------------------------
The ability to read the system dictionary files that are in Dbase
format allows the application programmer to determine if the actual
application database structures on disk are defined the same as the
application database definitions in the DBSM database dictionary.
If an application database is defined differently from the
dictionary definition, special actions in the database application
may need to be performed.
For instance, if a dynamic report generation application notices a
difference in the actual database structure and the dictionary
definition, it may be appropriate to alert the user that the
database specification has been redesigned.
Application Program References to DBSM System Files
---------------------------------------------------
Database applications programmers may develop semi-standard
validation code in their applications that reference the DBSM data
field definitions. For instance, the application's validation code
could reference the corresponding data field in the DBSM data field
dictionary. If there is a low-range value specified, the data
entered may be checked to maintain the range specification.
The technique listed above will probably not provide the fastest
possible data entry validation, but when the technique is used
properly, there is the ability to make changes to the validation
criteria without having to change the program source code and
recompile the program(s). In some cases, this may be a primary
concern. In fact, you may find it desirable to design procedures in
your application system to control the maintenance of the dictionary
data field validation criteria.
Page 49
Program Error Reporting Procedures
----------------------------------
Progressive Data Systems gratefully accepts any suspected program error
(ie., bug) reports from any users. Program error reports will be
accepted in verbal or written form, although a written copy is
preferred. Please include as much detail as possible in describing the
program error to allow the program error to be validated. Progressive
Data Systems will respond to written program error reports from
registered users when the user provides a self-addressed, stamped
envelope.
The following information should be included along with a detailed
description of the suspected program error:
1. DBSM license registration number (If a registered user.).
2. DBSM version.
3. DOS version.
4. CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT file contents.
5. Available system memory before executing the DBSM program as
reported by the DOS CHKDSK command.
Registered users will be advised of any significantly serious program
errors and will be entitled to one free maintenance release of the
DataBase Structure Manager if it should become necessary. A main-
tenance release may be issued at the sole discretion of Progressive
Data Systems if there is an excessive accumulation of program errors or
if there is a sufficiently serious progam error. (Please take note
that a discretionary maintenance release is not the same as a revision
to upgrade the program.) Registered users will be notified when a new
release to upgrade the program is available and the upgrade policy.
Page 50
Appendix A
Full-Screen Edit Command Summary
Full-Screen Edit Movement Keys
---------------------------------------- -------------------------------
Move up one line........................ UpArrow or <Ctrl-E>
Move down one line...................... DownArrow, <Ctrl-X>,Return,
<Ctrl-M>
Move to the left one character.......... LeftArrow or <Ctrl-S>
Move to the right one character......... RightArrow or <Ctrl-D>
Move left to the next word.............. <Ctrl-LeftArrow> or <Ctrl-A>
Move right to the next word............. <Ctrl-RightArrow> or <Ctrl-F>
Beginning of edit field................. Home
End of edit field....................... End
Beginning of first edit field........... <Ctrl-Home>
Beginning of last edit field............ <Ctrl-End>
Full-Screen Edit Actions Keys
---------------------------------------- ------------------------------
Delete character at cursor position..... Del, <Ctrl-G>
Destructive backspace................... Backspace, <Ctrl-H>
Delete word right....................... <Ctrl-T>
Delete from cursor to end of edit field. <Ctrl-Y>
Reset edit field to original value...... <Ctrl-U>
Full-Screen Edit Modes Keys
---------------------------------------- ------------------------------
Toggle insert/overwrite mode............ Ins, <Ctrl-V>
Full-Screen Escape Actions Keys
---------------------------------------- ------------------------------
Terminate current edit field............ Return, <Ctrl-M>
Terminate edit & save current edit field PgUp, PgDn, <Ctrl-W>, <Ctrl-C>
Terminate edit w/o saving current field. Esc
The escape key can be used at any time to cancel an add or an update.
Page 51
Appendix B
Memo Text Edit Command Summary
Screen/Cursor Movement Key
---------------------------------- -------------------------------
Move up one line.................. UpArrow or <Ctrl-E>
Move down one line................ DownArrow or <Ctrl-X>
Move to the left one character.... LeftArrow or <Ctrl-S>
Move to the right one character... RightArrow or <Ctrl-D>
Move left to the next word........ <Ctrl-LeftArrow> or <Ctrl-A>
Move right to the next word....... <Ctrl-RightArrow> or <Ctrl-F>
Beginning of current line......... Home
End of current line............... End
Beginning of current screen....... <Ctrl-Home>
End of current screen............. <Ctrl-End>
Previous screen................... PageUp
Next screen....................... PageDown
Beginning of memorandum........... <Ctrl-PageUp>
End of memorandum................. <Ctrl-PageDown>
Toggle insert/overwrite mode...... Ins, <Ctrl-V>
Destructive backspace............. Backspace, <Ctrl-H>
Edit Functions Key
---------------------------------- --------
Delete the current line........... <Ctrl-Y>
Delete word right................. <Ctrl-T>
Reformat text in edit screen...... <Ctrl-B>
Output Functions Key
---------------------------------- --------
Print the memo text............... <Alt-P>
Write the memo text to a disk file <Alt-W>
The Print and Write options may only be executed prior to making
changes to the memo text.
Page 52
Appendix C
Enhancement Suggestions
-----------------------
Progressive Data Systems is interested in your comments and
suggestions regarding the performance of the DataBase Structure
Manager system. The areas where you feel the DBSM system should be
improved, based on your own specific requirements, is of particlar
interest. The feedback we receive from you will help us to determine
how to most effectively improve the system to meet your needs.
There are many different directions the improvements to this system
can take. The emphasis could be on building dynamic reporting and
editing based on the dictionary specifications or the improvements
could focus on increasing the types of dictionary information being
maintained.
One improvement that will almost certainly be provided is the ability
to do full-screen editing of multiple data fields all belonging to one
specific database. Each data field would be given one line on the
screen with scrolling as necessary. Any change to a data field
specification would automatically be changed for all databases the
data field belongs to. This facility would most likely first appear
as an independent utility.
Do you have other ideas about how this system could be improved? How
important is a multi-user capability to you? Please drop us a line
and let us know where you think the focus of our development efforts
should be.
Appendix D Page 53
Order Form
Ship To:
Name...: ________________________________________________
Company: ________________________________________________
Address: ________________________________________________
________________________________________________
City...: _______________________ State: ___ Zip: _______
Country: ________________________________________________
Phone Number..: (_____) _______________
Disk Unit
Qty Description Medium Price Extension
--- ---------------------------------------------- ------ ------ ---------
___ DataBase Structure Manager System (Current 5.25" $45.00 $ _______
version). Includes programs and documentation 360K
files on disk and license registration.
___ DataBase Structure Manager System (Current 3.5" $48.00 $ _______
version). Includes programs and documentation 720K
files on disk and license registration.
___ DataBase Structure Manager System (Current 5.25" $10.00 $ _______
version). Includes programs and documentation 360K
files on disk. Registration not included.
___ DataBase Structure Manager System (Current 3.5" $13.00 $ _______
version). Includes programs and documentation 720K
files on disk. Registration not included.
___ DataBase Structure Manager System - Registration only. $35.00 $ _______
___ Printed, bound documentation manual. $12.00 $ _______
Subtotal $ _______
Wisconsin residents add 5% sales tax $ _______
Total $ _______
Remit to: Progressive Data Systems
P.O. Box 631
Middleton, WI 53562
Phone (608) 836-5075
Please pay by check or money order in U.S. currency only.
We cannot accept credit cards or COD orders.
Please add $8.00 for orders outside the U.S.A.
Registration includes technical support for one year.
Your comments or suggestions are gratefully received and appreciated.
Page 54
Index
-----
Subject Subject
------------------------------------- ------------------------------------
Appending Data 12,35 Database (Cont'd)
Application Database File Location 16 File Name Suffix 46
Application Database Operations 32-34 File Name Syntax 13, 27
Create Index Files 32 Name 27
Report Structure Variance 32 Record Length 13, 45
Generate Database Structures 34 Selection Menus 20
Applications 3, 48 Specification Validation 34, 45
Assoc. of Shareware Professionals iv Structure Generation 34
Column Heading/Detail Divider Line 47 Structure Variance Report 32
Command Line Parameters 16 Structure Validation, New 34
Diskette Operation 17 Structure Viewing 28
Display Screen Type 16 System Application Subdirectory 16
Printer Type 17 System Name 43
Compress Database's Memo File 47 System Types 45
CONFIG.SYS 8 Title 27
Configuration Settings 19, 43-47 Database Extended Comments 40
Column Dividers 47 Database Summary Report 39
Company Name 43 Database System Description 39
Database File Name Suffix 46 DBSM Database File Recognition 45
Database System Type 45 DBSM Error Report Procedures 49
DBSM Database Inclusion 45 Decimals Field Length 25
DBSM File Indexing 45 Delete Toggle 23
Dictionary Updates 44 Deletions 23
Numeric Value Changes 44 Dictionary Maintenance 22
Printer Definition 43 Dictionary System Files 5
Printer Port 44 Dictionary Updates, automatic 44
Screen Type 43 Disk Space Requirements 38
System Name 43 Diskette Drive Operation 17, 18
Validation 19 Documentation 39
Corrupt Database 6, 14, 38 Data Fields 41
Cursor Movement 50, 51 General 39
Full-Screen Edit 50 Documentation Title Page 39
Memo Field Edit 51 DOS Command Execution 11, 21
Custom Database Specifications 46 Edit Command Summary 50, 51
Custom Printer 42 Enhancement Suggestions 52
Data Field Error Report Procedures 49
Database Assignments 13, 26 Exiting Maintenance 23
Maintenance 24-26 Expanded Memory for Index Buffers 10
Mandatory Specifications 24 Extended Comments 27, 40
Order 26, 34, 41 External Program Execution 11, 21
Required Data Entry 25 Features Summary 4
Specifications 13-14, 24-26 File-Locking 12
Database First-Time Operation 17
Corrupt 6, 14, 38 Full-Screen Edit Command
Summary 50 Hard Drive Operation 17
Data Field Maximum 46 Hardware Requirements 8
Data Field Memberships 26 High Range Value 25
Descriptions 27 Import Database Structure Report 27
Documentation 40, 41
Extended Comments 27
Page 55
Index
-----
Subject Subject
------------------------------------- ------------------------------------
Index Quitting 20
Buffers Allocation 9 Record-Locking 12
DBSM Files at Startup 45 Record Maintenance 22
File Creation 32 Registration Reminder 19
File Specifications 30, 45, 46 Relational Database Primer 1
Key Expression Length 45, 46 Runtime Environment Settings 8
Key Fields 45, 46 Screen Display Settings 16, 43, 47
Specifications Maintenance 30 Searching 23
INSTALL Batch File 15 Selection Flag 23
Installation 15 Sequence Code 26
Introduction 1 Shareware Distribution iii
Last Structure Update 27 Shareware Professionals, Assoc iv
Low Range Value 25 Snow Elimination 10
Main Menu 20 Software License ii
Mandatory Specifications 24 Software Requirements 8
Maximum Database Specifications 13 Standard Sub-Menus 20
Memo File Deletion 36 Structure Maintenance
Memo Text Fields Dictionary 22
Edit Commands 51 Data Fields 24
Printing 27, 51 Database Descriptions 27
Writing to Disk File 27, 51 Database Data Field Members 29
Memory Index File Specifications 30
Allocation and Use 8 System Description 31
Requirements 8, 36 Application Databases 32
Usage 8 Create Index Files 32
Insufficient 36, 47 Report Structure Variance 32
Memory Variable Allocation 9 Generate Database Structures 34
Memory Variable Documentation 48 Structure Report 41
Menu System 20, 22 Structure Variance Information 32
Menu Quick Traversal 20 System Configuration 8
Multi-Tasking 7 System Description 31
Multi-User 12 System Dictionary Files 5
Network File Control 12, 38 System Startup 16
Numeric Value Adjustments 35, 44 Table of Contents v
Optional Data Field Documentation 25 Technical Specifications 13-14
Order Form 53 Technical Support iv
Ownership Reminder 19 Trademark Acknowledgements i
Picture Format 25 Urgent Information 5
PLINK86 Overlay Loader 18 Usage Hints 48
Print Memo Text 27, 51 Utilities 42
Printer Validate Procedure 25
Custom Definition 42 Warranty and Liability i
Menu 42 Write Memo Text to Disk 27, 51
Port Selection 42
Selection 42
Pseudo-Database Definitions 48