Info-Mac 3/Info_Mac_1994-01.iso/Abstracts/Development⁄4th Dim Abstract

Text File | 1993-12-31 | 27KB | 739 lines

Abstracts from files in info-mac/dev/a4d as of Sun Dec 26 00:44:21 PST 1993


#### LINK       External -> ext   ****

#### TEXT       acius-sales-reps-info.txt   ****


For your convenience, and to expedite your order, the ACI US Sales
offices are listed below.  All calls to Cupertino are referred to the
appropriate sales office.


ACI US HEADQUARTERS
10351 Bubb Road
Cupertino, CA  95014
Telemarketing   Mark Haas        [phone] ext 248
Education Sales Brenda Bell      [phone] ext 203
Fax:  [phone]

BOSTON OFFICE:
Peter Bogdonoff
8 Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Suite 423
Boston, MA 02109
[phone]
Fax: [phone]


#### BINHEX     backup-doc.hqx   ****

From:    SMTP%"[e-mail]" 30-JUL-1991 21:23:49.16
To:    [e-mail]
CC:
Subj:    MultiUser Backup Document

Date: Wed, 31 Jul 91 13:09 GMT +1200
From: Allan Udy <[e-mail]>
Subject: MultiUser Backup Document
To: [e-mail]
X-VMS-To: IN%"[e-mail]"


#### TEXT       backup-restore-src.txt   ****

Date: Sat, 12 Jun 1993 09:04:52 -0800
From: [e-mail] (Robert Paige)
Subject: Re: Undo/Auto Backup

>2) You can set up a process that, at appointed hours, beams the data from
>all fields in all datafiles into disk files stored elsewhere.  If you are
>running v3 or server, this could take place unbeknownst to users.  The Send
>Record command would work for this as long as the database structure would
>not change between backup and restore.  Otherwise you would need to write
>your own export procedure (more work).

The following should work to backup and restore your database, with the
above restrictions. If you call these as a new process, they open their own
progress windows:

  `Procedure: zBACKUP($1:pathname)

  `$1 = pathname to store files in

  `backs-up all the data files to external files in a selected folder

#### BINHEX     balloon-help-demo.hqx   ****


#### TEXT       clients-rights-info.txt   ****

Date: 01 Mar 1993
From: [e-mail]
Subject: [*] dev/a4d/clients-rights-info.txt

Dear Fellow Developers,

I'd like to know what you folks think about a client's right to the
source code of their database application.

I'm currently developing an application for a friend, and, as I
realize that he will depend on it for longer than I am likely to be
living in the area, I am going to provide him with the source (ie: the
uncompiled structure file) and the designer password so that, in case
of my death or extended absense, he may find another 4d'er and keep
his db current with his needs.

I know of another situation where a small business hired a 4D
developer who charged them $100/hr over a long period of time to
create an application that is ultimately unsatisfactory to them.  They
have found that they are unable to communicate with the developer and

#### BINHEX     commander-reference-demo.hqx   ****

From [e-mail] Tue Sep  7 06:17:51 1993
Date: Tue, 7 Sep 1993 12:27:09 +1100
From: [e-mail] (Allan Udy)
Subject: Commander Demo

                                 Commander DEMO

Demonstration version of the Commander on-line command reference database
for the 4th DimensionR procedural language.

Commander contains over 95% of the 4th Dimension Language Reference Manual
in an easy to use and search format. All 4th DimensionR commands are
included along with the full descriptions of those commands as contained in
the Language Reference Manual. Additional notes and source code examples
have been added to suppliment the original decriptions where appropriate.

All other chapters of the 4th DimensionR Language Reference Manual that 4th
DimensionR users frequently need  (such as 'The Layout Execution Cycle',
and 'Components of Processes'), are also contained within Commander.


Advantages Of Using Commander

   o Find the information or command description you are looking
      for easily in a seconds.

   o Easily navigate from one command reference to another using
      'hyper-text' jumping, and rapidly skip back through the
      last dozen topics you looked at.

   o No more having to carry the 4th Dimension Language Reference
      manual around where ever you (and your Powerbook) go.

   o Additional notes about commands, extra source code fragments,
      and all recent addenda to the LR manual included.

   o Uses 100k  of RAM, so you can have Commander open whenever
       you're using 4th Dimension-this is no memory hog.

   o Use standard Macintosh copy techniques to copy source code
      examples from Commander and paste directly into your own
      procedures.

   o Commander can be set to automatically hide itself when you
      switch it into the background-there are no additional windows
      cluttering up your desktop when they're not needed.

Ordering information is included within the demo.



#### BINHEX     comment-util.hqx   ****

From:    SMTP%"[e-mail]" 30-JUL-1991 17:18:38.68
To:    [e-mail]
CC:
Subj:    4D Comment FKEY .... sorry these have taken so long !!!!

Date: Wed, 31 Jul 91 09:04 GMT +1200
From: Allan Udy <[e-mail]>
Subject: 4D Comment FKEY .... sorry these have taken so long !!!!
To: [e-mail]
X-VMS-To: IN%"[e-mail]"

`Comment FKEY
This ` Comment FKEY was designed to easily comment and uncomment
large blocks of 4th Dimesion code. To use it you must first install it in
your System file or 4th Dimension Application using RESEDIT. I have
set this up as FKEY #6. If you have any conflicts with existing FKEYs, you may have to renumber them(use the get info command in RESEDIT).
Once installed, dont forget to reboot. Then the next time you want to
comment out a block of code in 4th Dimension


#### BINHEX     communications-kit-demo.hqx   ****

Date: 27 May 93 10:27:44 EDT
From: [e-mail] (Leslie G. Wardwell)
Subject: 4DCK v1.1 Demo

This is the 4D Communications Kit version 1.1 that is compatible with 4D v3.
A 4DCK Demo version 1.02 is also included for 4D v2.

4DCK is now supported by Full Moon Software of San Jose, CA and no longer by
FORESIGHT Technologies.

---------------------------------------------------------------------

NOTE:  The following Macintosh file(s) are enclosed with this
message, in BinHex format.  If your mail system does not convert
BinHex files automatically, you will need to transfer the message to
a Mac and run the BinHex application to decode it.

Filename: 4DCK Demo.sea    Size:  897867 bytes

---------------------------------------------------------------------


#### TEXT       credit-card-check-src.txt   ****

From: "Rene G.A. Ros" <[e-mail]>
Subject: creditcard-check.txt
Date: Fri, 13 Aug 93 12:33:10 MET DST

Card check proc.txt

Small procedure to check if credit card number is correctly
entered.


`this procedure calculates the last number of a credit card number
`(at least VISA and Mastercard). These have a kind checksum.
`By doing this and comparing with the entered value you can check if
`there were no type mismatches.
`Based on some C-source code by Diomidis Spinellis <[e-mail]>
`published on Internet.

`Ported to 4D by Rene G.A. Ros
`D.C. van Krimpenstraat 3
`1067 SG Amsterdam

#### BINHEX     datafile-locater-util.hqx   ****

From:    SMTP%"[e-mail]" 16-JUL-1991 05:19:13.46
To:    [e-mail]
CC:
Subj:    datafile-locater-01.hqx

Date: Tue, 16 Jul 91 04:12 CDT
From: How it got here I haven't a clue <[e-mail]>
Subject: datafile-locater-01.hqx
To: [e-mail]
X-VMS-To: IN%"[e-mail]"


#### BINHEX     devcon5-info.hqx   ****


#### BINHEX     devcon6-info.hqx   ****


#### TEXT       developer-email-list-info.txt   ****

---------------------------------------------------------------
-----                     4D Email Group                  -----
---------------------------------------------------------------
This email group was created to provide users and developers a
forum to ask questions, bounce ideas, and expand members
knowledge of ACI's 4th Dimension. This is an informal group,
with no rules except proper email etiquette.

If you are in doubt of what proper email etiquette entails
either do:

    an anonymous FTP to isig.mit.edu, and get the file

        Primer/usenet-primer.

    There are other very useful Internet based documents in
    the /Primer directory.

or if you *don't* have FTP access send a request to:


#### BINHEX     export-dialog-db.hqx   ****


#### DIRECTORY  ext   ****

#### BINHEX     fourth-right-demo.hqx   ****

4thRIGHT! 1.5 DEMO

4th Dimension 2.0.10 development shell and library

4thRIGHT! and 4thRIGHT! Professional are developer's workshops and
libraries containing the user interface, application shell, and
development library for creating Macintosh applications using Acius,
Inc.'s 4th Dimension programmable database.

Both versions provide the user interface, custom interface tools,
application shell, and development library for 4th Dimension.
4thRIGHT! consists of the core interface, code, structure and
resources. It is provided without distribution rights and is for the
in-house developer with modest needs who still requires a polished,
feature-rich environment.

4thRIGHT! Professional extends the 4thRIGHT! environment with an
integrated word processor based upon DB/Write from Metropolis
Software, Inc., a library of external procedures, and limited
distribution rights on finished applications. 4thRIGHT! Professional
users may also obtain a commercial resale license for unlimited
distribution of finished applications.

Requires a Mac Plus with 2MB Ram, a hard disk drive, 4th Dimension
v.2.0.10 or later. Faster processor and/or additional RAM recommended
for improved performance with large and/or complex applications.

4thRIGHT! retails for $145.
4thRIGHT! Professional retails for $325.

The Demo and Product Description are compressed with Stuffit. They are
in Auto-UnStuffit format. Simply move them to your hard disk and
double click on them to decompress them for use. Be sure you have
enough space on your hard disk (2MB) for these files before unstuffing
them.

The Product Description was saved in Glue format so you can print it
using the Super Glue Viewer included.  Double click the Free to
Distribute Viewer to launch it. From within the viewer application,
open the 4RBrochure.SGII document and print it. Use a postscript laser
printer for the best results.

**********************************************************
THIS APPLICATION IS PASSWORDED TO BAR ACCESS TO THE DESIGN ENVIRONMENT
OF 4TH DIMENSION. TO ENTER THE DEMO, SELECT "Administrator" AND HIT
THE ENTER KEY OR OK BUTTON WHEN PROMPTED FOR A PASSWORD.
**********************************************************

THIS DEMO MAY BE DISTRIBUTED FREELY AND PLACED IN SHAREWARE AND PD
COLLECTIONS. PLEASE DO NOT REMOVE ANY COPYRIGHT NOTICES.

For further information, please contact the products developer:

Contact: Buddy Page
Digital Concepts, Inc.
PO Box 69159
Portland, OR  97201

Information: 503-244-4460
Orders: 800-338-4259  ext. 564
AppleLink: D2871
CompuServe: 73030,1140
America Online: Buddy Page

***************

This is a quick and dirty demo of 4thRIGHT! and 4thRIGHT!
Professional. This demo provides a look at the primary end user
features found within a 4thRIGHT! application. The application is not
meant to be an example of good program design or anything else. Its
only purpose as is a quick look at the basic structure you will build
your application within.

What you don't see with the demo are the collection of external
procedures and many of the development resources. This demo does not
fully display what can be done with the built in resources.

This demo contains some bugs and inoperable or restricted features. It
is only a demo and is not meant to be used for any purpose other than
hands on display of 4thRIGHT!.

Look over the product description included on disk and the materials
provided with the disk.

When using this demo, you should be aware of the following:

1. Be sure to move about between files using the Goto menu.

2. Look at each command on the menu bar.

3. Use the buttons. 4thRIGHT! does not use the standard 4D method of
forcing you to use accept and cancel button to leave layouts. The
accept and cancel buttons, except on dialogs and input layouts opened
by double clicking on an output layout, do not close layouts. They
accept or cancel data. You leave primary input and out layouts using
the menu bar or one of the other buttons that are provided to take you
to specific areas or operational modes.

4. Next/Previous. Move between records in a layout using the direction
(arrow) buttons. Be sure to try it in all files. The amount of time it
takes to move between layouts is directly proportional to the
complexity of the layout (number of scrollable areas, button scripts,
layout pages, scripts, etc). This is a function of 4D 2.0 and is not
specific to 4thRIGHT!. The input layout for the Companies file is a
complex layout and the input layout for the Activity file is a simple
layout. Compare the two for an idea of what to expect from your
applications.

5. Look at the Text Merge Editor and the Word Processor. These are
powerful tools.

6. Call me if you have questions or doubts. 4thRIGHT! is a very
complete and forgiving environment. It also diverges from the standard
model set forth by Acius and many of its developers for managing
menus, the program structure, etc. For this reason, we are able to
bypass many of the bottlenecks and problems many people experience
with 4D. Many of these problems are simply the results of questionable
design decision.



#### BINHEX     fs-area-list-20-demo.hqx   ****


#### BINHEX     fs-calendar-set-demo.hqx   ****

From [e-mail] Tue Jun  8 09:29:28 1993
Date: 27 May 93 10:54:44 EDT
From: [e-mail] (Charles B. Wilber)
Subject: upload

The enclosed self-extracting demo of Foresight Technology's "CalendarSet" 4D
external package has been authorized for upload to sumex-aim by Foresight
Technology.

Please let me know by return email if there is any problem with this file or
upload.

Charlie Wilber
Dartmouth College

---------------------------------------------------------------------

NOTE:  The following Macintosh file(s) are enclosed with this
message, in BinHex format.  If your mail system does not convert
BinHex files automatically, you will need to transfer the message to
a Mac and run the BinHex application to decode it.

Filename: CalendarSetTM Demo.sea    Size:  144071 bytes

---------------------------------------------------------------------


#### BINHEX     fs-display-list-demo.hqx   ****


#### BINHEX     fs-stuff4d-demo.hqx   ****


#### BINHEX     fs-thermo-set-demo.hqx   ****


#### BINHEX     goodies-db.hqx   ****

From [e-mail] Wed Jun  2 18:16:27 1993
Date: Wed, 2 Jun 1993 15:17:47 -0800
From: [e-mail] (Robert Paige)
Subject: Submission to info-mac/lang/4d

4D-Goodies includes several useful utilities:
1) Progress Indicator. You can specify how often the indicator is updated,
and include messages in the indicator. It also trys to estimate how long
until the task is completed. The progress indicator is used throughout this
demo database.

2) Buffered I/O. One example from my MacII: reading a 484K file took 1.5
minutes buffered, 6.5 minutes unbuffered. The sample file is of 1000
records of varying length from 10-1000 characters. This example just counts
the records in a file, but it does show its usefulness. This is only useful
compiled.

3) InterProcess communication. I've implemented an amazingly simple set of
'Pipes' between processes. Any process can write to a pipe, and any other
process can read from its own pipe. Everything is buffered. On top of this
I've layered a messaging system that is demonstrated by the 'Messager'
section of the demo. The Pipes, Messager, and PIPEMANAGER probably take <
100 lines of code. This even works well interpreted.

4) Prioritization of long tasks. This is closely tied to the Progress
Indicator. Try this: While running a couple Buffered I/O demos
simultaneously (love that multitasking!), open the Prioritize window and
adjust the priorities for those processes (0 is highest priority).

All this (with the exception of a window-resizing external) is done in 4D
code. I'd be interested in any feedback on usage.

----------------------------------------
Robert Paige
Internet: [e-mail]
HIV Neurobehavioral Research Center
Department of Psychiatry
UCSD School of Medicine, San Diego, CA
----------------------------------------
     >> Usual disclaimers apply. <<
----------------------------------------



#### BINHEX     liams-window-tools-db.hqx   ****

From: [e-mail] (Liam Breck)

                     "Liam's Famous Window Tools"

by Liam Breck ([e-mail])

I think the new multi-process/window architecture of v3 is not
entirely ideal.  When using many windows in an application, you
usually only need the foreground window to be active.  But by default
in v3, all windows (really processes) eat processing time.  This can
really bog down a lower end Mac when you have several windows open.
On top of that, ACI did not include window management functions to
open windows offset from the position of existing windows, or to build
a window menu with which buried windows can be brought to the front.

I have implemented a set of routines (entirely in 4D's language) to
address these concerns.  The major features are:

•  A menu bar (or floating pop-up) menu that lets you raise any current window
•  A procedure to pause background windows
•  Simpler open window functions that let you specify width and height,
   and account for the size of any title bar
•  A function to open a window in one of several stacks.  Each window in
   a stack is postioned offset from the other windows in the stack
•  A function to open a window in a general screen location
   (ie: top left, center, etc.)
•  A function to keep a window in front (but still moveable and sizeable;
   useful when you need to ensure that it will be in front when
   switching to the app from another by clicking any of its windows)
•  A process creator that can check for (and bring to the front) an
   existing process with the same name or create a new one.

This source is free to all, though not in the public domain; I retain
ownership. It is copyright 1993 by William Breck. A limited license is
hereby granted to reuse this source code in 4th Dimension database
applications. You may not charge money for this source in any form, either
as part of a database application or by iteself or with a collection of
other utilities.


#### BINHEX     only-if-mod-4dv3-util.hqx   ****


#### TEXT       phone-dial-src.txt   ****

Date:    Sun, 13 Jun 93 12:29 EDT
From: <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: Dialing from layout

dialing script:
Below is code from a "Dial" button on an input layout. It
automatically dials the phone number that is in the field
"phone 1" and gives appropriate information in a message box.

The code gives the user 5 seconds in which to pick up the phone
after the dialing.

Anyone see any way to better optimize for 4D Server? My understanding
is that the WHILE loops involve cpu cranking on the client end
and should not burden the server--is this right?

I got the core of this code from someone on this 4d mailing
list--whoever it was, thanks!

Steve Dahm

#### BINHEX     pictlink-4d-demo.hqx   ****

This is version 1.1 of the PictureLink demo by MediaLab
technologies.  The file is a self-extracting archive in
binhex 4.0 format.


#### BINHEX     pictlink-ff-demo.hqx   ****

This is version 1.1 of the PictureLink demo by MediaLab
technologies.  The file is a self-extracting archive in
binhex 4.0 format.


#### BINHEX     print-list-demo.hqx   ****


#### BINHEX     quick-code-4dv2-101-demo.hqx   ****

From natural!gmq.natural.com![e-mail] Thu Jul 22 13:44:08 1993
Date: 22 Jul 1993 11:58:13 -0500
From: "Hillel" <[e-mail]>
Subject: 4d demo for v2

                       Subject:                               Time:11:52 AM
  OFFICE MEMO          4d demo for v2                         Date:7/22/93
Liam:

Quick Code Pro, by Natural Intelligence, is a code editor extension for
4D's design environment.  This is a demo, v1.0.1, for 4D version 2.

NNNN  III   III  Hillel N. Cooperman ****************************************
 N NN IIII IIII  Software Developer  ****************************************
 N  NNIIII IIII  Natural Intelligence, Inc. *********************************
 N   N III IIII
 N      II IIII  2067 Massachusetts Avenue     internet:   [e-mail]
 N    I  I IIII  Cambridge, MA 02140           applelink:  NATURAL
 N    II   IIII  tel [phone]            aol:        NI INFO
NNN   III   III  fax [phone]            compuserve: 72427,177




#### BINHEX     quick-code-4dv3-101-demo.hqx   ****

From natural!gmq.natural.com![e-mail] Thu Jul 22 14:06:31 1993
Date: 22 Jul 1993 12:01:27 -0500
From: "Hillel" <[e-mail]>
Subject: QCP demo for 4D v3

                       Subject:                               Time:11:59 AM
  OFFICE MEMO          QCP demo for 4D v3                     Date:7/22/93
Liam:

Quick Code Pro, by Natural Intelligence, is a code editor extension for
4D's design environment.  This is a demo, v1.0.1, for 4D version 3.

NNNN  III   III  Hillel N. Cooperman ****************************************
 N NN IIII IIII  Software Developer  ****************************************
 N  NNIIII IIII  Natural Intelligence, Inc. *********************************
 N   N III IIII
 N      II IIII  2067 Massachusetts Avenue     internet:   [e-mail]
 N    I  I IIII  Cambridge, MA 02140           applelink:  NATURAL
 N    II   IIII  tel [phone]            aol:        NI INFO
NNN   III   III  fax [phone]            compuserve: 72427,177




#### TEXT       relate-selection-src.txt   ****

Here are two approaches to the RelateSelection procedure, which
generates a selection of records in a file based on a selection of
records in a related file.  In v3 JOIN and PROJECT SELECTION replace
this method, though it still has some advantages.



Procedure RelateSelection (enhanced)   5/20/91
______________________________________________
This is an enhanced version of the recently uploaded RelateSelection. It's
a little faster overall, and uses arrays to speed up searches on large
base file selections.

This code will find the records in a file (SearchFile) which are related
to a selection of records in another file  (BaseFile). The files can be
related one to many, many to one or without drawn relations at all (this
last is great for creating small indexes (lookup files) for large files).
So far, when compiled, the code appears to be faster than any other method.

Regarding the array technique, be aware that it requires 4 bytes of RAM

#### BINHEX     rsc-menu-pack-4dv2-demo.hqx   ****


#### BINHEX     rsc-menu-pack-4dv3-demo.hqx   ****


#### BINHEX     super-label-demo.hqx   ****


#### BINHEX     sys7-pack-goodies.hqx   ****

From [e-mail] Fri Jul  2 16:10:41 1993
Date: Fri, 2 Jul 1993 13:11:23 -0800
From: [e-mail] (Mike Cohen)
Subject: S7P Goodies

This is a demo version of System 7 Pack, version 3.4.2, a commercial
enhancement for 4th Dimension 2.2.3 or 3.0.4 or later. System 7 Pack allows
4D developers to add AppleEvent support to their applications. With System
7 Pack, 4D can send and receive AppleEvents, control QuicKeys, launch
applications, and run AppleScript & Frontier Scripts. This demo version is
fully functional except for a startup alert and occasional beeps.

This file contains the Frontier glue file & DocServer file and sample
client applications for use with the Address Server demo (in the main demo
package). These files usually don't change between S7P releases.

Mike Cohen              | "Software that means business"
ISIS International      |
[phone] Voice    | [e-mail]
[phone] Fax      | [e-mail]


#### BINHEX     ted-122-db.hqx   ****

Date: Wed, 2 Jun 1993 9:34:16 -0400 (EDT)
From: [e-mail]

This is version 1.2.2 of the 4th Dimension (3.0) database TED, a
demo database written by Geoff Perlman of ACI Training.  I have
seen many references to this demo, so I downloaded it from CI$,
and called Geoff to ask permission to upload it to Info-Mac.
Though I have yet to dig through all the code, I can see lots of
helpful hints about using multiple processes.


#### BINHEX     tips-info.hqx   ****


#### BINHEX     tips1-db.hqx   ****


#### BINHEX     tips2-db.hqx   ****


#### BINHEX     x4-text-demo.hqx   ****

From [e-mail] Thu Sep  9 13:57:08 1993
Date: Thu, 9 Sep 1993 11:57:28 -0700
From: [e-mail] (Allan Marcus)
Subject: Re: X4Text anyone?

Text processing for 4th DimensionR

X4Text is an accessory that adds a minimal text processing capacity to 4th
DimensionR applications. If you click on this text, 4D's menu will be
replaced with X4Text's menu and you can try editing yourself. You can play
around with the text freely because the OK button below will not save your
changes.

X4Text gives you:
- free choice of font, size and style
- standard Macintosh cut/copy/paste of text with styling attributes
- a simple tab function
- embedded 4D variables in the text
- multi-page documents with visible page breaks
- a program interface to do anything with the text from 4D procedures.

X4Text is a mini alternative to advanced word processors. It is very small
(about 30 K) and there is no per-copy charge for using it, so it should not
add any significant cost to the end user's price for a 4D application.

I made this program for use in applications that I develop for my own
customers. I am willing to license it to other developers if anyone wants
to use it. You would then get the right to freely use an unlimited number
of copies of the program within your own organization, and the right to
copy and distribute an unlimited number of copies built into applications
that you ship to your customers. My proposal how to write an agreement
about this is under menu choice "Licensing". Sign it and mail it to the
address below and you will get a production version and an invoice. If you
think the words of the agreement should read otherwise, contact me.

This demo application illustrates all functions of X4Text. Programmer's
documentation can be read and printed using menu "Programming". The demo
version is fully functional and you can test it in your own application if
you like. The only nasty thing it does is writing "Demo" now and then.

Best regards from the author of the program:

Jens Blomster
Syrengatan 1
S - 753 24 UPPSALA
SWEDEN

phone [phone]
AppleLink SW0749