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The DataGen Kit
USER REFERENCE MANUAL
Version 6.00 March 1991
(C) Copyright 1989,90 by Tika Software.
All Rights Reserved
Tika Software
112 Village Path
Lakewood, NJ 08701
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
DISCLAIMER
Tika Software makes no representation or warranties with respect to
the contents hereof and specifically disclaims any implied warranties
to the suitability of this program for any particular purpose. You
must determine that yourself. In addition, you should understand that
using a program of this type on an IBM PC or compatible has inherent
risks and that you may inadvertently damage or destroy valuable pro-
grams or data. Tika Software expressly declines to assume liability
for any use of this program by you, and your use of this program con-
stitutes your agreement to hold us blameless. Tika Software reserves
the right to make changes from time to time in the context hereof
without obligation to notify any person or persons of such changes.
TRADEMARK
MS-DOS is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
PC-DOS is a registered trademark of IBM Corporation.
Turbo Pascal and Turbo Database Toolbox are registered trademarks of
Borland, Intl.
BTRIEVE is a registered trademark of SoftCraft, Inc.
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
DataGen Table of Contents
Introduction.........................................................1
The DataGen Theory...................................................1
Why Use DataGen?.....................................................1
Mastering DataGen....................................................2
A Recipe for Instant DataGen Applications............................2
Explanation of Terms.................................................2
ScreenGen............................................................4
Command Syntax.......................................................4
Overview.............................................................5
Syntax...............................................................5
Output...............................................................5
Reference Guide......................................................7
File Specification...................................................7
Command Structure....................................................7
Screen Definition Section............................................7
Global Definition Section............................................8
Variable Definition Section.........................................13
ScreenGen Sample Screens............................................15
DataGen.............................................................18
Overview............................................................19
Syntax..............................................................19
Output..............................................................19
Editing Turbo Source................................................20
DataGen Reference...................................................21
File Specification..................................................21
Command Structure...................................................21
Appendix A) Description of IO.TPU...................................23
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Introduction
DataGen enables the Turbo Pascal programmer to generate single screen
-- single datafile database applications quickly, efficiently, and
with a minimum of programming expertise. Developed with the simple ap-
plication in mind, DataGen facilitates rapid creation of such programs
as mailing, client and sales lists.
The DataGen Theory
Many database generation systems presume that the datafile is the cen-
tral component of the database application. While this is often the
case in relational databases which manipulate several files, it com-
plicates the process of creating simple list applications.
DataGen follows the premise that the Data Entry Screen is the pivotal
component of a database application, effectively mirroring the struc-
ture of the datafile. From a simple ascii screen definition file,
DataGen creates a full-function database, storing the items of the
data entry screen as fields in the database.
Why Use DataGen?
DataGen generates accurate and thoroughly documented Turbo Pascal
source code.
Once compiled (using Turbo Pascal 4.0 or higher) DataGen applications
execute independent of runtime modules, and background processes.1
DataGen generates databases in BTRIEVE or Turbo Toolbox format
Under BTRIEVE, DataGen applications run on a variety of Multi-user
Network environments, with full file and record locking.
Applications which are developed using DataGen are free from royalty
restrictions.
The typical DataGen full-function database can be developed in under
10 minutes.
DataGen is a Turbo Pascal programming tool; it places no limitations
on the final database application. The scope of the final process is
bounded only by the skill of the Turbo Pascal programmer.
ScreenGen (part of the DataGen Development Kit) generates screens in-
dependent of DataGen, and may be used in the development of both data-
base and non-database applications.
1BTRIEVE format databases require BTRIEVE to be loaded upon execution
DataGen Page 1 -- Copyright (C) Tika Software, Co.
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Mastering DataGen
The DataGen Development Kit is made up of two separate processes:
ScreenGen: Data Entry Screen generator
DataGen: Database generator
Programmers of DataGen should begin by familiarizing themselves with
ScreenGen's Screen Development Language (SDL). DataGen utilizes
ScreenGen SDL source files to build a data storage system for informa-
tion passed to and from the screen.
A Recipe For Instant DataGen Applications
Step 1: Design a screen. I suggest you thoroughly cover the ScreenGen
section of this manual, however if you're impatient, as I am, flip
back and forth between the ScreenGen Syntax section of the Reference
manual, and the ScreenGen Sample Screen section. Good luck.
Step 2: Follow the instructions listed in the Syntax section of the
DataGen Overview.
Step 3: Execute the application. There, instant gratification. Do you
feel good about yourself? No, you feel cheap and empty inside... I
suggest that you go back and do it properly.
Explanation of Terms
Please refer to this list of definitions when covering the following
sections.
<code_list>
One or more lines of valid (syntax correct) Turbo Pascal source code.
<conditional>
A Turbo Pascal conditional clause.
Example: In the Turbo Pascal statement
If Color = 'Red' Then Exit
Color = 'Red' is the conditional clause.
get_function()
A get_function() accepts user input, allows the user to edit the in-
put, and returns as the value of the function a specific Turbo Pascal
data type. The get_function() is the heart of io.tpu, a module of sub-
routines which form the basis of ScreenGen2. Three get_function()s
correspond to the three primary Turbo Pascal data types.
2The get_function()s are detailed in Appendix A, along with all of the
subroutines of io.tpu.
DataGen Page 2 -- Copyright (C) Tika Software, Co.
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get_string(default, option_list)
get_integer(default, option_list)
get_real(default, option_list);
The fourth, get_menu(), allows the user to select from a highlighted
bar of choices, and returns a byte corresponding to the choice
selected.
get_menu( menu, menuhelp, default, option_list)
<menu>
A string sent as the first parameter in a get_menu() function call.
See the description of parameters for get_menu() in Appendix A.
<menuhelp>
A string sent as the second parameter in a get_menu() function call.
See the description of parameters for get_menu() in Appendix A.
#STATEMENT
A ScreenGen Reserved word, prefixed by the pound sign (#) and followed
by any number of parameters.
DataGen Page 3 -- Copyright (C) Tika Software, Co.
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ScreenGen
ScreenGen assists the Turbo Pascal programmer who is called upon to
create data entry screens. Executed from the command line, ScreenGen
accepts a ScreenGen source file as input and generates a Turbo Pascal
source file capable of executing a full-function data entry screen.
SG.EXE TPC.EXE
ScreenGen --> *----* --> Turbo Pascal *-----* --
> Object Code
Source Code --> *----* --> Source Code
*-----* --> (.EXE File)
SG.EXE TPC.EXE
(ScreenGen Generator) (Turbo Pascal Compiler)
Command syntax
SG <SOURCE_FILE> <OUTPUT_FILE>3
3Although not required, it is strongly suggested that ScreenWrite
source files be tagged .SW, that is: <FILENAME>.SW. ScreenWrite output
files should be tagged .SCR, that is: <FILENAME>.SCR. Thus the command
syntax becomes:
SW <SOURCE_FILE>.SW <OUTPUT_FILE>.SCR
DataGen Page 4 -- Copyright (C) Tika Software, Co.
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ScreenGen Overview
Syntax
<Screen Definition Section>
##
<Global Definition Section>
<Variable Definition Section>
<END OF FILE>
<Screen Definition Section>
A Picture of the Screen.
<Global Definition Section>
A series of #STATEMENTS which detail characteristics global to the
screen. The Programmer may specify the format of the generated code,
as well as defaults for screen functionality.
<Variable Definition Section>
A series of #DEFINE statements which assign variable names to the
fields identified in the <Screen Definition Section>. Additional
#STATEMENTS assign characteristics to the variables defined and enable
the user to specify input functionality for a given field.
Output
ScreenGen has the ability to generate a screen in two formats.
1) non_procedural
A series of get_function() calls, one per field.
2) procedural
A complete Turbo Pascal procedure or function.
[procedure | function] <screen_title>( display_status: string[] )[ :
byte ];
<declaration section>
begin
with <data_record> do begin
if \1 Display non-fields (background)
if \2 Display default field values.
if \3 repeat
Edit Data
until <escape_conditional>
end; {with}
end; {subroutine}
Selecting a procedural screen, the programmer generates a fully func-
tional sub-routine, which can be $Included in a Turbo Pascal Module.
The procedural screen enables an end-user to view a screen, fill the
screen and transfer the results to variables defined by the program-
mer.
DataGen Page 5 -- Copyright (C) Tika Software, Co.
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The screen performs three functions.
1) Display non-field (background) information.
2) Display default field values -- those values currently contained in
the Turbo variables corresponding to the fields.
3) Allow the user to step through each field adding or changing data.
The programmer selects the function or functions desired by passing
'\1', '\2', and/or '\3' in the parameter display_status. For example,
A call to
data_screen('\1\2');
displays the border information, and field values of a database, while
a call to:
data_screen('\3');
allows the user to edit database screen fields.
DataGen Page 6 -- Copyright (C) Tika Software, Co.
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ScreenGen Reference Guide
Readers of this section should first examine the ScreenGen Overview.
File Specification
To run ScreenGen, you need load only the ScreenGen executable file:
SG.EXE
Code generated by ScreenGen must be linked to IO.TPU before executing.
Command Structure and Syntax Detail (SDL)
<Screen Definition Section>
The <Screen Definition Section> is made up of up to 24 <Screen Defini-
tion Line>s each containing:
1) fields
2) non-fields (background)
Fields consist of a combination of @s and non-blank format characters.
Examples of valid fields are:
@@@@@@@@@ (field of length 9)
@@@-@@-@@@@ (formatted field, length 10)
Formatted fields are useful when storing items such as social security
numbers, as designated by the example above, dates (@@/@@/@@), and
telephone numbers ((@@@)-@@@-@@@@). The only restriction placed on a
formatted field is that it contain no blank characters, otherwise
ScreenGen will mistakenly interpret it as two separate fields.
non-fields (background) are made up of any character beside the @ sym-
bol. Field titles, borders and blank lines are all examples of back-
ground.
An example of a <Screen Definition Line> for an employee database
might be:
Name: @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ Phone: (@@@)-@@@-@@@@ B-Day: @@/@@/@@
The Phone and Birthday fields are formatted fields and will be stored
as string[10] and string[6] respectively.
'Name:', 'Phone:', and 'B-Day:' comprise the background (non-field)
items on the line.
DataGen Page 7 -- Copyright (C) Tika Software, Co.
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<Global Definition Section>: OPTIONAL
The <Global Definition Section> defines information pertinent to the
entire screen.
#DATABASE, #SCREEN, #PROCEDURE and #FUNCTION are subroutine designa-
tion statements. They instruct ScreenGen to generate a procedural
screen. Absence of a subroutine designation #STATEMENT results in the
generation of a non-procedural screen (a linear series of get_func-
tion() calls). In the following examples, <file_title> refers to the
SG source file without the extension.
#DATABASE <database_title>
Generates a Turbo Pascal procedure in this format:
procedure <database_title>_screen( display_status : string[15]);
begin
with <database_title>_data do begin
.
if \1 then draw screen background
.
if \2 then echo default fields
.
if \3 then repeat
get_function() calls
until <escape_conditional>
.
end; {with}
end; {procedure}
This option is generally used in conjunction with DataGen.
<database_title> default = <file_title>
<escape_conditional> default = 'in_keycode = k_escape'
#SCREEN <screen_title>
Generates a Turbo Pascal procedure in this format:
procedure <screen_title>( display_status : string[15]);
begin
if \1 then draw screen background
.
if \2 then echo default fields
.
if \3 then repeat
get_function() calls
until <escape_conditional>
end; {procedure}
<screen_title> default = <file_title>_screen
<escape_conditional> default = 'in_keycode = k_escape'
#PROCEDURE <procedure_title>
Generates a Turbo Pascal procedure in this format:
procedure <procedure_title>( display_status : string[15]);
begin
if \1 then draw screen background
DataGen Page 8 -- Copyright (C) Tika Software, Co.
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.
if \2 then echo default fields
.
if \3 then repeat
get_function() calls
until <escape_conditional>
end; {procedure}
<procedure_title> default = <file_title>_screen
<escape_conditional> default = 'in_keycode = k_escape'
#FUNCTION <function_title>
Generates a Turbo Pascal function in this format:
function <function_title>( display_status : string[15]) : byte;
begin
if \1 then draw screen background
.
if \2 then echo default fields
.
if \3 then repeat
get_function() calls
until <escape_conditional>
end; {procedure}
<function_title> default = <file_title>_screen
<escape_conditional> default = 'in_keycode = k_escape'
The return value of the function should be set by the programmer using
#BEFORE/#AFTER.
#OVERLAY
Generates an Overlay Procedure or function. Must be used in conjunc-
tion with #DATABASE, #SCREEN, #PROCEDURE or #FUNCTION.
#WITH <record_title>
Generates a with statement. Must be used in conjunction with #SCREEN,
#PROCEDURE or #FUNCTION (#DATABASE automatically forces the generation
of a with statement).
<record_title> default = <file_title>_data
#ESCAPE <escape_conditional>
Default: in_keycode = k_escape
Sets the <escape_conditional> in the generated procedure/function (see
above).
#TYPE [ String | Integer | Real ]
Default: String
Sets the default data_type = 'String', 'Integer' or 'Real'.
DataGen Page 9 -- Copyright (C) Tika Software, Co.
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#BEFORE <code_list>
#AFTER <code_list>
Used to insert Turbo Pascal source into the ScreenGen output file.
Placement of the code depends upon placement of the #BEFORE/#AFTER
statement. If we consider #SUBROUTINE to be #DATABASE, #SCREEN, #PRO-
CEDURE, or #FUNCTION, then placement of #BEFORE/#AFTER code in the
resultant procedure/function follows.
CASE 1: #BEFORE/#AFTER follows #SUBROUTINE.
From the source code:
#SUBROUTINE foo
#BEFORE <before_code>
.
.
#AFTER <after_code>
.
.
##
ScreenGen generates the Turbo Pascal code:
subroutine foo
begin
{with foo_data do begin [if designated])
<before_code>
.
.
body of subroutine...
.
.
<after_code>
.
.
{end with, if designated}
end; {subroutine}
DataGen Page 10 -- Copyright (C) Tika Software, Co.
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CASE 2: #BEFORE/#AFTER Precedes #SUBROUTINE
From the source code:
#BEFORE <before_code>
.
.
#AFTER <after_code>
.
.
#SUBROUTINE foo
##
ScreenGen generates the Turbo Pascal code:
<before_code>
.
.
subroutine foo
begin
{with foo_data do begin [if designated])
body of subroutine...
.
.
{end with, if designated}
end; {subroutine}
<after_code>
.
.
#DECLARE <code_list>
Used to insert variable declarations into the ScreenGen output file.
Code is placed in the declaration section of the resultant subroutine.
From the source code:
#SUBROUTINE
#DECLARE <declaration_code_list>
.
.
##
ScreenGen generates the Turbo Pascal code:
subroutine foo
<declaration code_list>
.
.
begin
{with foo_data do begin [if designated])
body of subroutine...
DataGen Page 11 -- Copyright (C) Tika Software, Co.
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.
.
{end with, if designated}
end; {subroutine}
DataGen Page 12 -- Copyright (C) Tika Software, Co.
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<Variable Definition Section>
For each field defined in the <Screen Definition Section> ScreenGen
requires a #DEFINE statement to appear in the <Variable Definition
Section>. #STATEMENTS which follow the #DEFINE for a given variable
act as qualifying commands for that variable.
The following is a list of legal <Variable Definition Section> #STATE-
MENTS with descriptions:
#DEFINE <variable>
Assigns the name <variable> to the next Field as indicated in the
<Screen Definition Section>. A get_function is generated for the <var-
iable> unless it is designated #DISPLAY (see #DISPLAY below). Fields
are assigned in a top down manner from left to right.
#OPTIONS <option_list>
Appends <option_list> to the get_function() for the corresponding
#DEFINEd variable.
#BEFORE <code_list>
<code_list> will be executed prior to execution of the get_function()
for the #DEFINEd variable.
#AFTER <code_list>
<code_list> will be executed following execution of the get_function()
for the #DEFINEd variable.
#MENU <menu>
a get_menu() call will be generated for the #DEFINEd variable with
<menu> as the first parameter.
#PROMPT <menu>
a get_menu() call will be generated for the #DEFINEd variable with
<menu> as the first parameter, and \px and \py set to the field loca-
tion. As a result the menu selection appears in the field location as
well as being highlighted on the menu.
## <comment_list>
Allows the user of SG to comment source code. <comment_list> is not
transferred to the resultant Turbo source. ## also separates the
<Screen Definition Section> from the <Variable Definition Section>.
#VIEWORDER <vieworder_spec>
specifies the
#VERIFY <turbo_conditional>
After editing the #DEFINEd field, this <turbo_conditional> is tested,
before continuing.
Example: #DEFINE this_field
#VERIFY this_field > 17
#ERROR <error_message>
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<error_message> is displayed if the <turbo_conditional> of the
#VERIFY command is not met.
Example: #DEFINE this_field
#VERIFY this_field > 17
#ERROR This field must be at least 18, you twit.
#DISPLAY
Sets the #DEFINEd variable to display only. No editing of the field
will be allowed.
#HELP <menuhelp>
If the #DEFINEd field is a menu field, <menuhelp> is offered as the
second parameter of the get_menu() call.
#TYPE [ String | Integer | Real ]
Default: String
parameter = String : A get_string() call is generated.
parameter = Integer : A get_integer() call is genera-
ted.
parameter = Real : A get_real() call is generated.
To generate a get_menu() call, see #MENU.
#VIDEO [ bright | dim | reverse | no_color ]
Default: no_color
Sets the display intensity for a field.
#VIEWORDER <view_list>
Allows the programmer to specify the next field to be edited for each
exit keystroke (e.g. carriage return, cursor up...). By default, a
call to vieworder() (part of io.tpu) is generated following each
get_function(). ScreenGen tries to best guess the intentions of the
programmer regarding the order of field traversal, based on top-down,
left-right. Under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to change
the default order of field traversal. <view_list> is a string contain-
ing one or more of the following:
\crn On carriage return goto field n
\ucn On up cursor goto field n
\dcn On down cursor goto field n
\tabn On tab goto field n
\btabn On backtab (Shift+tab) goto field n
\escn On escape goto field n
In all cases, n must be a valid field number. Fields are implicitly
numbered starting from 1, top-left to bottom-right.
DataGen Page 14 -- Copyright (C) Tika Software, Co.
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ScreenGen Sample Screens
Screen 1: Employee Screen
Name: @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
Street1: @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
Street2: @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
City: @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ State: @@ Zip: @@@@@@@@@@@
Phone: @@@-@@@-@@@@ Social Security: @@@-@@-@@@@
##
## Global Declaration Section
##
#screen employee_screen
#with employee_data_record
##
## Variable Declaration Section
##
#define name
## Capitalize the First letter of name
#option \g
## Highlight the Name for easy scanning
#video bright
#define street1
#define street2
#define city
#define state
## Force the characters of state to uppercase
#options \u
#define zip
#define phone
#define soc_sec
## Although stored as a string, a social security number contains
## only numeric digits
#options \ci
DataGen Page 15 -- Copyright (C) Tika Software, Co.
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ScreenGen Sample Screens, Continued
Screen2: Sales Screen Records on File: @@@@@
Company: @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
Contact: @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
Phone: (w) @@@-@@@-@@@@ (h) @@@-@@@-@@@@
Date of First Call: @@/@@/@@ Last: @@/@@/@@
Resolution of Call: @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
Notes: @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
##
## Global Definition Section
##
#procedure sales_screen
#with sales_data
##
## Variable Definition Section
##
#define usedrecs( sales_file )
##
## Sometimes, variables may actually be subroutine calls
## which return a specific Turbo type.
## usedrecs() is a Turbo Database Toolbox routine.
## It is of type integer, and must be set to display only.
##
#type integer
#display
#define company
#options \g
#define contact
#define work_phone
#define home_phone
#define first_call_date
#define last_call_date
#define call_resolution
#prompt \1Call Again\2No Deal\3Sale
#help \1When at First you don''t succeed\2Forget it\3Yeah!
##
## Notice the use of the double '' in the #help call.
## When the #help is converted, the parameter becomes a Turbo
## Pascal string. Since a single quotation mark signifies
## the end of a string, a double mark must be used.
##
#define notes1
#define notes2
#define notes3
DataGen Page 16 -- Copyright (C) Tika Software, Co.
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ScreenGen Sample Screens, Continued
Screen 3: Help Screen
This is an example of how a ScreenGen programmer might define a Help
Screen. It contains a useful information about running an application
that would be brought up under a [HELP] option. In this example, we
direct that the screen be generated as a function, returning a byte to
the calling routine which signifies display next (1), or Return to Ap-
plication (2). The Turbo Pascal variable exit_menu is local to the
generated function, declared using #DECLARE, initialized in the #BE-
FORE code and passed to the function in the #AFTER code.
Turn off VCR ---- ALT-F1
Make pizza ---- ALT-F2
Take my wife, please ---- ALT-F3
@@@@@@@@@@
##
## Global Definition Section
##
#function help_screen
#declare var exit_menu : byte;
#before exit_menu := 1;
#after help_screen := exit_menu;
## Variable Definition Section
#define exit_menu
#menu \1Next\2Return
#help \1Display Next Help Screen\2Return to Application
DataGen Page 17 -- Copyright (C) Tika Software, Co.
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DataGen
DataGen assists Turbo Pascal programmers who wish to create simple
database applications. Executed from the command line, DataGen accepts
a DataGen source file as input and generates a Turbo Pascal Source
file capable of executing a full-function database. Source code may be
generated in TURBO DATABASE TOOLBOX, or BTRIEVE format.
DG.EXE TPC.EXE
DataGen --> *----* --> Turbo Pascal *-----* --
> Object Code
Source Code --> *----* --> Source Code
*-----* --> (.EXE File)
DG.EXE TPC.EXE
(DataGen Generator) (Turbo Pascal Compiler)
Command syntax
DG <SOURCE_FILE> [/b]
The /b parameter indicates generation of a database in BTRIEVE format.
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DataGen Overview
Syntax
DataGen syntax is a subset of ScreenGen source syntax. To create a
database using DataGen, follow these steps:
1) Design a screen using ScreenGen SDL
Tag the file .sg, that is <SOURCE_FILE>.sg
2) Make the following changes to the ScreenGen source:
a) include the command #DATABASE in the <Global Definition Sec-
tion>
b) using #INDEX, label each variable that you wish to utilize
as a search key. The #INDEX is a <Variable Definition Sec-
tion> #STATEMENT and should be included following the
#DEFINE statement for a given variable. At least one vari-
able must be #INDEXed per database. #INDEXed variables must
be of #TYPE string.
3) Execute: DG <SOURCE_FILE>.sg
Execute: Make -f<SOURCE_FILE>.mkf
DataGen creates the executable file <SOURCE_FILE>.exe. Run this file
to execute the database.
Output
DataGen generates database code in two formats.
TURBO DATABASE TOOLBOX format
BTRIEVE format
DataGen creates three files from <SOURCE_FILE>.sg:
<SOURCE_FILE>.pas : Turbo Pascal .pas file
<SOURCE_FILE>.typ : Record Definition Include file to <SOUR-
CE_FILE>.pas
<SOURCE_FILE>.mkf : Makefile for <SOURCE_FILE>.exe
For each field #DEFINEd in <SOURCE_FILE>.sg, DataGen generates a Turbo
Pascal identifier in <SOURCE_FILE>.typ. Each identifier is part of a
Record called
<SOURCE_FILE>_structure. For example, the .sg file
geneva.sg:
Name: @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
Rank: @@@@@@@@@@ Serial Number: @@@@@@@@@@@-@@@
##
#database
#define name
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#index
#define rank
#define serial_number
yields the .typ file geneva.typ
type geneva_structure = record
status : longint;
name : string[25];
rank : string[10];
serial_number : string[14];
end; {record}
The status field is generated for TURBO DATABASE TOOLBOX format data-
bases only, and is used to track deleted records.
Editing Turbo Source
Once DataGen generates the source files, they may be edited prior to
compilation. To do so, one should have a working knowledge of io.tpu,
as a significant amount of the resultant source calls subroutines
within the i/o module.
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DataGen Reference
File Specification
To execute DataGen, the following files must be loaded:
DG.EXE: The DataGen program
DG.DAT: DataGen Source Data (Turbo Toolbox)
IO.TPU: Input/Output Subroutine Module
If BTRIEVE format is selected, the files:
BTRIEVE.DAT: DataGen BTRIEVE Source Data
TURxBTRV.TPU: BTRIEVE Link Module for Turbo Pascal
must also be loaded.
Command Structure
DataGen generates code from a modified ScreenGen source file. The
#STATEMENTs utilized by the DataGen generator are listed by section.
#STATEMENTs not recognized by DataGen, but which appear in the .sg
file will produce the warning: ** ASSUMED COMMENT ** followed by the
text of the source line.
<Global Definition Section>
#DATABASE - See definition in ScreenGen Reference.
<Variable Definition Section>
#DEFINE <variable>
Generates a Turbo Pascal identifier called <variable> as a member of
the data record <SOURCE_FILE>_structure. The record field will have
the Turbo Pascal data type as indicated by #TYPE (or the default for
the <variable>). If the <variable> is of #TYPE string, it's length is
calculated as the length of the field defined in the <Screen Defini-
tion Section>.
#MENU <menu>
The #DEFINEd variable will be generated as type byte.
#PROMPT <menu>
The #DEFINEd variable will be generated as type byte.
## <comment_list>
Allows the user of DG to comment source code. <comment_list> is not
transferred to the resultant Turbo source. ## also separates the
<Screen Definition Section> from the <Variable Definition Section>.
#INDEX
Indicates that the #DEFINEd field will be a search key. The field must
be of #TYPE string.
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#TYPE [ String | Integer | Real ]
Default: String
parameter = String : A variable of type string[] is generated
parameter = Integer : A variable of type integer is generated
parameter = Real : A variable of type real is generated
#NOTDATA
No identifier is generated for this field.
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APPENDIX A: Examination of IO.TPU
function get_string(default, option_list) : string[255];
Accepts: default - string[255]
option_list - string[80]
Returns: string, max length 255, as the value of the function
Function: get_string() presents the user with an editing buffer con-
taining the default string. Using Cursor keys, the user may change or
add characters to the buffer. get_string() returns the altered string
as the value of the function.
option_list is a string comprised of any of the following.
\q <query>
The associated <query> is printed as a prompt to the user for entry of
data into the field.
\d
Display only: no data is to be entered into the field.
\af
Auto Forward: Exit from the routine occurs when the number of charac-
ters in the field surpass the allocated size.
\ab
Auto Back: Exit from the routine occurs if the user hits a backspace
when the field is empty.
\g
Capitalize: Upon exiting, the first character in the field is Capital-
ized.
\u
Uppercase: Characters are forced to upper-case.
\xnn
Goto Xpos: Field location is set to Xpos nn.
\ynn
Goto Ypos: Field location is set to Ypos nn.
\lnn
Length: The maximum length of the field is set to nn characters.
\fxxxxxxxx
Format string: Data is to be entered in a formatted fashion, based on
the format string xxxxxxxx. xxxxxxxx may contain any non-blank charac-
ters. At symbols (@) indicate location for character entry.
\cx
Valid characters: Limits the keystrokes accepted for data entry into
the field.
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x = '*' : Any Alphanumeric Character
x = 'i' : Numeric Character only
x = 'r' : Numeric and Period (.) for entry of floating
point numbers
\kxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Return Keystrokes: Sets the keystrokes indicating exit from get_str-
ing(). xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx is a concatenation of the following
'cr' return on carriage return
'uc' up_cursor
'dc' down_cursor
'tab' tab
'btab' Backtab (Shift+Tab)
'esc' Escape key
\vix
Video in: Sets the video attribute for field data entry
x='b' bright (normal video)
x='d' dim (low video)
x='r' reverse (reverse video)
\vox
Video out: Sets the video attribute for field upon exit.
x='b','d','r' (see \vi above)
Examples:
Chair := get_string( 'Wicker', '\qEnter Chair Type:\x10\y15\l30');
1. Assign input to the string variable Chair. Default value is the
character string 'Wicker'. String input is accompanied by the query
'Enter Chair Type:'. Length of the string should not exceed 30. Input
takes place at screen position xpos=10, ypos=15.
Today := get_string( system_date, '\qEnter Date\f@@/@@/@@\x3\y5');
2. Assign input to the string variable Today. Default value is the 6
character string variable system_date. String input is accompanied by
the query 'Enter Date'. The string is to be entered in a formatted
manner defined by the format string '@@/@@/@@'. Input takes place at
screen position xpos=3, ypos=5.
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function get_menu( menu, menuhelp, default, option_list ) : byte;
Accepts: menu - string[255]
menuhelp - string[255]
default - byte
option_list - string[255]
Returns: byte as the value of the function
Function: get_menu() presents the user with a list of menu choices
passed in the menu, and menuhelp parameters. The user may select the
desired choice by highlighting it and pressing return, or by pressing
the first letter of that choice. get_menu() returns a byte correspond-
ing to the choice number selected by the user.
The trick to using get_menu() is understanding the format of the menu
parameter. It must be in the following format.
'\1First Choice\2Second Choice\3Third Choice... \9Last Choice'
A maximum of nine (9) choices may appear for each menu. Choices may be
clarified in the menuhelp parameter which appears directly under the
highlighted choice.
'\1This is the First Choice\2And the Second Choice... \9No more
Choices'
The default parameter should contain the number corresponding to the
selection you wish highlighted upon presentation of the menu.
option_list is a string comprised of any of the following.
\q <query>
The associated <query> is printed as a prompt to the user for entry of
data into the field.
\d
Display only: no data is to be entered into the field.
\kxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Return Keystrokes: Sets the keystrokes indicating exit from get_str-
ing(). xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx is a concatenation of the following
'cr' return on carriage return
'uc' up_cursor
'dc' down_cursor
'tab' tab
'btab' Backtab (Shift+Tab)
'esc' Escape key
\vix
Video in: Sets the video attribute for field data entry
x='b' bright (normal video)
x='d' dim (low video)
x='r' reverse (reverse video)
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\vox
Video out: Sets the video attribute for field upon exit.
x='b','d','r' (see \vi above)
\mxn
Menu Xposition: n specifies the x screen coordinate at which the menu
should appear.
\myn
Menu Yposition: n specifies the y screen coordinate at which the menu
should appear.
\pxn
Prompt Xposition: If this option is included, get_menu() will echo the
current menu selection at x screen coordinate n.
\pyn
Prompt Yposition: If this option is included, get_menu() will echo the
current menu selection at y screen coordinate n.
Example:
Fruit := get_menu( '\1Apple\2Orange, '\1Big, Red and Juicy\2Sweet,
slightly tart', 1, '\qEnter Fruit Type:\mx10\my15');
1. Assign input to the variable Fruit (type byte). The value of Fruit
will be set to 1, or 2 based on whether the user selects 'Apple' or
'Orange' from the menu. It will appear an Xposition 10 and Yposition
15, preceded by the query 'Enter Fruit Type'. The default menu selec-
tion is 'Apple', which will be highlighted when the menu appears.
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function get_integer( default, option_list ) : integer;
Accepts: default - integer
option_list - string[255]
Returns: integer, as the value of the function.
Function: get_integer() allows the user to enter and change an in-
teger. It has the same functionality as get_string().
option_list is a string comprised of all of the options available
within get_string(), plus the following.
\lbnnnnnn
Lower Bound: The integer entered by the user must be at least nnnnnn.
\ubnnnnnn
Upper Bound: The integer entered by the user must be at most nnnnnn.
function get_real( default, option_list ) : real;
Accepts: default - real
option_list - string[255]
Returns: real, as the value of the function.
Function: get_real() allows the user to enter and change a real. It
has the same functionality as get_string().
option_list is a string comprised of all of the options available
within get_string(), plus the following.
\lbnnnnnn
Lower Bound: The real entered by the user must be at least nnnnnn.
\ubnnnnnn
Upper Bound: The real entered by the user must be at most nnnnnn.
Note: Both get_integer() and get_real() call get_string().
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procedure scan;
Sets: in_keycode - keystroke
in_chr - char
Function: Accepts a keystroke from the keyboard. Sets the two global
variables:
in_keycode: a scaler variable of type keystroke with a value of:
k_cr, k_escape, k_down_cursor, k_up_cursor, k_left_cursor,
k_right_cursor, k_bs, k_tab, k_del, k_linefeed, k_ctrl_right,
k_ctrl_left, k_home, k_end, k_ctrl_K, k_ctrl_Y,
k_pgup, k_pgdn, k_backtab, k_ascii, k_invalid
in_chr: char, that accepted by scan; Set to the ascii character when
in_keycode = k_ascii.
function format( format_string, format_shell, string_index ) :
string[];
Accepts: format_string - string[255]
format_shell - string[255]
Returns: string_index - byte
string[255] as the value of the function
Function: Using format_shell as a guide, format() returns a formatted
version of the passed string as the value of the function.
string_index is set to the character location of the last non-format
character in the returned string.
format_shell consists of a combination of @s and non-blank format
characters. Examples of a valid format_shell are:
@@/@@/@@ (Date)
@@@-@@-@@@@ (Social Security Number)
22-@@@@@@@@@ (Federal ID)
Sample Call: format('122269', 'H@@@@-@@@DF@@@', s_index );
Returns 'H1222-69 DF' as the value of the function, and sets
string_index = 8.
function atoi( ascii_int ) : integer
Accepts: ascii_int - string representation of an integer;
Returns: integer, as the value of the function
Function: Converts a string into the integer which it represents.
Sample Call: atoi('12')
Returns the integer 12 as the value of the function.
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function itoa( integer ) : string[]
Accepts: integer
Returns: string[] representation of integer as the value of the func-
tion
Function: Converts an integer into a string which represents it.
Sample Call: itoa( 966 )
Returns the string '966' as the value of the function.
function ator( ascii_real ) : real
Accepts: ascii_real - string representation of a real number;
Returns: real, as the value of the function
Function: Converts a string into the real which it represents.
Sample Call: ator('16.35')
Returns the real number 16.35 as the value of the function.
function rtoa( real_number ) : string[]
Accepts: real_number - real
Returns: string[] representation of real_number as the value of the
function
Function: Converts a real number into a string which represents it.
Sample Call: rtoa( 11.44 )
Returns the string '11.44' as the value of the function.
function capitalize( in_string ) : string[]
Accepts: in_string - string[255]
Returns: string[] as the value of the function
Function: The first letter of each word in string[] (separated by
blanks) is capitalized.
Sample Call: capitalize('it was the best of times');
Returns: 'It Was The Best Of Times' as the value of the func-
tion.
procedure set_cursor( setting )
Accepts: setting - byte (0/1)
Function: setting = 0, cursor is turned off
setting = 1, cursor is turned on
procedure message( message, severity )
Accepts: message - string[80]
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setting - byte (1-4)
Function: Prints message along the foot of the screen. Set severity
to:
1: display the message
2: display the message and beep
3: display the message, beep, display Any Key Continues, and
await user input
4: display the message, Any Key Continues, no beep
Sample Call: message('Your PC is about to explode, please leave the
room', 3);
procedure video( attribute )
Accepts: attribute - byte
Function: no_color: do nothing
bright: Normal Video
dim: Low Video
reverse: Reverse Video
The four video attributes listed above are defined as global con-
stants.
Sample Call: video( bright );
procedure writexy( xpos, ypos, attribute, show_string )
Accepts: xpos, ypos - byte
attribute - byte
show_string - string[80]
Function: displays show_string at screen(xpos, ypos) using video at-
tribute.
Sample Call: writexy(2, 20, dim, 'Howdy Doody');
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