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1991-03-25
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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.
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
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.