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E Z W I N
Version 2.1
(C) 1991 by Paul Jordan
=======================================================================
WHAT IS EZWIN?
=======================================================================
EZWIN is a unique WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get) dBase III (and
dBase clone) window and menu generator. Use it to create windows and
menus and move them anywhere on the screen. You can change border
designs and colors and then generate ready-to-run dBase code that can be
called by, or merged into any dBase, or dBase clone, code you create.
Most window generators and procedures I have seen do a fairly decent job
of generating the windows, but leave the tedious task of placing the
@..SAY statements to the programmer. Counting Rows and Lines is not my
idea of fun, so I wrote this program to eliminate that hassle. The idea
is to write your text first, and then EZWIN will automatically place a
window around it and writes the necessary dBASE code for you, ready to
use in your program. If you decide you do not like the position, or
design of your window, it is a simple matter to reload it into EZWIN and
quickly (very quickly) change them. EZWIN is a self-contained program,
and you do not need dBASE or any other programming language to use it.
========================================================================
EZWIN SHAREWARE SOFTWARE LICENSE
========================================================================
This version of EZWIN is NOT free, and is NOT in the Public Domain, but
is being distributed as "Shareware". Non-Registered users of this
shareware are granted a limited license to make an evaluation copy for
trial use (14 days) to determine whether EZWIN is suitable for their
needs. At the end of this trial period, you should either send in your
registration fee of $25 or discontinue using EZWIN. In short, you have
the opportunity to "Try Before You Buy".
Feel free to make copies (Shareware Version Only) for your friends,
associates, computer clubs, BBS's and Review Editors. You must
distribute all files and not charge any fees. Bulletin Board Systems
(Sysops) are encouraged to post this shareware version of EZWIN for
downloading by their users.
Registered users receive printed documentation, update notices and
discounts on future versions. You also get a version of the program that
does not show the opening and closing shareware registration screens.
An EZWIN registration entitles you to use the program on any and all
computers available to you, provided that you do not operate EZWIN on a
network or a multi-user system. If you would like a multiple-use
license, please write for details to:
Page 1 - EZWIN Version 2.1
Paul Jordan
909 Marina Village Parkway (#112)
Alameda, CA 94501
(415) 956-2622
=========================================================================
EZWIN VERSION 2.1 ADDITIONS AND CHANGES
=========================================================================
My sincere thanks to all of you who have supported EZWIN.
Your comments and suggestions have been appreciated. As I
promised, I have incorporated the following additions in Version
2.1.
- Double Borders, with option to change Border Colors
- Neat looking Drop Shadows, for that 'professional' look using the
colors of your choice
- Menu Generator Option which will allow EZWIN to be used as a menu
generator. (EZWIN will now write your CASE statements for you.)
- A Work Area Color Option that allows you to change the color of
EZWIN's working area, and include it as a background color for your
windows.
- A borders and windows 'Blink' feature for use on those occasions
where you want to attract your user's attention (warning and dialog
windows).
=========================================================================
LEGAL DISCLAIMER
=========================================================================
You assume full responsibility for the selection and use of EZWIN. In no
event shall Paul Jordan, or disk vendors, be liable for any damages
whatsoever, including business interruption and loss of business
information or profits, arising out of use or inability to use this
product.
=========================================================================
OVERVIEW
=========================================================================
The 9 files that make up EZWIN are: EZWIN.BAT, EZWIN21.EXE, EZWIN.DBF,
EZCLEAN.BAT, DBFAST.EXE, DBCLEAR.EXE, CURSON.BIN, CURSOFF.BIN and this
help file, EZWIN.DOC. EZWIN can be operated from the distribution diskette
or copied to its own directory on your hard drive. To save yourself from
typing path names, you may want to keep the EZWIN files in your dBASE
directory. This allows running EZWIN directly from the dot prompt using the
Run Command, and seeing the results immediately.
As with all programs, it is prudent to make a backup copy of the
distribution diskette before doing anything else.
The instructions on the help screens included within the program should get
you started. As a matter of fact, I suggest you start EZWIN and 'play
Page 2 - EZWIN Version 2.1
around' with it for awhile before reading any further. Just type: EZWIN
and Press <ENTER>.
==========================================================================
MAIN MENU COMMANDS
==========================================================================
The main menu contains the following options:
(H)elp (N)ew (E)dit (M)ove (A)lter (S)ave (L)oad (C)lear (Q)uit
Detailed Instructions on each Menu Option follows:
(H)elp - Help presents instructions for each major menu
section.
(N)ew - New is the first option you will use. It creates your
Window. Windows are used to display instructions, warnings
and menus. A window, should be smaller than your overall
screen. EZWIN allows 15 lines of text, 69 columns wide for
your window. This allows room for you to add a 2nd Border,
and/or Drop Shadow. When you press (N)ew, a numbered
inverse video line will be displayed on the screen. Start
typing your text. Anything will do for a sample. When you
have typed a few words, press <ENTER> and start your next
line. When you are finished, Type the '@' symbol on the next
blank line. It is located on the upper half of the number 2
key. To type it, hold down your shift key, and press the
number 2. This signals EZWIN that you are finished with the
text part of your window and exits (N)ew. EZWIN determines
the width of your window by the longest line you typed, and
the length by the amount of lines. When you exit (N)ew by
typing the '@' symbol on a blank line, the window is
generated and automatically displayed in the center of the
screen. with Black Text on a White background. The colors,
and position of the screen can be changed quickly and easily
as explained in the following instructions.
(E)dit - This feature is a simple Line-Editor, that allows you to
correct mistakes, and center lines of text within your
window. When you first enter the editor, you are in
TYPEOVER mode, which means that anything you type, will
overwrite what is on the screen. To enter the INSERT mode,
press the Insert Key (INS) on your keyboard. In insert mode,
anything you type (including spaces) will push whatever is on
the line to the right. If you push characters off the edge
of the window, they are gone. Not to worry though, EZWIN
is so simple to operate, you can just re-edit and fix any
minor goofs. If you decide that you need more space for your
text, simply recreate the window with (N)ew.
(M)ove - Move is one of the options that make EZWIN a delight to use.
How many times have you created a window by typing in all
Page 3 - EZWIN Version 2.1
those nasty little @..SAY statements, and then decided that
you didn't like the position it is in. With EZWIN you can
re-load your window, move it wherever you want and EZWIN will
take care of re-writing the @..SAY statements.
When you select the (M)ove option, the move window menu comes
up. Simply use the arrow keys to move your window in any
direction you like. When you like what you see, just press
the <ENTER> key and you are ready to SAVE your window, or use
the other options.
(A)lter - Alter - is one of the key features of EZWIN. It allows you
to Alter (change), the border style, and colors of your text
and background. It also allows you to add, or delete, a
second border and/or Drop Shadow. The options on the (A)lter
menu are:
(H)elp (1) = Border1 Menu (2) = Border2 Menu
Drop Shadow? (Y/N) (W)ork Area Color (S)ave
(H)elp - displays a quick on-line help menu
(1) = Border1 Menu - This menu will allow you to make
changes to your basic window. These include border design,
Text Color, Background Color, and whether or not you want the
border to blink. For no border press 0, for a singleline
border press 1, and for a doubleline border press 2.
Blink? (Y/N) - The Blink feature will cause your single
or double line border to blink on and off. This is handy
when you want to display a warning screen to your user.
Pressing 'Y' turns Blink on, and pressing 'N' turns it off.
(T)ext Color - This option allows you to change the color
of the Text in your window. Just press the letter (or
number) of the color you want. What-You-See-Is-What-
You-Get!. For those of you with Color Cards and Monitors,
the combinations are endless. If you have a Monochrome
system, your choices will be limited. However, by utilizing
regular and High Intensity White, you will be able to produce
a variety of Window designs.
(B)ackground Color - allows you to change the background
color of your window.
Drop Shadow? (Y/N) - Pressing 'Y' will cause a Drop Shadow to
be added to the current window. You will be presented with a
Drop Shadow menu that will allow you to select a color of the
drop shadow. Pressing 'N' will delete the drop shadow from
your window.
(W)ork Area Color - EZWIN uses the color blue as a background
screen for your windows. The actual windows are saved
without a background color so you can pop-up the windows you
create over your existing program. However, if you prefer a
Page 4 - EZWIN Version 2.1
different background (other than blue) to work with, you can
select one from this menu. EZWIN will give you the option
when saving, as to whether or not you wish to use this color
as a background for you window.
(2) = Border2 Menu - This menu is almost identical to the
Border1 menu. If you select a border style, a 2nd border
will be created around the 1st one. You have the same
options of changing the colors and whether or not you
want the 2nd border to Blink. The one addition to this menu
is (D)elete Border2. Pressing 'D' will cause the second
border, and drop shadow for it, if any, to be deleted.
Try out all the ALTER options until you are satisfied with
"what you see".
Pressing <ENTER> at any menu will return you to the previous
menu.
(S)ave When you press (S)ave, EZWIN will always save the window you
created exactly as displayed on the screen. In addition, it
will ask you if you would like various options to be added to
your window. The first is:
- Do you want to use the MENU GENERATOR? (Y)es (N)o (H)elp
If you create your window as a numbered MENU, the MENU
GENERATOR option will write the code and the CASE
STATEMENTS for you. EZWIN does this by examining your
window for valid menu option lines. A valid menu option
line is one that starts with a number followed by a period.
For each valid menu option line, EZWIN will ask what
command you wish to use in your CASE STATEMENT. You can use
a 'DO <procedure>' command, or a short instruction, i.e.
loop, exit, etc. You are allowed 10 menu options numbered
0-9, plus 5 extra lines for a title and instructions to the
user.
There is an example WINDOW that will pop up on the help
screen.
If you answer (Y)es to the MENU GENERATOR option, and there
are no valid menu option lines in your window, EZWIN will
tell you so, and skip to the next option.
If the MENU GENERATOR option is chosen, EZWIN automatically
adds a routine so that if the user presses <ENTER>, he (or
she), will be returned to the calling program. If you do
not want this feature, just delete it. The following is a
sample of the text lines for a Window designed as a numbered
MENU (any borders or drop shadows are not shown). Remember
that the only thing you need do in designing your window so
EZWIN will generate the CASE statements, is to precede your
menu choice with a number followed by a period. (By the way,
you are not required to use the '0'. It's OK to start your
Page 5 - EZWIN Version 2.1
menu with a "1").
=== SAMPLE MENU ====
1. Add Records
2. Find Records
3. Delete Records
4. File Maintenance
--- Select (1-4)---
or Press <ENTER> to Return
The code generated for this window follows:
MG1.PRG generated by EZWIN (C)opywrite 1991 by Paul Jordan
SET COLOR TO W+/B
@ 6, 26 CLEAR TO 13, 49
@ 6, 26 TO 13, 49
@ 7, 28 SAY "=== SAMPLE MENU ===="
@ 8, 28 SAY "1. Add Records"
@ 9, 28 SAY "2. Find Records"
@ 10, 28 SAY "3. Delete Records"
@ 11, 28 SAY "4. File Maintenance"
@ 12, 28 SAY "--- Select (1-4) ---"
@ 13, 28 SAY "or Press <ENTER> to Return"
SET COLOR TO W/N
NOTE: The last line of an EZWIN generated window always
resets colors to White Text on a Black background. It does
not know the background color of your program and does this
so the EZWIN colors do not get passed to your program. If
you do NOT want White Text on a Black background, you must
add a line with the colors of your choice.
If the MENU GENERATOR option is chosen the following code is
added to your window:
DO WHILE .NOT. keychoice $"1234"
keypress = INKEY()
keychoice = UPPER(CHR(keypress))
IF keypress = 13
RETURN
ENDIF
ENDDO
DO CASE
CASE keychoice = "1"
DO ADDREC
CASE keychoice = "2"
DO FINDREC
CASE keychoice = "3"
DO DELETEREC
CASE keychoice = "4"
DO FILEMAINT
ENDCASE
Page 6 - EZWIN Version 2.1
As you can see, EZWIN sure saves a heck of a lot of
programming time. If you do not want to make your window a
numbered window, EZWIN also presents you with an option to
make menu choices using characters. This option follows:
- Do you want to add MENU CHOICES? (Y)es (N)o (H)elp
The MENU CHOICES option allows you to use menu option choices
other than a number followed by a period. You can use
numbers, letters, or characters. EZWIN will prompt you for
the characters you wish to use, up to 20. If this option is
chosen, EZWIN will write an INKEY() routine that will only
allow the choices you selected to pass through to your CASE
STATEMENTS or IF/THEN clauses.
With this option you will have to write your own IF..THEN,
or DO CASE statements to tell your program what to do next.
The following is a sample of text lines for a window designed
to be used with the MENU CHOICES option.
===== WARNING =====
The filename you have selected
already exists. Do you wish to:
-------------------------------
(R)etype the File Name
(O)verwrite the existing file
(L)ist the Directory
(E)xit to the Main Menu
-------------------------------
(Make Selection - Press Letter)
When EZWIN asks you what MENU CHOICES you wish to use, you
simply look at your window on the screen and enter the
Letters (Numbers or other Characters can be used).
In this example, you would type: ROLE. Then EZWIN adds an
inkey "trap" following the standard window code as follows:
* MC2.PRG generated by EZWIN (C)opywrite 1990 by Paul Jordan
SET COLOR TO N/W
@ 5, 25 SAY " ===== WARNING ====="
@ 6, 25 SAY "The filename you have selected"
@ 7, 25 SAY "already exists. Do you wish to:"
@ 8, 25 SAY "-------------------------------"
@ 9, 25 SAY " (R)etype the File Name"
@ 10, 25 SAY " (O)verwrite the existing file"
@ 11, 25 SAY " (L)ist the Directory"
@ 12, 25 SAY " (E)xit to the Main Menu"
@ 13, 25 SAY "-------------------------------"
@ 14, 25 SAY "(Make Selection - Press Letter)"
SET COLOR TO W/N
Page 7 - EZWIN Version 2.1
The additional Code added by MENU CHOICES option is:
keychoice = ' '
DO WHILE .NOT. keychoice $"ROLE"
keypress = INKEY()
keychoice = UPPER(CHR(keypress))
ENDDO
* EOF MC2.PRG
The characters after the $ sign in the Quotes, are those
added using the MenuChoice feature. The program will only
continue if the user presses one of those keys. It is up to
you to write your own IF..THEN or DO CASE statement to tell
your program what to do next.
- Do you want a Pause added to your Window? (Y)es (N)o (H)elp
If you answer (N) to the MENU GENERATOR and MENU CHOICES
option, EZWIN will ask if you would like a Pause generated.
A Pause is necessary in order to allow the user to read the
text in your window. If your design includes a series of
windows, a pause will allow them to pop-up one at a time when
the user presses any key.
If you choose PAUSE when saving your EZWIN window, a simple
inkeys routine is generated at the end of your window, which
looks like this:
keypress = 0
DO WHILE keypress = 0
keypress = INKEY()
ENDDO
Any Key pressed your user will cause the program to continue.
If you do not choose any of the above options, EZWIN will just
generate a plain vanilla window, and it is up to your program
to decide what to do next.
After selecting, or not selecting the above options, EZWIN will
ask you for the filename you wish to save your window under.
Simply type a standard DOS filename (up to eight characters) and
press <ENTER>, or just press <ENTER> to quit. EZWIN will warn
you if you try to save a filename that is already on disk and
present you with the following options:
(O)verwrite - Overwrites (erases) the old file with the
same name
(R)etype File Name - Allows you to re-enter the file name
Page 8 - EZWIN Version 2.1
(L)oad - One of the things that makes EZWIN a delight to use, is that
you can try out a window in your program (by calling the program
file), and if you want to change the position, colors or borders,
it is an easy matter to re-load it and make your changes quickly
and easily.
(Q)uit - From the Main Menu Returns you to DOS.
=========================================================================
DESIGN TIP
=========================================================================
If you wish to present several windows on the screen at the same time, you
can see what the final lay-out will look like by doing the following:
1. Create your first Window
2. Save it as filename "A1" or whatever you like.
Now create your second window, and save it as A2 or whatever. Do the
same with your third window, etc... etc...
To see what they will look on the same screen, simply (L)oad them back in
the same order . NOTE: Do not press any Menu Option keys other than (L)oad
while you are doing this. If you do the screen will clear all the windows
you loaded except for the last one. This process is only for a quick visual
check on the positioning of your windows. After loading your windows back
in order, if you are not satisfied with the screen layout, simply load back
the offending Window and reposition it, and/or change the colors to your
liking.
=========================================================================
HOW TO USE EZWIN WINDOWS IN YOUR PROGRAM
=========================================================================
There are 3 ways to use the code for generated for your Windows in your
programs.
1. Leave your Window programs exactly as generated. Then, call them,
as you would any dBASE program, by issuing a DO command. Until
you are satisfied with the exact wording, and location of your
windows, this is the suggested method.
2. Using your text editor, merge them into your program where you
you want them.
3. Use them in PROCEDURE files. If you choose this method, you must
add the line: PROCEDURE FileName - (where FileName is the name of
your window) as the first line of the window. Once again, call
it as you would any dBASE procedure with a DO FileName.
Page 9 - EZWIN Version 2.1
=========================================================================
TECHNICAL STUFF
=========================================================================
If you decide to use Menu Generator, MenuChoice or the Pause
option, you must SET TALK OFF and declare the variable
'keychoice' public in your main program as follows:
SET TALK OFF
PUBLIC keychoice
After calling any of EZWIN's windows, you must re-set the colors of you
program. The generated code will remind you to do this. That's about all
the programming you have to do when using EZWIN.
EZWIN was compiled using the dbFAST compiler. The batch file EZWIN.BAT
loads the dbFAST engine, and then runs the program EZWIN21.EXE. When you
QUIT EZWIN, the dbFAST engine is removed from memory returning the space
used to your computer.
EZWIN saves three files for each window with the file name you chose and
the extensions .PRG, .EZW, and .EZM.
The .PRG file is the actual code for your window.
The .EZW file is a database that holds the textlines of your window.
The .EZM file holds memory variables for re-loading windows into EZWIN.
The .EZW and .EZM files are working files only, You do not need them in
order to use the .PRG files.
When you are satisfied with your windows, the .EZW and .EZM files can be
erased from your disk by typing EZCLEAN. This is a batch file included on
the distribution disk.
The EZWIN.DBF file on your distribtuion disk is a necessary working file.
If you accidentally trash the EZWIN.DBF file, the structure can be
recreated using the CREATE command of dBASEIII or the clone version you are
using. It consists of 2 character fields. The first is called TEXTLINE
with a length of 69, and the second is called COMMAND with a
length of 20.
That's All Folks! I hope you enjoy using EZWIN, and I urge you to pass
copies to your friends, associates, computer clubs and favorite Bulletin
Boards. If you wish to continue using EZWIN after the 14 day trial period,
please mail in the following registration form with your check or money
order for $25.
Best regards,
Paul Jordan
Page 10 - EZWIN Version 2.1
===========================================================================
R E G I S T R A T I O N F O R M
===========================================================================
Mail to: Paul Jordan
909 Marina Village Parkway, (#112)
Alameda, CA 94501
From: _________________________________
_________________________________
_________________________________
_________________________________
Contact: _________________________________
QTY REG FEE TOTAL
_______ EZWIN Window Generator Version 2.1 $25 _________
Thank you for registering EZWIN. Would you be kind enough to tell us how
your received your copy.
______ ________ ______ ______ ________ _____
Friend Business BBS Disk Computer Other
Associate Vendor Club
___________________________________________________________________________
State or Country Name of BBS/Vendor/Club
Remarks:
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
===========================================================================
Page 11 - EZWIN Version 2.1