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* Delta Tango(tm)/PRO *
LICENSE AGREEMENT
Delta Tango(tm)
The shareware version is NOT to considered in ANY way "free" or
"public domain", and NO distributor may advertise it as such.
You are limited to a 30 day trail period for use of the shareware or
evaluation copy of Delta Tango(tm). If you decide to continue using
Delta Tango after an initial 30 day trail period, you MUST register
the Delta Tango program.
You may not run Delta Tango(tm) on more than one computer at a time.
For example, you may keep a copy of Delta Tango(tm) on a work
computer, home computer, and on a laptop used for traveling purposes.
However, Delta Tango(tm) cannot be used on more than one computer
simultaneously without the purchase of additional licenses. One
license per computer.
You may NOT share or distribute the registered copy of Delta
Tango(tm). You may NOT share or distribute the registered copy of
Delta Tango PRO or Delta Tango PRO User. However, Delta Tango PRO
DEMO may be freely distributed, and used on multiple computers.
THIS SOFTWARE PROGRAM AND DOCUMENTATION (Delta Tango(tm)), ARE BEING
OFFERED "AS IS" AND WITHOUT WARRANTIES AS TO PERFORMANCE OR
MERCHANTABILITY. BY USING Delta Tango(tm), YOU ARE EXPRESSLY RELEASING
ENCOURAGER SOFTWARE AND THE AUTHOR, DAVID TROXELL, FROM ANY LIABILITY
RESULTING FROM THE USE OF THIS SOFTWARE AND DOCUMENTATION.
THIS LIMITED WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS. YOU MAY HAVE
OTHERS WHICH MAY VARY FROM STATE TO STATE. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW
THE EXCLUSION OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, OR THE
LIMITATION ON HOW LONG AN IMPLIED WARRANTY LASTS, SO SOME OF THE ABOVE
MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.
* Delta Tango(tm)/PRO *
Copyright 1992 by Encourager Software All Rights Reserved
This publication could possibly contain technical or typographical
errors. Encourager Software provides this publication, AS IS, without
warranty of any kind, either express or implied.
Trademark Acknowledgements:
dBaseII, and dBaseIII are registered trademarks of Borland
International.
Clarion, Clarionet, Clarion Professional Developer, and Clarion Report
Writer are trademarks of Clarion Software Corporation.
CompuServe is a registered trademark of Compuserve Incorporated.
Delta Tango and Delta Tango PRO are trademarks of Encourager Software.
QSQL is a trademark of Cook Database Design, Inc.
FoxPro is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
Printed in the United States of America.
* Delta Tango(tm)/PRO *
Foreword
I would like to introduce you to this product by way of saying thanks
to just some of the people who have contributed ideas and products
to the Clarion community. Delta Tango/PRO is an integration of a lot
of the products and ideas mentioned.
Thanks
My wife, Pamela, for her endless support in my endeavor to provide
some useful software for the Clarion community.
Bruce Barrington, Chairman/CEO, Clarion Software Corporation
(and all of the various employees of Clarion Software Corporation
who have contributed to the success through the years) for giving
us such a excellent Flagship product, Clarion Professional
Developer(tm). And thanks for continuing to develop more ground
shaking ideas.
Clarionet(tm) Tech Support - For their wonderful example files, and
explanations of Clarion code, and especially to Paul, Tech 22, for his
RW_IN_DE.ZIP, integrating Report Writer reports into Designer
applications example, which was the initial catalyst for this project.
Mike Hanson, Boxsoft Development, for SuperModels - Both Public Domain
and Commercial Versions.
Jim and Cathy Cook, Cook Database Design, for their special "Q"
products, especially QSQL(tm).
Dave Howington and his crew at Logix Development Corporation for
marketing LPM Link VM.
RJ Dollard - RJ wrote a Sorter demo file (CSRT_DES.ZIP) for Clarion
users based upon my RW Shell example - RWSHEL11.ZIP (which was based
upon Paul, Tech 22's example). I took some of his basic ideas and
greatly expanded them for Delta Tango/PRO.
FOO SAY HOW for his example in WARNA.ZIP, incorporating user defined
colors (which was based on Dale Hans - CHNGCOLR.ZIP example)
Clarion Techies on FidoNet and RIMEnet - The Clarion echos on these
networks do not LACK for interesting discussions.
Delta Tango Author,
Dave Troxell
i
* Delta Tango(tm)/PRO *
Chapter 1. Introduction
What is Delta Tango(tm)?....................................1-2
What is Delta Tango PRO(tm)?................................1-3
File Interchangeability.....................................1-3
Networks....................................................1-4
Manual Overview.............................................1-4
Features Overview...........................................1-6
Chapter 2. Installation
System Requirements.........................................2-2
Installation................................................2-2
Delta Tango(tm) SET.........................................2-3
Temporary Files.............................................2-3
DESQview Support Help.......................................2-3
Getting Started.............................................2-4
Files Created By Delta Tango(tm)/PRO........................2-6
Chapter 3. Delta Tango(tm)/PRO Terminology
F1 - Help...................................................3-2
Delta Tango PRO **PRO** ONLY................................3-2
Editing Conventions.........................................3-2
List/Update Form (Record)...................................3-2
Delta Tango/PRO Conventions.................................3-3
File Interchangeability.....................................3-3
Clarion File Utility Extensions.............................3-4
Sorter Operation Notes......................................3-4
Special Test Mode **PRO** ONLY..............................3-5
ii
* Delta Tango(tm)/PRO *
Batch File Parameters.......................................3-5
FILER.......................................................3-6
SORTER......................................................3-6
CONVERTER...................................................3-6
Delta Tango(tm)/PRO Task List and Related File Utilities....3-7
Chapter 4. Overview of Clarion File Utilities
FILER.......................................................4-2
CREATE Statement - "Memory Birds and Bees Talk".............4-2
"Corrupted Key File Caught - Story At Five".................4-2
SORTER......................................................4-3
RECLAIM Attribute - "Space Lease Option Available"..........4-4
CONVERTER...................................................4-4
"String Delimiter/Field Separator - Cite Irreconcilable
Differences"................................................4-5
BASIC Source - Clarion File Definition Source -
"Anonymous Source"..........................................4-5
Access To Other Clarion File Utility Programs...............4-6
Chapter 5. Photogenic Tasks
File Utilities - Task List..................................5-2
Backup A Single File List...................................5-3
Backup/Restore List For Single File.........................5-4
New File Structure - Single File List.......................5-4
Set Color Program...........................................5-5
Menu for Manual Use of File Utilities.......................5-6
DTU SQL Interactive User Interface for QSQL(tm) Program.....5-7
SQL Task In Progress........................................5-8
iii
* Delta Tango(tm)/PRO *
ERROR Screens...............................................5-9
Record Maintenance List.....................................5-10
Manual File Utilities - Sorter, Filer, and Converter........5-11
Creating Delta Tango(tm)/PRO Data Files.....................5-13
FUTILS File Not Found - Create?.............................5-13
Table is Empty. Do You Wish to Add....?.....................5-13
Record Maintenance..........................................5-14
Single File.................................................5-14
Multiple File...............................................5-15
Backup/Restore Locations....................................5-16
Join Two Files..............................................5-16
Conversion..................................................5-17
SQL Expressions.............................................5-21
Sorter Options..............................................5-22
Chapter 6. Record Maintenance
HOW Does This Thing Work, Anyway?!..........................6-2
Delta Tango(tm)/PRO To The Rescue!..........................6-3
List Screens................................................6-4
DOS Batch File for Single Backup (Sorter Task)..............6-5
Limitations Of Characters On A DOS Prompt Line..............6-5
PRO New File Structure - Single or Multiple - Limitations...6-5
PRO Sorter Options - Limitations............................6-6
Record Maintenance - Update Forms...........................6-7
Single File.................................................6-7
Multiple Files..............................................6-11
iv
* Delta Tango(tm)/PRO *
Backup/Restore Locations....................................6-15
Join Two Files..............................................6-16
Conversion..................................................6-19
SQL.........................................................6-21
Sorter Options..............................................6-24
Chapter 7. SQL - Support In Delta Tango(tm)/PRO
QSQL(tm)....................................................7-2
QSQL(tm) Support In Delta Tango(tm)/PRO.....................7-2
Create New Clarion Databases Using SQL......................7-3
DTU SQL Program.............................................7-3
SQL Expression Update Form..................................7-5
Fixing Date Problem With Fields With Long Type..............7-5
SQL Update Form Field Entries...............................7-6
File Utilities - Tasks - SQL Files List.....................7-9
Removing OWNER ID/Encryption To Work With SQL...............7-9
Appendix A
Special Hints...............................................A-2
Command Line................................................A-2
Error Screens...............................................A-2
Invalid Record Declaration..................................A-3
Out of Memory Screen........................................A-3
STOP Error Screens..........................................A-4
Rebuilding Key Files........................................A-4
Temporary Files.............................................A-4
Date Problems With Conversion to dBase Files................A-5
Assorted Utility Batch Files................................A-5
v
* Delta Tango(tm)/PRO *
Delta Tango(tm)/PRO Support.................................A-7
Appendix B - List of Figures
Chapter 5...................................................B-1
Chapter 6...................................................B-2
Chapter 7...................................................B-3
Note: Appendix B is not included in the disk file version of the
user's manual. Over 60 figures are included in the published
manual.
Glossary
INDEX
vi
* Delta Tango(tm)/PRO *
Chapter 1. Introduction
What is Delta Tango(tm)?....................................1-2
What is Delta Tango PRO(tm)?................................1-3
File Interchangeability.....................................1-3
Networks....................................................1-4
Manual Overview.............................................1-4
Features Overview...........................................1-6
1-1
* Delta Tango(tm)/PRO *
What is Delta Tango(tm)?
Automation for three of Clarion's file utilities, Filer, Sorter, and
Converter!
Backup Clarion data files in a compressed format, and restore them,
one at a time or up to TEN at a time!
Pack files, single or up to 10.
Need to restructure data files to conform to an updated Clarion .exe?
Load the new source file and the .EXE on a Client's computer and with
a couple key presses, you are updated.
Need to create new empty data files, again a couple key presses.
Join Two Files, no problem!
Convert Clarion files to other file formats. It's as easy as filling
in some filenames and format types, and pressing a few keys.
Easy to use interface for the utilities.
You accomplish this, and much more, with some initial record
maintenance, but that information is stored to be used again and
again, modified or copied at will. No more batch file writing!
Convert Clarion to other formats, and other formats to Clarion files.
Why work with batch files or manually work the file utilities when
you can enter just the essential information into a Clarion record,
and let it do some batch file writing for you. Very easy to use!
Delta Tango(tm) provides an automated interface for the three file
utilities mentioned. It cannot accomplish any more than the three file
utilities are capable of, however, it does it in a very useful,
repeatable way.
Think of Delta Tango(tm) as a automated batch file writer for Sorter,
Filer, and Converter that's as easy as filling in filenames, and other
parameters.
It also provides a shell interface for QSQL(tm), including the
automated conversion of a SQL query to a workable Clarion data file.
This is OPTIONAL and a separate license MUST be purchased from Cook
Database Design if you desire to use the interface and automated
conversion.
The Clarion file utilities are a wonderful set of tools, and provide
great usefulness, but there can be many repetitive tasks during the
development stage of a Clarion database project that can only be
1-2
* Delta Tango(tm)/PRO *
accomplished by use of numerous DOS batch files to automate the use of
the file utilities, or manual manipulation of file utilities. Delta
Tango(tm) is an attempt to provide a standard common interface to the
utilities with the emphasis on automating tasks.
In addition, Delta Tango(tm) provides primarily these functions for
the QSQL(tm) program.
1. A Interactive User Interface to QSQL(tm) Use of the interface can
be called from within Delta Tango(tm) or from the dos prompt -
DTUSQL.EXE.
2. Online summary help while using the shell interface. Lots of
examples, SQL expression commands, etc.
3. Automate converting an SQL query to a usable Clarion file.
4. If you have used the Update clause in SQL, a Delta Tango(tm) Filer
task can be run if you have updated a field that has a key on it.
What is Delta Tango PRO(tm)?
This is an enhanced version of Delta Tango(tm) and consists of two
programs, Delta Tango PRO(tm) and Delta Tango PRO(tm) User.
* Delta Tango PRO(tm) * **PRO** ONLY
The manual is written to include support for both the Delta Tango(tm)
program and the Delta Tango PRO(tm) program. You will sometimes see a
**PRO** ONLY prompt to alert you to a feature available only to the
Delta Tango PRO(tm) program.
Delta Tango PRO(tm) User is for developers who have not developed a
file utility section of their own to sell to clients, and would like a
ready made product. It restricts the users to only carrying out the
file utility tasks, with no access to configuring the tasks to provide
a little more security for you.
You can use Delta Tango PRO(tm) to develop File Utility tasks for the
User program or run Delta Tango PRO(tm) by itself. And it provides
more advanced features for automated tasks during the development
stages.
Some developers have already included support for the file utilities
inside their programs, or need more customization than is provided
for by Delta Tango PRO(tm). Is it still useful?
YES, definitely during development stages for the developer. Here's
just some of the benefits you'll gain from using the PRO version.
1. With the PRO version, you could keep ALL your source (file
definition) files in one subdirectory location, regardless of the
project. **PRO** ONLY
1-3
* Delta Tango(tm)/PRO *
2. Pass the Owner ID to Filer (Sorter, or Converter) without using
batch files. **PRO** ONLY
3. With the OPTIONAL QSQL(tm) program, create subsets of your data to
work with easily. Easily automate the process of removing Owner
ID/Encryption from your files to work with the QSQL(tm) program and
then adding Owner ID/Encryption again. And, instead of writing batch
files to convert your query into a usable Clarion file, let Delta
Tango PRO(tm) help you automate the conversion.
4. With the Sorter Options section, automate up to 4 sort parameters
and/or join up to 4 files. Instead of writing batch files or manually
using Sorter, you can save each setup. Copy them, modify, easily
access these setups. **PRO** ONLY
5. Instead of writing batch files, or manually manipulating the file
utilities, you can save important batch parameters in Clarion files
that can be easily recalled, copied, modified, etc. Both the regular
and the PRO versions offer this, but the PRO program provides more
features to automate the process even further and save you time. A
special Test (**PRO** ONLY) mode is provided to track problems of
entering the wrong parameter information.
File Interchangeability
Data files produced by Delta Tango(tm) or Delta Tango PRO(tm) are
completely interchangeable with all Delta Tango PRO(tm)grams. However,
a Retain Deletions choice made in PRO is not available in Delta
Tango(tm).
You may decide to go with Delta Tango(tm) initially, and upgrade to
Delta Tango PRO(tm). Your data files are completely usable, and with
the PRO version you may add the new parameters as desired.
Networks
The initial release will be for single computer use only, and is not
available currently in a Network version. A future release will
incorporate network features.
Manual Overview
Chapter 1 - Introduction
You are reading this chapter now. Basic description of the program
in general terms, with a summary feature overview.
Chapter 2 - Installation
Introduction to system requirements and installing the program. Be
sure to read about temporary files while installing the program. This
is a very important concept to the program.
1-4
* Delta Tango(tm)/PRO *
Chapter 3 - Delta Tango(tm)/PRO Terminology
Introduces you to Delta Tango(tm)/PRO specifics and how they relate to
the utilities.
Chapter 4 - Overview of Clarion File Utilities
This is an abbreviated discussion about how the utilities operate,
some suggestions for program development, and how Delta Tango(tm)/PRO
operations interact with the utilities.
Chapter 5 - Photogenic Tasks
This whole chapter is devoted to screen shots of the program with
abbreviated comments. A lot of example tasks are shown. This would
be a good chapter to browse through after the introduction and
installation chapters before referring to more intense chapters.
Chapter 6 - Record Maintenance
This chapter is loaded with detailed field by field instructions for
the update forms. A good reference chapter for completing records.
Couple this with chapter 5 for a good idea how to complete most tasks.
Chapter 7 - SQL
This chapter gives you detailed information about using the QSQL(tm)
(Optional) program with Delta Tango(tm)/PRO. This is still no
substitute for learning SQL. Use the tutorial documents included with
QSQL(tm) for an easy learning curve.
Appendix A
Includes information about error screens, rebuilding key files,
temporary files, date problems with conversion to dBase files,
assorted utility batch files and support.
Appendix B
List of Figures
Glossary
Most Delta Tango(tm)/PRO terms are defined here for easy reference.
1-5
* Delta Tango(tm)/PRO *
* Features Overview *
Delta Tango(tm)/PRO is divided into basically two sections, Tasks
(File Utilities) and Record Maintenance for the Tasks. Tasks are the
actual file operations. First, you must complete the minimal
information needed to complete the task in a update form in the record
maintenance section.
NOTE: All Sorter operations (Backup, Restore, and Join Two Files)
in the regular Delta Tango(tm) Program, by default, do NOT retain
deletions. Only the PRO program offers a choice.
TASKS
1. Backup Single File
**PRO** ONLY
Owner ID/Retain Deletions Choice
2. Backup Multiple
**PRO** ONLY
Global Owner ID/Retain Deletions Choice
3. Restore Single
**PRO** ONLY
Owner ID/Retain Deletions Choice
4. Restore Multiple
**PRO** ONLY
Global Owner ID/Retain Deletions Choice
5. Pack Single
**PRO** ONLY
Owner ID
6. Pack Multiple
**PRO** ONLY
Global Owner ID
7. Join 2 Files
**PRO** ONLY
1-6
* Delta Tango(tm)/PRO *
Owner ID/Retain Deletions Choice
8. New File Structure - Single
a. New file structure
b. Create empty file structure
**PRO** ONLY
Owner ID/Rename File/Source Location
9. New File Structure - Multiple
a. New file structure
b. Create empty file structure
**PRO** ONLY
Global Owner ID/Global Source Location
A. Convertor
a. Convert Clarion to DIF file.
b. Convert Clarion to BASIC file.
c. Convert Clarion to dBase2 file.
d. Convert Clarion to dBase3 file.
e. Convert dbase to Clarion
f. Convert DIF to Clarion
g. Convert BASIC to Clarion
**PRO** ONLY
Owner ID
B. SQL Files
Use QSQL(tm) expressions to create new Clarion databases.
Output is converted to BASIC file, then Filer run to make a usable
Clarion data file in a very automated process.
Three ways to make new Clarion databases.
1. Run DTUSQL program, load an sql expression, then return to Delta
Tango(tm), use in a SQL Update form and then run SQL task.
1-7
* Delta Tango(tm)/PRO *
2. Rename a DTUSQL.IN query and use in SQL Task update form, and then
run SQL task.
3. Write an QSQL(tm) expression in the SQL update form and then run
SQL task.
**PRO** ONLY
Source Location
C. Set user colors
D. Sorter Options **PRO** ONLY
a. Join as many as 4 files at one time.
b. Create as many as 4 physical sorts.
c. Optionally choose yes or no for the following.
Compress file
Retain deletions
Remove key files
d. Owner ID supported
E. Manual Utils - Ability to use Clarion File Utilities in a Manual
Mode called from within the Delta Tango(tm) Program.
Delta Tango(tm)
Sorter
Filer
Converter
Delta Tango PRO(tm)
Sorter
Filer
Converter
* Scanner
* Editor
! Report Writer(tm)
1-8
* Delta Tango(tm)/PRO *
* Director
* Helper
* Must own Clarion Professional Developer(tm) to access.
! Must own Clarion Report Writer(tm) to access.
F. DTU SQL Program
Shell interface to QSQL(tm) program including ONLINE Help! Can be
called from within the Delta Tango(tm)/PRO program.
1-9
* Delta Tango(tm)/PRO *
Chapter 2. Installation
System Requirements.........................................2-2
Installation................................................2-2
Delta Tango(tm) SET.........................................2-3
Temporary Files.............................................2-3
DESQview Support Help.......................................2-3
Getting Started.............................................2-4
Files Created By Delta Tango(tm)/PRO........................2-6
2-1
* Delta Tango(tm)/PRO *
* System Requirements *
An IBM PC, XT, AT, PS/2, or 100% Compatible
An IBM or MS DOS 3.0 or higher operating system
At least 512KB of memory (640K when running the SQL program)
NOTE: After allowances for DOS, Menu program, etc. you should have
440K of memory free before starting Delta Tango (as much as possible
when running the SQL program)
This may be higher if running under a Desqview or Windows environment.
One Double-sided diskette drive and one hard disk (approximately 2
Megabytes free)
A Color or Monochrome monitor
A Mouse is NOT supported at this time, but will appear in a future
version.
Clarion File Utilities - Filer, Sorter, and Converter - Version 2
or higher (2.18A included).
QSQL(tm) - Version 2.0 or higher - OPTIONAL program - MUST buy a
separate license to use.
* Installation *
Please, make backups of your original disks and install from the
backups. PLEASE!
Place Program Disk 1 in your A or B floppy drive. At the A: or B:
DOS prompt, type 'install' (without the quotes). Follow the prompts
on screen. The install program will give you a choice of copying the
files to a particular hard drive. It will, however, copy these files
to a subdirectory named - 'TESTDTU' after it creates the subdirectory.
This will allow you to initially test the program with the sample
files. BUT, you will want to move some of the files (Delta Tango SET)
to a subdirectory in your DOS path on a more permanent basis.
Most of the time, Delta Tango/PRO works with the files in the current
subdirectory. In order for Delta Tango/PRO to do this, you must keep
one SET of the following files in a subdirectory in your DOS path.
For Owners of Clarion Professional Developer(tm), the Clarion
Subdirectory would be a good place to keep these files. The Clarion
file utilities should already be available in the Clarion directory.
2-2
* Delta Tango(tm)/PRO *
Delta Tango SET
DTU.EXE (or DTUP.EXE and DTUPE.EXE if you own the PRO version),
DTU.HLP and SETEC.EXE.
Also, the Clarion file utilities -
CFIL.EXE CFIL.HLP CCVT.EXE CCVT.HLP CRST.EXE CRST.HLP
NOTE: The six file utilities are installed to the TESTDTU subdirectory
during the initial installation procedure. If these files are already
installed on your hard drive in a DOS pathed subdirectory, delete
these six files from the TESTDTU subdirectory.
If you have bought the optional SQL program, include these files as
well in the pathed subdirectory - SQL.EXE and DTUSQL.EXE
1. To check for pathed subdirectories, type 'path' (without the
quotes) at any DOS prompt. If the DOS prompt says 'No Path', you must
add at least one subdirectory in a path statement. It is best to put
this path statement in your autoexec.bat. Refer to your DOS manual for
details. Optional - You may need to reboot the computer in order for
the pathed directory to be usable.
2. Copy the Delta Tango SET of files into your pathed subdirectory.
3. Use DOS commands to change to the TESTDTU subdirectory and type
'dtu' (without the quotes) or 'dtup' if you have bought the PRO
version. Review the examples, or configure some of your own.
5. Now, you can type 'dtu' or 'dtup' (**PRO** ONLY) at the DOS prompt
in any subdirectory you have Clarion data files and begin automated
use of the three Clarion file utilities - Sorter, Filer, or Converter.
Or, if you use a DOS menu program, and you want to access a certain
Clarion data subdirectory on a regular basis, you could configure
the menu selection to start the Delta Tango/PRO program.
Temporary Files
When a task is being completed, or you are running one of the
utilities in a manual mode, a temporary file on the hard disk is
created, and then after the operation is finished, the file is
deleted. This file will be approximately 400K or larger. Also, about
8K RAM of conventional memory is used as well.
Using a RAM disk for the temporary files will speed up the operation,
and help keep your hard disk from becoming fragmented. Also, if you
loose power during a Delta Tango task, the temporary file will remain
on the hard disk, wasting space. Using a RAM disk alleviates this
problem.
Use this DOS SET command before entering the Delta Tango/PRO program.
2-3
* Delta Tango(tm)/PRO *
A good place to keep your SET command is in your autoexec.bat file.
i.e. SET CLATMP=E:\
E is the name of the RAM drive in this example, substitute yours.
It is recommended your RAM drive be at least 512K in size. It may
need to be more under a Desqview or Windows environment.
DESQview Support Help
Delta Tango automatically detects and supports the DESQview
environment.
The "Video time-out" and "beep" features are disabled
automatically.
Two command line switches are available at the DOS prompt for starting
Delta Tango under DESQview.
DTU L=YES
(will force keyboard locks)
DTU B=YES
(will force beeps)
NOTE - Substitute DTUP for Delta Tango PRO/ DTUPE for Delta Tango
PRO User
Getting Started
List refers to the Clarion term - Table, and Update Form refers to
the Clarion term, Record. They are used interchangeably.
These are some general hints on using the program. If you are familiar
with using the Clarion utilities, you should be able to use Delta
Tango in a productive way in a fairly short time. If not, after
installing the program, read chapter 4. Then, browse the examples in
chapter 5, (and/or look at some of the examples given with the install
disk). Refer to Chapter 6 for more detailed information on filling in
the update forms.
Think of the Delta Tango/PRO program as two main sections -
A File Utilities (Tasks) section - The actual file operation is run
from this section.
A Record Maintenance section - You need to complete the fields in
a update form, FIRST, in order to perform a task in the file utilities
section.
2-4
* Delta Tango(tm)/PRO *
Chapters 1, 2 and 5 would be good chapters to read first. Since 5
is mostly screen shots, you'll do more browsing, then reading, but
the examples will help you design your own tasks.
Preview the sample files that were provided with the install disk
(s), or copy some of your own data files to a test directory, and
start the program. Menu selections are chosen by pressing the first
number or letter of the selection or by highlighting the selection
and pressing Enter.
MONOCHROME Monitors
NOTE: If you are using a monochrome monitor and the List (Table)
selections do not show a highlight, delete the COLOR.DAT file in the
current subdirectory (however, save the COLOR.DAT originally supplied
with the program for work with color monitors for a standard color
reference). The program will create a default COLOR.DAT that should
show List highlighting on a monochrome monitor. Menu selection
highlighting may not show on a monochrome monitor, but you still can
use a number or letter to choose a selection.
Go to the record maintenance section.
If you start with the program with no FUTILS.DAT in the test
subdirectory, you will be greeted with at least two messages.
'FUTILS File not found! Do you want to create it?' Press y for yes
and Enter.
At any List (table) screen that is empty, you will get this message.
'This Table is empty. Do you wish to add a record?' Press y for yes
and Enter.
Use the examples in Chapter 5 to enter information about your files
and/or use Chapter 6 for more details about filling in the update
forms.
When you complete an update form, escape back to the File Utilities
menu. Select a task. Most are run by choosing a Task list,
highlighting the task description, and pressing F7. As the task is
being completed, you will see a flashing task name.
The backup and restore tasks add one more step. After highlighting
the task, and pressing F7, you will be presented with a Locations
List. Highlight the proper location and press Enter. Your locations
List must have a valid DOS name. The data file will copied and
compressed to the destination you chose.
The backup and restore tasks are NOT intended as a substitute for
a good standalone DOS backup program. Delta Tango/PRO does not compute
the available hard disk space or floppy disk space (nor will it prompt
you for additional floppy disks). So you will need to estimate in
2-5
* Delta Tango(tm)/PRO *
advance if your destination location has enough available space to
complete the task. At present, only the capabilities of the file
utilities are used to complete the tasks.
However, you can accomplish several useful functions with these tasks.
These include:
1. Send all your data files to one subdirectory in a compressed
format. Then, using a standalone DOS backup program, backup this
subdirectory. This could possibly save in the number of disks or tapes
needed to backup the data files.
2. For distribution purposes. If Delta Tango/PRO is not available
on the restoration computer, you could rename the compressed files
before sending them, since Delta Tango/PRO uses a .CBK extension.
You can do this by giving the following command at the DOS prompt.
'rename *.cbk *.dat' (without the quotes)
Files Created By Delta Tango(tm)/PRO
The following files are created by Delta Tango(tm)/PRO, the Set Color
program, or DTU SQL program.
Files created by the Delta Tango(tm)/PRO program.
FUTILS.DAT Data File - contains batch file parameters
FUTILS.K01 K01 - K07 are Key Files
FUTILS.K02
FUTILS.K03
FUTILS.K04
FUTILS.K05
FUTILS.K06
FUTILS.K07
File produced by the Set Color program - SETEC.EXE.
COLOR.DAT Data file - contains color definition.
When the OPTIONAL QSQL(tm) program is bought, the DTU SQL program
produces the following files.
DTUFILE.DAT Data file - contains SQL queries
DTUFILE.K01 Key file
DTUSQL.IN ascii file - contains last run query
Any other files produced are the result of the file utility programs
or temporary files that did not get erased after the task operation.
2-6
* Delta Tango(tm)/PRO *
Chapter 3. Delta Tango(tm)/PRO Terminology
F1 - Help...................................................3-2
Delta Tango PRO **PRO** ONLY................................3-2
Editing Conventions.........................................3-2
List/Update Form (Record)...................................3-2
Delta Tango/PRO Conventions.................................3-3
File Interchangeability.....................................3-3
Clarion File Utility Extensions.............................3-4
Sorter Operation Notes......................................3-4
Special Test Mode **PRO** ONLY..............................3-5
Batch File Parameters.......................................3-5
FILER.......................................................3-6
SORTER......................................................3-6
CONVERTER...................................................3-6
Delta Tango(tm)/PRO Task List and Related File Utilities....3-7
3-1
* Delta Tango(tm)/PRO *
* F1 - Help *
Online help is available at MOST screens by pressing the function
key, F1.
* Delta Tango PRO * **PRO** ONLY
The manual is written to include support for both the Delta Tango
program and the Delta Tango PRO program. You will sometimes see a
**PRO** ONLY prompt to alert you to a feature available only to the
Delta Tango PRO program.
* Editing Conventions *
Delta Tango/PRO consists primarily of four screen Types.
Menu - Select Lists to carry out tasks, record maintenance, and choose
other menu selections.
Lists - Presents an indexed list or table of update forms. At this
level, update forms (records) can be added, changed, copied, or
deleted.
Update Forms (records) - This is where the actual information is
stored for the database.
Information Screens - Help screens and screens to let you know a task
is being performed.
Screen will blank out after about 10 minutes of inactivity, press
space key once to resume.
List Screen
Keys for moving selector bar -
PgDn Scrolls down one screen.
PgUp Scrolls up one screen.
^PgDn Scrolls to last record in the list.
^PgUp Scrolls to the first record in the list.
End Scrolls to last record on screen.
Home Scrolls to first record on screen.
3-2
* Delta Tango(tm)/PRO *
Keys for record operations
Symbol Key Operation
+ Insert Add a new record.
- Delete Delete the highlighted record. Highlighted record is
shown, the press enter to delete.
* Enter Change the highlighted record.
C F7 Copy record. Highlight record and press F7
M ^m Add Multiple records - Control + m
+ - * C M are Symbols ONLY - Cannot be used for action.
^ - Control Key (used in combination with others)
Update Form (Record)
To advance forward one field, use the Enter, Tab or Down Arrow key.
To backup one field, use the Esc, Shift + Tab, or Up Arrow key.
Insert key may be used in text fields.
To delete a whole text field, use Control + End Key combination from
leftmost position.
To save a record at any field, press Control + Enter or F10. However,
minimally one field will be required and must be filled in before
saving.
To escape without saving, press Control + Escape or F2. At the prompt
'Save changes', press 'y' for save changes, press 'n' for escape
without saving changes, or press 'c' for cancel.
Locate Field
On each of the list screens, there is a Locate field at the top. This
will assist you in finding a particular record more readily. To use,
type in the first couple letters of the Task description.
Delta Tango/PRO Conventions
* File Interchangeability *
Data files produced by Delta Tango or Delta Tango PRO are completely
interchangeable with all Delta Tango programs.
3-3
* Delta Tango(tm)/PRO *
You may decide to go with Delta Tango initially, and upgrade to Delta
Tango PRO. Your data files are completely usable, and with the PRO
version you may add the new parameters as desired.
Also, configurations developed with the PRO model work fine with
regular Delta Tango, BUT you will lack the PRO parameters. For
instance, on single files in the PRO version, you can rename the
output file for Backup, Restore, Pack and New File Structure. Any
single file tasks run on the regular version after PRO Task
development will have an output name the same as the input name.
One important note on exchanging data files between Delta Tango
programs. In the PRO version, you have a retain deletions choice for
all Sorter operations. However, if you run a PRO developed Sorter task
with Retain Deletions - Yes on a regular Delta Tango program, any
deletions will be permanently removed, NO questions asked! Course, why
anyone would want to go back to the regular Delta Tango version, after
using the PRO version will be talked about in Clarion circles for
years.
Clarion File Utility Extensions
Delta Tango/PRO uses most of the default extensions of the Clarion
file utilities. These include:
.CLA - Source Files (file definitions)
.DAT - Data Files
.BAS - BASIC (ascii delimited) files for conversion to BASIC.
.DBF - dBase Files
.DIF - DIF files
.TMP - Source File created during certain Converter tasks.
An exception to a default extension is the backup and restoration
tasks. Delta Tango/PRO assigns an extension of .CBK to files that
have been compressed. And it expects to see a .CBK extension in order
to restore as well.
This makes it easier to recognize data files that have been compressed
by Sorter. If you want to restore Clarion data files that were
compressed using Sorter and do not have a .CBK extension, merely
rename the file with a .CBK extension.
Sorter Operation Notes
All Sorter operations - Backup, Restore, Pack, and Join Two Files,
in the regular Delta Tango version, by default, do NOT retain
deletions.
3-4
* Delta Tango(tm)/PRO *
Backup operations utilize the compress file option by default for
both the regular Delta Tango and PRO versions.
**PRO** ONLY - ALL Sorter operations in the PRO version include a
yes/no choice to retain deletions.
**PRO** ONLY - Pack, obviously, doesn't make any sense if you want
to retain deletions, since it's main function is to get rid of record
deletions permanently. However, a single form is used to store file
information about backup, restore, pack, and new file structures for
your convenience. If your end user accidentally chose to pack a single
file, or multiple file set, and you had configured that file or
multiple file set to retain deletions, the Pack task in the PRO
version will NOT remove the record deletions. This is a safeguard for
your choices.
Special Test Mode - **PRO** ONLY
**PRO** ONLY - A special test mode to track down problems of entering
the wrong parameter information. The Clarion file utilities not only
do tasks well, but help you tremendously to input the correct
information while manually manipulating the programs. In Delta
Tango/PRO, you are developing automated batch processes, and the
program doesn't know if you misspelled a filename.
However, one very important batch parameter for each file utility
is '/V'. By default, Delta Tango and Delta Tango PRO User pass this
parameter to the batch process. This prevents a display of the Clarion
file utility windows while the task is being performed. However, in
the PRO version, you have the option of passing this parameter or
not.
By leaving the Test Flip field blank, you are essentially saying,
I want a Clarion file utility window to appear as a task is being
performed. If you have misspelled a filename, the batch process will
stop, and you will receive an error message. Usually, these error
messages will give you enough information for you to debug your task.
You can then escape from the window, and go back to the record
maintenance section to correct your error.
By pressing F6 at the Test Flip field and pressing Enter, this
automatically fills in the field with '/V' and a Clarion file utility
window will NOT appear as a task is being performed.
Batch File Parameters
Only the batch file parameters of the Clarion file utilities are
supported. The file utilities, by default, look for files to be
located in the current subdirectory. Delta Tango/PRO provides certain
exceptions to this as noted. The batch file parameters include:
3-5
* Delta Tango(tm)/PRO *
FILER
S - Source Line Looks for file in current directory
**PRO** ONLY - Looks for file in current directory or a designated
alternative DOS location.
L - Label Line
I - Input Line
P - Owner ID **PRO** ONLY
O - Output Line The input and output line filenames are the same in
regular Delta Tango.
**PRO** ONLY - Single Files can have different input and output
names.
SORTER
I - Input Line
P - Owner ID **PRO** ONLY
O - Output Line The input and output line filenames are the same in
regular Delta Tango except for Join Two Files.
**PRO** ONLY - All Single Files can have different input and
output names. Only the multiple file operations (Backup, Restore,
Pack, and NFS Multiple) cannot have different input and output
names.
K - Sort Line **PRO** ONLY - Choice in Sorter Options.
C - Compress File Line **PRO** ONLY - A choice is available under
Sorter Options. The Compress File Line choice is YES, By default,
for all backup operations for both regular Delta Tango and PRO
versions.
D - Retain Deletions Line **PRO** ONLY - A choice is always present.
Retain deletions choice, by default, is NO for all regular Delta
Tango sorter operations.
N - Remove Key Files **PRO** ONLY - Choice in Sorter Options.
CONVERTER
T - Input Type Line
I - Input File Line
3-6
* Delta Tango(tm)/PRO *
O - Output Type Line
F - Output File Line
S - Source File Line
P - Owner ID **PRO** ONLY
Delta Tango/PRO Task List and Related File Utilities
Backup Single Sorter
Backup Multiple Sorter
Restore Single Sorter
Restore Multiple Sorter
Pack Single Sorter
Pack Multiple Sorter
Join Two Files Sorter
New File Structure - Single Filer
New File Structure - Multiple Filer
Converter List Converter
SQL Files OPTIONAL - QSQL(tm) program, Converter, Filer
Set Colors Delta Tango/PRO SETEC.EXE program
Sorter Options **PRO** ONLY - Sorter
Manual Utils
Access to Clarion Utilities to Operate in a Manual Mode
Delta Tango
Sorter
Filer
Converter
Delta Tango PRO
Sorter
Filer
Converter
3-7
* Delta Tango(tm)/PRO *
* Scanner
* Editor
! Report Writer(tm)
* Director
* Helper
* Must own Clarion Professional Developer(tm) to access all PRO
selections.
! Must own Clarion Report Writer(tm) to access.
DTU SQL Program OPTIONAL - MUST own a separate QSQL(tm) license to
use.
3-8
* Delta Tango(tm)/PRO *
Chapter 4. Overview of Clarion File Utilities
FILER.......................................................4-2
CREATE Statement - "Memory Birds and Bees Talk".............4-2
"Corrupted Key File Caught - Story At Five".................4-2
SORTER......................................................4-3
RECLAIM Attribute - "Space Lease Option Available"..........4-4
CONVERTER...................................................4-4
"String Delimiter/Field Separator - Cite Irreconcilable
Differences"................................................4-5
BASIC Source - Clarion File Definition Source -
"Anonymous Source"..........................................4-5
Access To Other Clarion File Utility Programs...............4-6
4-1
* Delta Tango(tm)/PRO *
FILER
DOS Filename - CFIL.EXE
Clarion Filer utility can -
1. Create a new file or make an existing file with records match a
revised file structure definition.
2. It can also rebuild or create new key files and create memo files.
CREATE Statement - "Memory Birds and Bee Talk"
To make a Clarion data file, either you need to use the CREATE
statement in your program, and when you run the Clarion .EXE, it will
create an empty data file for you, or use Filer with the appropriate
file definition source file. For Designer users, using the CREATE
statement is as easy as choosing - Create File - Yes - under the File
Options Window (When the File window is open, press Control O).
However, there is a penalty for using CREATE - memory allocation.
To avoid sacrificing precious conventional memory allocation, using
Filer to create files makes sense. However, there may be a few cases
where you might want to use the CREATE statement for one or two files,
and then use Filer to create the rest of your files. Delta Tango/PRO
is a good case in point to use the CREATE statement for a single file.
For your convenience, starting up the program in a subdirectory with
no Delta Tango data files will automatically create the FUTILS.DAT
and it's associated Key files.
One task Delta Tango/PRO does not support is allowing you to change
which input fields will be assigned to the output fields. This must
be accomplished by manually manipulating Filer. Delta Tango/PRO only
supports parameters that are supported in batch files.
"Corrupted Key File Caught - Story at Five"
One way to shut down a Clarion program in a hurry or not allow one
to start up is to have corrupted Key files. Deleting the keys and
letting the program rebuild them is one way. Using Filer to rebuild
them is another way. Using a task selection such as in the Single
or Multiple New File Structures in Delta Tango/PRO can provide a
simple solution to help ease some of your Client's PANIC when their
program doesn't work as promised!
Delta Tango/PRO uses Filer for the following tasks.
NFS (New File Structure) Single or Multiple. By running these tasks,
you can -
1. Create a new file or make an existing file with records match a
revised file structure definition.
4-2
* Delta Tango(tm)/PRO *
2. It can also rebuild or create new key files and create memo files.
3. SQL Files - After converting a SQL query to a BASIC file, the Filer
utility is run to create a usable Clarion data file.
Check the Filer Utility chapter of your Clarion Professional
Developer's Utilities Guide for more general information about Filer
operations and examples.
SORTER
DOS filename - CSRT.EXE
This Clarion utility has a lot of useful abilities and accounts for
a majority of the Delta Tango/PRO's present tasks.
Clarion Sorter Utility can -
1. Sort, or physically rearrange, the order of the records in a
Clarion data file when you specify an order sequence.
**PRO** ONLY - Specific Delta Tango PRO task - SORTER Options
Under Sorter Options, you can define up to 4 sort parameters, and
join up to four files. This Delta Tango PRO task gives you the ability
to use all of the batch parameters of Sorter.
2. Compress a Clarion data file - useful for backups and distribution.
Specific Delta Tango/PRO tasks - Backup Single or Multiple Files
The program assigns a .CBK extension to the Clarion filename to help
distinguish it as a file that has been compressed when the backup
task is used.
**PRO** ONLY - Sorter Options gives a choice of compressing the data
file or not.
3. Concatenate (or join/merge) data files that have the same record
layout.
Specific Delta Tango/PRO tasks - Join Two Files **PRO** ONLY - Sorter
Options Join up to Four Files
One good reason to join files together is to increase the count of
your test records without adding more records individually. The
ability to increase your data file size dramatically in a short period
of time might help you to decide how well your program works with
larger files. Or test for printing times, etc.
4. Permanently remove deleted files (in Delta Tango/PRO, this is
referred to as packing the file). The batch parameter for this is
Retain Deletions.
4-3
* Delta Tango(tm)/PRO *
Retain Deletions - No is the same as saying permanently remove deleted
records.
Specific Delta Tango/PRO tasks - Pack Single or Multiple, Backup
Single or Multiple, Restore Single or Multiple, and Join Two Files.
**PRO** ONLY - Sorter Options - Retain Deletions Choice
By default, all Sorter operations in the regular Delta Tango program
execute the pack operation (or Retain Deletions - No). However, in
the PRO version, you have a choice of retaining deletions or not in
ALL the sorter operations.
RECLAIM Attribute - "Space Lease Option Available"
If you choose the RECLAIM attribute in the file definition, space
for any deleted records in the file will automatically be used for
any new records added to the file. For Designer users, using the
RECLAIM attribute is as easy as choosing - Reclaim Space - Yes - under
the File Options Window (When the File window is open, press Control
O).
This would analogous to a continuous pack operation. However, if you
deleted a large number of records at one time, it might take some
time to fill in the space and decrease the file size. You may want
to pack the files after a large number of deletes.
On the other hand, you may not want to reclaim the space and possibly
keep all deleted records for a historical file, or some other use.
Only the PRO version gives you the flexibility of a Retain Deletions
choice for ALL sorter operations.
5. Create a sorted data file without any key files (remove key files).
Specific Delta Tango PRO tasks - **PRO** ONLY - Sorter Options
You may not want to build and constantly update a key file for a
report that may be printed infrequently. Refer to the Utilities Guide
for expanded instructions.
Check the Sorter Utility chapter of your Clarion Professional
Developer's Utilities Guide for more general information about Sorter
operations and examples.
CONVERTER
DOS Filename - CCVT.EXE
This utility gives the ability to convert from the following formats
to Clarion, and to Convert Clarion to those same formats.
dBaseII, dBaseIII, DIF(Data Interchange Format), and BASIC (ascii)
4-4
* Delta Tango(tm)/PRO *
String Delimiter - Field Separator - "Cite Irreconcilable Differences
with Delta Tango/PRO"
The Converter utility offers two parameters at the Converter Window
that are not available as batch parameters. Delta Tango/PRO can only
work with batch parameters. These two parameters are String Delimiter
and Field Separator. Therefore, Delta Tango/PRO can only work with
BASIC files that have the default parameter settings -
String Delimiter '' double quotes
Field Separator , comma
You will need to work the Converter utility in a manual mode to
convert files that do not conform to the default for those two
parameters.
BASIC Source - Clarion File Definition Source - "Anonymous Source"
When you convert from another format to a Clarion file, a source file
that contains a Clarion FILE structure declaration that matches the
new Clarion data file is created. By default, this is the name of
the output file with the .TMP extension. However, this file should
not be confused with a source file that contains the actual file
layout your Clarion .EXE program expects to see and use.
In order to use the 'converted to Clarion' file with a Clarion .EXE
program, you will still need to run Filer to change the file header
to match what your Clarion application is expecting. The file layout
can be found in the main .CLA of your application. You can extract
just the file definition code from the main .CLA and copy it to a
source file that you can name to be used with Filer. However, Delta
Tango/PRO expects the file to have an extension of .CLA.
Check the Converter Utility chapter of your Clarion Professional
Developer's Utilities Guide for more general information about
Converter operations and examples. There is considerable discussion on
how differing field types are handled during the conversion.
4-5
* Delta Tango(tm)/PRO *
Access To Other Clarion File Utiltity Programs
**PRO** ONLY
Note: Only license holders of Clarion Professional Developer(tm) have
access to the following programs in a manual mode. These programs
can be called from within Delta Tango PRO. This is, essentially, the
same as typing in their DOS filenames at the DOS prompt.
Director - Clarion DOS shell, lets you view your directories and issue
DOS commands. DOS filename is CDIR.EXE.
Editor - Clarion editor - Use to write source code for your program,
to create screens, and reports, or to modify the source code produced
by Designer. DOS filename is CEDT.EXE.
Helper - Clarion utility used to create and revise context-sensitive
help windows for your Clarion applications. DOS filename is CHLP.EXE.
Report Writer(tm) - Clarion Report Writer(tm) - Used to generate ad-hoc
reports and screen queries. DOS filename is REPORTER.EXE.
Note: Only license holders of Clarion Report Writer have access to
this program.
Scanner - Clarion file utility to display Clarion data file records
in a spreadsheet format. Can be used in DOS mode to revise DOS files.
DOS filename is CSCN.EXE.
4-6
* Delta Tango(tm)/PRO *
Chapter 5 - Photogenic Tasks
Chapter 5 is completely devoted to screen shots with short
comments. It is not included with the disk file version of
the user's manual. Presently, the published manual contains
23 pages of screen shots in Chapter 5.
5-1
* Delta Tango(tm)/PRO *
Chapter 6. Record Maintenance
HOW Does This Thing Work, Anyway?!..........................6-2
Delta Tango(tm)/PRO To The Rescue!..........................6-3
List Screens................................................6-4
DOS Batch File for Single Backup (Sorter Task)..............6-5
Limitations Of Characters On A DOS Prompt Line..............6-5
PRO New File Structure - Single or Multiple - Limitations...6-5
PRO Sorter Options - Limitations............................6-6
Record Maintenance - Update Forms...........................6-7
Single File.................................................6-7
Multiple Files..............................................6-11
Backup/Restore Locations....................................6-15
Join Two Files..............................................6-16
Conversion..................................................6-19
SQL.........................................................6-21
Sorter Options..............................................6-24
6-1
* Delta Tango(tm)/PRO *
This section contains detailed information to fill in records for
the appropriate tasks.
Batch parameter information is stored in records to be later recalled
for use with pre-written batch file statements.
Parameters refer to the lines of information a file utility needs
to use in order to accomplish a task. In Filer, this would be Source
Line, Label Line, Input Line, Owner ID, and Output Line.
Throughout the Delta Tango/PRO program, two words normally referred
to in Clarion terminology as Table and Record are also referred to
as List and Update Form, respectively.
HOW Does This Thing Work, Anyway?!
If you were going to update a data file after creating a new Clarion
.EXE with new file definitions, you would use Filer to update the
data file.
You might accomplish this task in any number of ways. These could
include:
1. Manually manipulating Filer
2. Create a DOS batch file using Filer and the batch parameters
3. Use Delta Tango/PRO.
4. Develop code in a Clarion program.
Files are found in the current subdirectory for the purposes of these
examples.
6-2
* Delta Tango(tm)/PRO *
The first three are illustrated below.
╔════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ The CLARION Filer ║
║ ║
║ Source File:D:\DTPRO\DTPCH.CLA ║
║ Label :DTPRO ║
║ Input File :D:\DTPRO\DTPRO.DAT ║
║ Output File:D:\DTPRO\DTPRO.DAT ║
╟────────────────────────────────────────────────────╢
DOS Batch File
CFIL S=DTPCH L=DTPRO I=DTPRO O=DTPRO
Delta Tango Update Form (Record)
╟──────────────────────────────────────────────╢
║ Backup/Restore/Pack/NFS ║
║ Single File List ║
║ Description ║
║ Delta Tango Test File ║
║ Filename to Backup/Restore/Pack/NFS ║
║ DTPRO ║
║ Source Filename Label ║
║ DTPCH dtpro ║
╟────────────┬─────────────────────────────────╢
║ + - * C M │ F7 Copy ║
╚════════════╧═════════════════════════════════╝
Manually manuipulating the File Utilities can help in development
of file maintenance tasks, but you cannot save your parameters.
Batch file writing helps automate the task making process somewhat,
but it can be difficult keeping track of a lot of batch files.
Delta Tango/PRO to the rescue!
Delta Tango/PRO takes the DOS Batch process capabilities of the
Clarion File Utilities and gives it some real horsepower.
By using batch parameters stored in Clarion fields, and feeding those
to pre-written batch file statements, you can accomplish most tasks
that you'll need for file maintenance.
Since Delta Tango/PRO is an stand alone program, you have two built
in advantages. You can use it during development to help you run file
maintenance tasks in which you previously wrote batch files. And then
you can use it to accomplish tasks for your clients as well. And with
the PRO version, you have a more secure User version available as
well.
6-3
* Delta Tango(tm)/PRO *
By using fields to store parameter information, you can now copy
information easily for similar tasks. With the Hot Table feature, you
can easily see all the parameters for a particular task as you scroll
from one record to the next.
Instead of using 8 characters to describe a DOS batch filename, you
can enter up to 40 characters to describe your file maintenance task.
You have one common interface to run the Clarion file utilities. The
Clarion environment provides this too, but you can only manually
manipulate the utilities.
List Screens
At each List screen in the Record Maintenance section, you can add,
delete, copy, multiple add, or change (modify) records.
List Symbols - These symbols appear at each of the List screens. You
must use the corresponding key to perform the operation.
Symbol Corresponding Key Operation
+ INS (Insert Key) Add A Record (Update Form)
- DEL (Delete Key) Delete A Record
* Enter Key Change A Record
C F7 Copy A Record
M Control + m Multiple Add of Records
The General Format for each Update form is as follows.
Field Name
Length of Field
Required - Must fill in.
Note:
While there are a few required fields that will not let you go onto
the next field until a response is entered, Required - Yes means that
the File Utilities need a entry in those fields. Leaving the field
blank will cause an error when the task is run.
Each of the description fields are required, and you will hear a beep
if you try to save a record or go onto the next field without filling
in the description field.
NFS is an abbreviation for New File Structure Tasks.
6-4
* Delta Tango(tm)/PRO *
F2 - Function Key - Primary use in the program is for an exit key.
If the exit is from a record, and the record has been altered, a 'Save
Changes' prompt will appear. Alternate key combination is
Control-Escape.
F10 - Function Key - Primary use in the program is for a save key
in the file maintenance section. You may use this function key to
save the form at any field, after entering any REQUIRED fields in
the form. Alternate key combination is Control-Enter.
Since the Single and Multiple File List - Maintenance contain fields
that are used for both Sorter and Filer Operations, technically
speaking, you would only need to fill in the appropriate fields.
SPECIAL NOTE:
While the rules for entry of the batch parameters in the Clarion data
file fields closely follows the same technique as using a DOS batch
file, there are exceptions. However, each field is documented with
the expected entries.
Exception Example -
DOS Batch File for Single Backup (Sorter Task)
CSRT I=DTPRO C=Y
In the PRO version, if the Output Field is not filled in, the task
cannot be completed. The reason for this is Delta Tango PRO creates
an invalid DOS filename - '.CBK'. Even if the PRO version used the
standard default extension of '.DAT', the result would be the same,
invalid DOS filename - '.DAT'. Regular Delta Tango uses the same name
for Input File and Output File, so there is no conflict. But having
the ability to rename the output field in the PRO version gives you
greater flexibility.
Limitations Of Characters On A DOS Prompt Line
Essentially, Delta Tango/PRO works just like the DOS batch file method
of using the Clarion File Utilities with a lot more automation. That
does introduce some limitations as well.
Up to a total of 128 characters are allowed on a DOS prompt line.
For All of the Delta Tango tasks, and most of the Delta Tango PRO
tasks, this is not a problem. The PRO tasks, New File Structure
-Single or Multiple, and Sorter Options do require some special
consideration.
**PRO** ONLY
PRO New File Structure - Single or Multiple - Limitations
6-5
* Delta Tango(tm)/PRO *
If you use the maximum length for Owner ID field and the maximum
length for Source File Location field, and the maximum lengths for all
the other fields, you will be go over the DOS prompt line character
maximum. Your task will not be completed. If you use all the maximums
minus at least a total of 10 characters or more, you will be in a
safety margin, and will be able to complete the task.
For example: You complete a record with every field filled to it's
maximum length, but the Owner ID is only 31 characters long, you will
be in the safety margin, and your task can be completed.
NOTE: This does not apply to the description field, since it is never
used in a batch file statement, only internally to the Delta Tango/PRO
programs.
PRO Sorter Options - Limitations
In order, to give maximum usefulness and flexibility to the Sorter
Options sections, you have many more fields and options to choose
from then what is necessary for a single sorter task.
You have a total combined length of 157 in all the fields, but only
a total combined length of 92 can be filled and the task can still
be completed.
Examples -
You could do 4 file joins at a time, with a maximum Owner ID, with
no sorter lines filled in.
You could NOT do a task with all 4 sort lines filled to the maximum,
and also have an Owner ID filled to the maximum length.
If you have to use a lot of the fields filled to their maximum length,
consider breaking a more complicated task into several individual
ones.
Example -
Join 4 files together as the first individual task.
Then, depending on Owner ID length, and Sorter Line lengths, you may
be able to sort on the newly created file as the second individual
task.
The idea is to find the right combination of total lengths for any
Sorter Option task.
NOTE: This does not apply to the description field, since it is never
used in a batch file statement, only internally to the Delta Tango/PRO
programs.
6-6
* Delta Tango(tm)/PRO *
The following section lists all the fields used in Delta Tango/PRO
and notes about them. First, an edited screen shot is shown of both
the regular Delta Tango and PRO Update Forms. The number on the left
is the maximum number of characters a field can contain, and the
asterisks indicate graphically a field filled to it's maximum.
Single File - Maintenance
Single File Update Form - Delta Tango
╟──────────────────────────────────────────────╢
║ Backup/Restore/Pack/NFS ║
║ Single File List ║
║ Description ║
║ 40************************************** ║
║ Filename to Backup/Restore/Pack/NFS ║
║ 8****** ║
║ Source Filename Label ║
║ 8******* 16************** ║
╟────────────┬─────────────────────────────────╢
║ + - * C M │ F7 Copy ║
╚════════════╧═════════════════════════════════╝
Single File Update Form - Delta Tango PRO
╟──────────────────────────────────────────────╢
║ Backup/Restore/Pack/NFS ║
║ Single File List ║
║ Description ║
║ 40************************************** ║
║ Filename to Backup/Restore/Pack/NFS ║
║ 8****** Test Flip ║
║ Source Filename Location /V ║
║ 34******************************** ║
║ Source Filename Label Output ║
║ 8******* 16************** 8******* ║
║ Owner ID Retain Deletions N ║
║ 41*************************************** ║
╟────────────┬─────────────────────────────────╢
║ + - * C M │ F7 Copy ║
╚════════════╧═════════════════════════════════╝
General Notes: Since this single file update form is used for both
Sorter and Filer tasks, here is a summary of where the fields are
used. Although it would be more efficient to fill in all the batch
parameters for both utilities to act on one file, you could fill in
only the parameters needed for a single utility. Backup, Restore,
and Pack are Sorter Tasks. New File Structure is a Filer task. Use
the following as a guide.
6-7
* Delta Tango(tm)/PRO *
Common to both Sorter and Filer.
Filename
Test Flip **PRO** ONLY
Output **PRO** ONLY
Owner ID **PRO** ONLY
Used only in Filer Tasks
Source Filename Location **PRO** ONLY
Source Filename
Label
Used only in Sorter Tasks
Retain Deletions **PRO** ONLY
Field Name
Description
Length - 40
Required - Yes
Note: Describe your files, task, etc.
Filename to Backup/Restore/Pack/NFS
Length - 8
Required - Yes Exception, you could leave this field blank in the
PRO version, and name the output file. This would create an empty
data file in the current subdirectory when the New File Structure
task is run. If the output file name is the same as a previously
existing data file in the current subdirectory, it will cause that
file to loose any data, and become an empty data file.
Note: This is the input filename.
Test Flip **PRO** ONLY
Length - 2
Required - No
6-8
* Delta Tango(tm)/PRO *
Note: This field should be left blank or be filled with /V by pressing
F6. If the field is blank, when the task is run, a Clarion file
utility base window will show, and if an error stops the task, usually
there will be enough error information to debug the task. If the field
is /V, no base windows will be shown.
Source Filename Location **PRO** ONLY
Length - 34
Required - No
Note: With the use of this field in all your records, you could keep
all your source files that contain file definitions in one
subdirectory.
Source location MUST end with a '\' (back-slash) at the end of the
DOS pathname.
Source Filename
Length - 8
Required - Yes for NFS tasks, Not required for Sorter Tasks (backup,
restore, pack)
Note: This is the name of the source file that contains your file
definitions. In Designer, the main .app file contains this
information. For example: The .app is office.app. It produces a file
called office.cla. Office.cla contains the file definitions for your
Clarion program. You could copy only the file definition code to
another ascii file.
Label
Length - 16
Required - Yes for NFS tasks, Not rquired for Sorter Tasks (backup,
restore, pack)
Note:
Output **PRO** ONLY
Length - 8
Required - YES
Note: Normally the same as the input name, however, this gives you
a choice to rename the input file if desired.
6-9
* Delta Tango(tm)/PRO *
Retain Deletions N Y **PRO** ONLY
Length - 1
Required - Default is N - NO. This is a Choice field, either N or
Y - Yes.
Note: This is only used for Sorter Operations. When you highlight
a record shown on a List (Table) and press DEL for Delete, this record
is marked for deletion, although it will no longer appear in the
table.
If your file has a RECLAIM attribute in the file definition, space
for any marked deleted records in the file will automatically be used
for any new records added to the file.
If that is the case, a retain deletions choice won't help you much.
However, if you want to maintain a historical file, including deleted
records, you have the option to mark - Retain Deletions Y in all your
Sorter operations. This is ONLY available in the PRO version.
Owner ID **PRO** ONLY
Length - 41
Required - Only for files with Owner ID's.
Note:
6-10
* Delta Tango(tm)/PRO *
Multiple Files - Maintenance
Multiple Files Update Form - Delta Tango
╠╡Backup/Restore/Pack/NFS Multiple Files List╞╣
║ Description ║
║ 40************************************** ║
║ Data Label Source ║
║ 8******* (1) 16************** 8******* ║
║ 8******* (2) 16************** ║
║ 8******* (3) 16************** ║
║ 8******* (4) 16************** ║
║ 8******* (5) 16************** ║
║ 8******* (6) 16************** ║
║ 8******* (7) 16************** ║
║ 8******* (8) 16************** ┌─────────╢
║ 8******* (9) 16************** │ + - M ║
║ 8******* (10) 16************** │ * C ║
╚════════════════════════════════════╧═════════╝
Multiple Files Update Form - Delta Tango PRO
╠╡Backup/Restore/Pack/NFS Multiple Files List╞╣
║Desc 40************************************** ║
║ Test Flip /V ║
║ ID 41*************************************** ║
║ Source Location Retain Deletions N ║
║ 34******************************** ║
║ Data Label Source ║
║ 8******* (1) 16************** 8******* ║
║ 8******* (2) 16************** ║
║ 8******* (3) 16************** ║
║ 8******* (4) 16************** ║
║ 8******* (5) 16************** ║
║ 8******* (6) 16************** ║
║ 8******* (7) 16************** ║
║ 8******* (8) 16************** ┌─────────╢
║ 8******* (9) 16************** │ + - M ║
║ 8******* (10) 16************** │ * C ║
╚════════════════════════════════════╧═════════╝
General Notes: Since this Multiple files update form is used for both
Sorter and Filer tasks, here is a summary of where the fields are
used. Although it would be more efficient to fill in all the batch
parameters for both utilities to act on one file, you could fill in
only the parameters needed for a single utility. Backup, Restore,
and Pack are Sorter Tasks. New File Structure is a Filer task. Use
the following as a guide.
6-11
* Delta Tango(tm)/PRO *
Common to both Sorter and Filer.
Filename
Test Flip **PRO** ONLY
Owner ID **PRO** ONLY
Used only in Filer Tasks
Source Filename Location **PRO** ONLY
Source Filename
Label
Used only in Sorter Tasks
Retain Deletions **PRO** ONLY
Field Name
Desc (description)
Length - 40
Required - Yes
Note: Describe files, task, etc.
Test Flip **PRO** ONLY
Length - 2
Required - No
Note: This field should be left blank or be filled with /V by pressing
F6. If the field is blank, when the task is run, a Clarion file
utility base window will show, and if an error stops the task, usually
there will be enough error information to debug the task. If the field
is /V, no base windows will be shown.
ID **PRO** ONLY
Length - 41
Required - Only for files with Owner ID's.
Note: This is a global owner ID. All filenames on this update form
must use the same Owner ID. Use Single File Update forms for
individual owner ID's.
6-12
* Delta Tango(tm)/PRO *
Retain Deletions N Y **PRO** ONLY
Length - 1
Required - Default is N - NO. This is a Choice field, either N or
Y -Yes.
Note: This is only used for Sorter Operations. When you highlight
a record shown on a List (Table) and press DEL for Delete, this record
is marked for deletion, although it will no longer appear in the
table.
If your file has a RECLAIM attribute in the file definition, space
for any marked deleted records in the file will automatically be used
for any new records added to the file.
If that is the case, a retain deletions choice won't help you much.
However, if you want to maintain a historical file, including deleted
records, you have the option to mark - Retain Deletions Y in all your
Sorter operations. This is ONLY available in the PRO version.
Source Location **PRO** ONLY
Length - 34
Required - No
Note: This source location is global, common to all the files. You
cannot have source locations for files individually in the Multiple
File Update Form. Source location MUST end with a '\' (back-slash)
at the end of the DOS pathname.
Data (1 - 10)
Length - 8
Required - At least one filename, but as many as 10
Note: These MUST be entered sequentially. ie. - Data 1, then Data
2, etc.
Label (1 - 10)
Length - 16
Required - At least one, but as many as 10. Required only for NFS
tasks.
Note:
Source
Length - 8
6-13
* Delta Tango(tm)/PRO *
Required - Yes for NFS tasks. No for Sorter Tasks (backup, restore,
pack)
Note: This is the name of the source file that contains your file
definitions. In Designer, the main .app file contains this
information. For example: The .app is office.app. It produces a file
called office.cla. Office.cla contains the file definitions for your
Clarion program. You could copy only the file definition code to
another ascii file.
This source file is global. It must contain ALL the file definitions
in one source file for the data filenames on this update form.
6-14
* Delta Tango(tm)/PRO *
Backup/Restore Locations - Maintenance
╔═══╡ ╖
║ 34******************************** ║
║ ║
║ ║
║ ║
║ ║
║ ║
║ Backup/Restore From - Locations ║
╠═══════════╤═════════╤═══════════════════╣
║ F7 Copy │ + - M │ ║
║ │ * C │ ║
╚═══════════╧═════════╧═══════════════════╝
Field Name
Location
Length - 34
Required - Yes for Backup/Restore Tasks
Note: This update form is the same for Delta Tango and Delta Tango
PRO. It is ONLY used for the Backup/Restore Tasks.
6-15
* Delta Tango(tm)/PRO *
Join Two Files - Maintenance
Join Two Files Update Form - Delta Tango
╟───────────────────────────────────────────────╢
║ Join Two Files List ║
║ Description ║
║ 40************************************** ║
║ Primary Data Filename ║
║ 8******* ║
║ Secondary Data Filename ║
║ 8******* ║
║ Merged Data Filename ║
║ 8******* ║
╟─────────────┬─────────────────────────────────╢
║ + - * C M │ F7 Copy ║
╚═════════════╧═════════════════════════════════╝
Join Two Files Update Form - Delta Tango PRO
╟───────────────────────────────────────────────╢
║ Join Two Files List ║
║ Description ║
║ 40************************************** ║
║ ID 41*************************************** ║
║ Primary Data Filename Retain Deletions ║
║ 8******* N ║
║ Secondary Data Filename Test Flip ║
║ 8******* /V ║
║ Merged Data Filename ║
║ 8******* ║
╟─────────────┬─────────────────────────────────╢
║ + - * C M │ F7 Copy ║
╚═════════════╧═════════════════════════════════╝
JOIN Two Files (Concatenation)
Field Name
Description
Length - 40
Required - Yes
Note: Describe your files, task, etc.
ID **PRO** ONLY
Length - 41
Required - Only for files with Owner ID's.
Note:
6-16
* Delta Tango(tm)/PRO *
Primary Data Filename
Length - 8
Required - Yes
Note: You can use the same filename for primary and secondary if you
want to increase the size of your file for test purposes.
Retain Deletions N Y **PRO** ONLY
Length - 1
Required - Default is N - NO. This is a Choice field, either N or
Y - Yes.
Note: This is only used for Sorter Operations. When you highlight
a record shown on a List (Table) and press DEL for Delete, this record
is marked for deletion, although it will no longer appear in the
table.
If your file has a RECLAIM attribute in the file definition, space
for any marked deleted records in the file will automatically be used
for any new records added to the file. If that is the case, a retain
deletions choice won't help you much.
You may want to maintain a historical file and want deleted records
preserved. So for files without the RECLAIM attribute, you have the
option to mark - Retain Deletions Y in your Sorter operations. This
is ONLY available in the PRO version.
Secondary Data Filename
Length - 8
Required - Yes
Note:
Test Flip **PRO** ONLY
Length - 2
Required - No
Note: This field should be left blank or be filled with /V by pressing
F6. If the field is blank, when the task is run, a Clarion file
utility base window will show, and if an error stops the task, usually
there will be enough error information to debug the task. If the field
is /V, no base windows will be shown.
6-17
* Delta Tango(tm)/PRO *
Merged Data Filename
Length - 8
Required - Yes
Note:
6-18
* Delta Tango(tm)/PRO *
Convert - Maintenance
Convert Update Form - Delta Tango
╟───────────────────────────────────────────────╢
║ Convert Files List ║
║ Description ║
║ 40************************************** ║
║ Input Type Input File Source Filename ║
║ 8******* 8******* 8******* ║
║ Output Type Output File ║
║ 8******* 8******* ║
║ ║
║ ║
╟─────────────┬─────────────────────────────────╢
║ + - * C M │ F7 Copy ║
╚═════════════╧═════════════════════════════════╝
Convert Update Form - Delta Tango PRO
╟───────────────────────────────────────────────╢
║ Convert Files List ║
║ Description ║
║ 40************************************** ║
║ Input Type Input File Source Filename ║
║ 8******* 8******* 8******* ║
║ Output Type Output File Test Flip ║
║ 8******* 8******* /V ║
║ Owner ID ║
║ 41*************************************** ║
╟─────────────┬─────────────────────────────────╢
║ + - * C M │ F7 Copy ║
╚═════════════╧═════════════════════════════════╝
Field Name
Description
Length - 40
Required - Yes
Note: Describe your files, tasks, etc.
Input Type
Length - 8
Required - Yes
Note: Choices are Clarion, dBaseII, dBaseIII, DIF, or BASIC
6-19
* Delta Tango(tm)/PRO *
Input File
Length - 8
Required - Yes
Note:
Source Filename
Length - 8
Required - Yes, but only on conversion from other formats to Clarion.
Note:
Output Type
Length - 8
Required - Yes - Exceptions - Not required when converting from other
formats to Clarion
Note: Choices are BASIC, dBase, or DIF
Output File
Length - 8
Required - Yes
Note:
Test Flip **PRO** ONLY
Length - 2
Required - No
Note: This field should be left blank or be filled with /V by pressing
F6. If the field is blank, when the task is run, a Clarion file
utility base window will show, and if an error stops the task, usually
there will be enough error information to debug the task. If the field
is /V, no base windows will be shown.
Owner ID **PRO** ONLY
Length - 41
Required - Only for files with Owner ID's.
Note:
6-20
* Delta Tango(tm)/PRO *
SQL Update Form - Delta Tango
╟───────────────────────────────────────────────╨════════════════════
║ SQL Expression List
║ Description
║ 40**************************************
║ BASIC File DRIVE Clarion File Source 1 Source 2 Label
║ 8******* E 8******* 8******* 8******* 16***********
║SQL Expression
║100*****************************************************************
║
║
╟─────────────┬──────────────────────────────────────────────────────
║ + - * C M │ F7 Copy
╚═════════════╧══════════════════════════════════════════════════════
SQL Update Form - Delta Tango PRO
╟───────────────────────────────────────────────╨════════════════════
║ SQL Expression List
║ Description Test Flip
║ 40************************************** /V
║ BASIC File DRIVE Clarion File Source 1 Source 2 Label
║ 8******* E 8******* 8******* 8******* 16***********
║SQL Expression
║100*****************************************************************
║ Source Filename Location
║ 34********************************
╟─────────────┬──────────────────────────────────────────────────────
║ + - * C M │ F7 Copy
╚═════════════╧══════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Field Name
Description
Length - 40
Required - Yes
Note: Describe your SQL task
Test Flip **PRO** ONLY
Length - 2
Required - No
Note: This field should be left blank or be filled with /V by pressing
F6. If the field is blank, when the task is run, a Clarion file
utility base window will show, and if an error stops the task, usually
there will be enough error information to debug the task. If the field
is /V, no base windows will be shown.
6-21
* Delta Tango(tm)/PRO *
BASIC File
Length - 8
Required - Yes
Note: Since this file is being created as your SQL query is output
to an ascii file, name this file whatever you like.
DRIVE
Length - 1
Required - Yes
Note: This drive designation is used for sort operations with the
SQL program. A RAM drive can speed up processing, but if the RAM drive
is not large enough to handle the processing, your task will not be
completed.
Clarion File
Length - 8
Required - Yes
Note: If you do not name this file differently from the filename you
are referenced in your SQL query, your original file will be
overwritten. Copy your original file to another directory first, and
then work with the copied file if you want to keep the same name.
Source 1
Length - 8
Required - Yes
Note: This is the filename of the source file containing your file
definitions. To overcome a date problem with LONG type fields and
QSQL(tm), the program runs Filer twice over a SQL query converted
to a BASIC file. See the SQL Chapter for greater detail.
Source 2
Length - 8
Required - Yes
Note: See note for Source 1
6-22
* Delta Tango(tm)/PRO *
Label
Length - 17
Required - Yes
Note:
SQL Expression
Length - 100
Required - Yes
Note: Although only a length of 78 is shown on the screen, you can
scroll and add data up to a length of 100. Only threes types of entry
are expected here.
<dtusql.in
Renamed dtusql.in query such as <datefilt
Or a valid SQL expression. See SQL chapter for greater detail.
Source Filename Location **PRO** ONLY
Length - 34
Required - No
Note: Source location MUST end with a '\' (back-slash) at the end
of the DOS pathname.
6-23
* Delta Tango(tm)/PRO *
Sorter Options - Maintenance
Sorter Options Update Form - Delta Tango PRO
╟───────────────────────────────────────────────╢
║ Sorter Options ║
║ Description ║
║ 40************************************** ║
║ Filename 1 Test Flip Output Filename ║
║ 8******* /V 8******* ║
║ Filename 2 Filename 3 Filename 4 ║
║ + 8******* + 8******* + 8******* ║
║ Sort Lines ║
║ 1 17*************** 2 17*************** ║
║ 3 17*************** 4 17*************** ║
║ Compress File N Retain Deletions N ║
║ Remove Key Files N ║
║ ID 41*************************************** ║
╟────────────┬──────────────────────────────────╢
║ + - * C M │ F7 Copy ║
╚════════════╧══════════════════════════════════╝
Field Name
Description
Length - 40
Required - Yes
Note:
Filename 1
Length - 8
Required - Yes
Note:
Test Flip
Length - 2
Required - No
Note: This field should be left blank or be filled with /V by pressing
F6. If the field is blank, when the task is run, a Clarion file
utility base window will show, and if an error stops the task, usually
there will be enough error information to debug the task. If the field
is /V, no base windows will be shown.
6-24
* Delta Tango(tm)/PRO *
Output Filename
Length - 8
Required - Yes
Note:
+
Length - 1
Required - Yes, if joining files.
Note:
Filename 2
Length - 8
Required - Yes, if joining files.
Note:
+
Length - 1
Required - Yes, if joining files.
Note:
Filename 3
Length - 8
Required - Yes, if joining files.
Note:
+
Length - 1
Required - Yes, if joining files.
Note:
Filename 4
Length - 8
Required - Yes, if joining files.
6-25
* Delta Tango(tm)/PRO *
Note:
Sort Lines (1 - 4)
Length - 17
Required - Yes, if physically sorting files.
Note:
Compress File N Y
Length - 1
Required - Default is N - NO. This is a Choice field, either N or
Y - Yes.
Note:
Retain Deletions N Y
Length - 1
Required - Default is N - NO. This is a Choice field, either N or
Y - Yes.
Note: When you highlight a record shown on a List (Table) and press
DEL for Delete, this record is marked for deletion, although it will
no longer appear in the table. If your file has a RECLAIM attribute
in the file definition, space for any marked deleted records in the
file will automatically be used for any new records added to the file.
If that is the case, a retain deletions choice won't help you much.
You may want to maintain a historical file and want deleted records
preserved. So for files without the RECLAIM attribute, you have the
option to mark - Retain Deletions Y in your Sorter operations. This
is ONLY available in the PRO version.
Remove Key Files N Y
Length - 1
Required - Default is N - NO. This is a Choice field, either N or
Y - Yes.
Note:
ID
Length - 41
Required - Only for files with Owner ID's.
6-26
* Delta Tango(tm)/PRO *
Chapter 7. SQL - Support In Delta Tango(tm)/PRO
QSQL(tm)....................................................7-2
QSQL(tm) Support In Delta Tango(tm)/PRO.....................7-2
Create New Clarion Databases Using SQL......................7-3
DTU SQL Program.............................................7-3
SQL Expression Update Form..................................7-5
Fixing Date Problem With Fields With Long Type..............7-5
SQL Update Form Field Entries...............................7-6
File Utilities - Tasks - SQL Files List.....................7-9
Removing OWNER ID/Encryption To Work With SQL...............7-9
7-1
* Delta Tango(tm)/PRO *
When outlining the purpose of Delta Tango/PRO was first begun, one
of the criteria was to automate or facilitate the processing of
Clarion files. This first led to the strong support for the three
Clarion file utilities; Sorter, Filer, and Converter. Since these
files can be freely distributed with your Clarion applications, it
seemed appropriate to concentrate on increasing their usefulness
through automation.
Yet, after studying various Clarion message threads (discussions on
Electronic Bulletin Boards), it was determined that possibly some
automation with other products that enhance Clarion file processing
would be of benefit to users of the Delta Tango/PRO programs.
QSQL(tm)
The first of these products to be supported is QSQL(tm).
QSQL(tm) is a separate optional standalone query program for the
Clarion database environment. It provides a powerful subset of the
ANSI SQL language with special enhancements which were made to support
the Clarion environment. A separate license must be purchased to use
the program.
Here is a short list of just some of the many useful file processing
capabilities you'll enjoy using QSQL(tm).
Perform a join on any number of tables only limited by memory.
Perform mass updates of your databases.
Display only the fields you want to see in your query.
Sorting
Statistics: Aggregate functions are available to perform operations
on a field including: Average, Count, SUM, Minimum Value, and Maximum
Value.
Has an interface to Designer. Display only the records which are
selected in a designer table for your users to browse or update.
Output can be sent to a ascii, comma delimited format.
Clarion files can be created from the output of your query.
QSQL(tm) Support in Delta Tango/PRO
Delta Tango provides several useful functions for QSQL(tm). Some of
these include:
1. A Interactive User Interface to QSQL(tm) Use of the interface can
be called from within Delta Tango/PRO or from the dos prompt -
DTUSQL.EXE.
7-2
* Delta Tango(tm)/PRO *
2. Online summary help while using the shell interface. Lots of
examples, SQL expression commands, etc.
3. Automate converting an SQL query to a usable Clarion file.
4. If you have used the Update clause in SQL, a Delta Tango/PRO Filer
task can be run if you have updated a field that has a key on it.
This chapter will mainly focus on how to use QSQL(tm) with Delta
Tango/PRO. Refer to the excellent QSQL(tm) tutorial for general use of
the SQL program itself. SQL can be run for many useful purposes, not
just those that are listed here.
Use of the QSQL(tm) program will be referred to as SQL for the
remainder of the chapter.
Have you ever wanted to:
Selectively choose the records from one database and make another
from it.
Create New Clarion Databases Using SQL
There are three ways to make new Clarion databases using SQL.
1. Run DTU SQL program, load an sql expression, then return to Delta
Tango, use in a SQL Update form and then run SQL task.
2. Rename a DTUSQL.IN query and use in SQL Task update form, and then
run SQL task.
3. Write an SQL expression in the SQL update form and then run SQL
task.
DTU SQL Program
DTU SQL is a interactive user interface for SQL.EXE. You could use
SQL at the DOS prompt, and type in your SQL expressions, but DTU SQL
gives you a chance of saving your expressions in a Clarion data file.
Also, DTU SQL has online help, examples, etc. available to help you
prepare a proper expression.
Here are some steps to converting an SQL query into a usable Clarion
data file by running DTU SQL first.
7-3
* Delta Tango(tm)/PRO *
A. Run DTU SQL (it's a menu choice on the File Utilities section of
Delta Tango/PRO).
╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
║ Version 1.0 Delta Tango SQL Utilities
║ F1 Summary Help Interactive User Interface
╠══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
║ SELECT *
║ FROM dtpro
║ WHERE city = 'Atlanta';
║
║
║
║
║
║
║
║
║
╠══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
║ QUERY SYNTAX: SELECT fieldnames FROM files WHERE conditions
║
║ CTRL-ENTER To Execute Your Query CTRL-L Load A Previously
║ CTRL-ESC To Exit From This Package CTRL-S Save This Query
║ CTRL-V View Output From Last Query CTRL-F List Of All .DAT
║ CTRL-E Erase Current Query CTRL-D Toggle DEBUG ON
║ COPYRIGHT 1992 Encourager Software - All Rights Reserv
╚══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Type in your SQL expression. When you type your SELECT clause, it's
a good idea to use '*' to select all the fields.
Press Control Enter, and preview your query on the screen. If it ran
OK, go onto the next step. Otherwise, correct your SQL expression.
The DTU SQL program produces an ascii query file named 'dtusql.in'.
This is used in the SQL update form.
NOTE: Each time you run DTU SQL, and enter a query or recall a
previous query, and press Control-Enter to run the query, the file
'dtusql.in' is produced with the SQL query information. Obviously,
this overwrites the previous query. You could rename this file, any
legitimate DOS filename is acceptable. Then, you could use that name
in the SQL expression field in the SQL update form.
7-4
* Delta Tango(tm)/PRO *
SQL Expression Update Form
B. Now, quit DTU SQL, and return to Delta Tango (either Escape or
Control-Escape keys).
Select the Record Maintenance menu selection, and then the SQL Files
selection.
File Utilities
╔════╡ ╖
║ 'ar' in name string ║
║ Atlanta - Filter <dtusql.in ║
║ Atlanta(2) - Filter <dtusql.in ║
║ Date after 03/01/92 <datefilt ║
║ ║
║ ║
║ ║
║ ║
║ ║
╟───────────────────────────────────────────────╨══════════════════
║ SQL Expression Update
║ Description Test Flip(F6)
║ 'ar' in name string /V
║ BASIC File DRIVE Clarion File Source 1 Source 2 Label
║ DT D AR DTPRO1 DTPRO dtpro
║SQL Expression
║"SELECT * FROM dtpro WHERE name LIKE '%ar%';
║ Source Filename Location
║
╟─────────────┬────────── Record will be Changed ────────────
║ + - * C M │ F7 Copy
╚═════════════╧════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Fixing Date Problem With Fields With Long Type
Note: There is a problem in using the LONG type in a field definition
for date fields. Essentially, after converting the query to a BASIC
file, and then while running Filer, your dates will be lost. To
overcome this problem, you must use two different source files, and
Filer is run twice over the converted query.
The Source 1 field on the SQL update form would be filled in with
'DTPRO1' in this example, while Source 2 field would be filled in
with 'DTPRO'. Delta Tango/PRO expects the DOS filename to have an
extension of '.CLA' although you don't need to type this in the form.
Make a copy of your source file, and change your DATE fields to a
STRING(@D1) as illustrated in the first source file, and then in the
second, back to a LONG type.
If the two periods at the end of the file structure are missing,
you'll see a compiler error message when running Filer.
7-5
* Delta Tango(tm)/PRO *
Here are two file definitions to illustrate the changes.
DOS filename in this example: DTPRO1.CLA
DTPRO FILE,PRE(DTP),CREATE,RECLAIM
BY_NAME KEY(DTP:NAME),DUP,NOCASE,OPT
RECORD RECORD
NAME STRING(10)
DATE STRING(@D1) ! Use a string field in Source 1
CITY STRING(15)
ST STRING(2)
. .
DOS filename in this example: DTPRO.CLA
DTPRO FILE,PRE(DTP),CREATE,RECLAIM
BY_NAME KEY(DTP:NAME),DUP,NOCASE,OPT
RECORD RECORD
NAME STRING(10)
DATE LONG ! Now, you can change it back to a LONG type
CITY STRING(15)
ST STRING(2)
. .
SQL Update Form Field Entries
Field Name
Description
Length - 40
Required - Yes
Note: Describe your SQL task
Test Flip **PRO** ONLY
Length - 2
Required - No
Note: This field should be left blank or be filled with /V by pressing
F6. If the field is blank, when the task is run, a Clarion file
utility base window will show, and if an error stops the task, usually
there will be enough error information to debug the task. If the field
is /V, no base windows will be shown.
7-6
* Delta Tango(tm)/PRO *
BASIC File
Length - 8
Required - Yes
Note: Since this file is being created as your SQL query is output
to an ascii file, name this file whatever you like.
DRIVE
Length - 1
Required - Yes
Note: This drive designation is used for sort operations with the
SQL program. A RAM drive can speed up processing, but if the RAM drive
is not large enough to handle the processing, your task will not be
completed.
Clarion File
Length - 8
Required - Yes
Note: If you do not name this file differently from the filename you
have referenced in your SQL query, your original file will be
overwritten. Copy your original file to another directory first, and
then work with the copied file if you want to keep the same name.
Source 1
Length - 8
Required - Yes
Note: This is the filename of the source file containing your file
definitions. To overcome a date problem with LONG type fields and
QSQL(tm), the program runs Filer twice over a SQL query converted to
a BASIC file.
Source 2
Length - 8
Required - Yes
Note: See note for Source 1
7-7
* Delta Tango(tm)/PRO *
Label
Length - 17
Required - Yes
Note:
SQL Expression
Length - 100
Required - Yes
SQL Expression - Refers to either the syntax of an SQL query or an
ascii file containing an SQL query that is redirected to the SQL
program.
Note: Although only a length of 78 is shown on the screen, you can
scroll and add data up to a length of 100. Only threes types of entry
are expected here.
<dtusql.in
Renamed dtusql.in query such as <datefilt
Or a valid SQL expression can be typed in as in the following example
"SELECT * FROM dtpro WHERE name LIKE '%ar%';
Source Filename Location **PRO** ONLY
Length - 34
Required - No
Note:
7-8
* Delta Tango(tm)/PRO *
File Utilities - Tasks - SQL Files List
File Utilities Exit
╔══╡ ╖
║ 'ar' in name string ║
║ Atlanta - Filter <dtusql.in ║
║ Atlanta(2) - Filter <dtusql.in ║
║ Date after 03/01/92 <datefilt ║
║ ║
║ ║
╟────────────── SQL Files List ──────────────╢
║ Press to Point ║
║ Highlight Filename Description for SQL ║
║ and Press F7 ║
╚══════════════════════════════════════════════╝
└────────────────────────┘
C. After completing the update form, choose the SQL List from the
File Utilities section of Delta Tango/PRO. Highlight the description,
and press F7. While the task is being run, the QSQL(tm) program will
take over part of the screen, and display Option and Query
information.
Removing Owner ID/Encryption to work with SQL
SQL will not work with OWNER ID/Encrypted files, so you must first
remove the OWNER statement. You can easily accomplish this by running
a New File Structure task to remove the OWNER statement/ENCRYPT
attribute, and then add the OWNER statement again. This is illustrated
in the two file definitions below. Take your original file definition,
copy the file and rename it. Then, delete the OWNER ID line in the
file definition file.
Run a New File Structure task using the modified file definition
first. Now you can use SQL. After you finish, use the original file
definition to add the OWNER statement again by running another New
File Structure task.
Modified File Definition
DOS filename in this example: DTPRO.CLA
DTPRO FILE,PRE(DTP),CREATE,RECLAIM
BY_NAME KEY(DTP:NAME),DUP,NOCASE,OPT
RECORD RECORD
NAME STRING(10)
DATE LONG
CITY STRING(15)
ST STRING(2)
. .
7-9
* Delta Tango(tm)/PRO *
Original File Definiton
DOS filename in this example: DTPROID.CLA
DTPRO FILE,PRE(DTP),CREATE,RECLAIM
OWNER('itsasecret'),ENCRYPT
BY_NAME KEY(DTP:NAME),DUP,NOCASE,OPT
RECORD RECORD
NAME STRING(10)
DATE LONG
CITY STRING(15)
ST STRING(2)
. .
7-10
* Delta Tango(tm)/PRO *
Appendix A
Special Hints...............................................A-2
Command Line................................................A-2
Error Screens...............................................A-2
Invalid Record Declaration..................................A-3
Out of Memory Screen........................................A-3
STOP Error Screens..........................................A-4
Rebuilding Key Files........................................A-4
Temporary Files.............................................A-4
Date Problems With Conversion to dBase Files................A-5
Assorted Utility Batch Files................................A-5
Delta Tango(tm)/PRO Support.................................A-7
A-1
* Delta Tango(tm)/PRO *
* Special Hints *
This is a collection of special hints to help you run the program
more smoothly.
Command Line - To disable the screen blanker, NUM locks, etc. use
these commands.
Error Screens - Common error screens you may encounter.
Key Files - Complete rebuilding of these files is sometimes necessary.
Temporary Files - These files are created during certain operations.
Date Problems - With conversions to dBase files.
Assorted Utility Batch Files - Copy COLOR.DAT and future FUTILS file
definition
Command Line
When you start Delta Tango either from the DOS prompt, or from a menu,
use the following command line prompts if necessary (Substitute 'dtup'
or 'dtupe' for the PRO/User versions).
DTU B=NO - Disables Error Beep
DTU /C - Disables Control Break
DTU V=0 - Disables screen blanking (0 is zero)
DTU V=X - Screen blanks out after X minutes.
Default is 10. ie. FT V=5 Screen blanks out after 5 minutes.
DTU /L - Disables keyboard locks. Use if having a problem with Number
locks.
DTU /E - Specifies that the system keyboard is an enhanced keyboard.
Error Screens
Probably one of the most common errors you or your client will
eventually encounter is when you try to use a data file that is not
structured for the current Clarion .EXE program you are running. It
WILL halt the program and drop you to DOS.
A-2
* Delta Tango(tm)/PRO *
Below, is a Clarion Error screen that will appear when this happens.
Program Halt
Clarion Version 2.1 Release 218A 3/03/92 9:45AM
D:\FT\PRODUCT.DAT ERROR
CODE:47 INVALID RECORD DECLARATION
DOS ERROR :O
In this example, Filer would need to be used on the data file,
PRODUCT.DAT.
Additional Error Screens
Out of Memory Clarion Error Screen
Program Halt
Clarion Version 2.1 Release 218A 3/04/92 1:43 PM
ERROR CODE:8 INSUFFICIENT MEMORY
DOS ERROR :O
Result - Will drop you to DOS.
Correction Possibilities
Unload TSR Programs
Utilize Memory Management program
Delta Tango needs at least 512K of Conventional memory minimum to
operate properly. This may need to be higher under a Desqview or
Windows environment.
Having expanded or extended memory will help in configuring a RAM
drive for temporary file writes.
A-3
* Delta Tango(tm)/PRO *
STOP Delta Tango/PRO Error Screens
This screen could appear for a number of reasons.
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ ▄▄▄▄▄ ▄▄▄▄▄▄▄ ▄▄▄▄▄▄ ▄▄▄▄▄▄ ▄ │
│ █ █ █ █ █ █ █ │
│ █▄▄▄▄ █ █ █ █▄▄▄▄█ █ │
│ █ █ █ █ █ █ │
│ ▄▄▄▄█ █ █▄▄▄▄█ █ ▄ │
│ │
│ An unexpected error has occurred. Write │
│ down the information contained in the box │
│ below and contact your support person │
│ as soon as possible. │
│ ┌───────────────────────────────────┐ │
│ │ INVALID KEY FILE │ │
│ │ Open_/135 │ │
│ └───────────────────────────────────┘ │
│ Press any key to Exit to DOS │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────┘
There will be a message in a box telling you the error.
The error in this box indicates a corrupt key file. If this happens
while running Delta Tango/PRO, delete keys files and restart the
program. They will be rebuilt. Key files begin with a DOS Filename
extension of .K?? ie. FUTILS.K?? Note: Normally you could use a Delta
Tango/PRO Filer task to rebuild key files, but in this case, you would
have to use Filer, called from DOS, or just delete the key files as
noted.
Rebuilding Key Files
There are occasions when the Key files may get corrupt. These files
help sort your databases alphabetically or numerically. However, there
is a VERY easy solution to this problem.
Run a Filer Task on the data file. Key files will be rebuilt,
automatically.
However, remember to do frequent backups of all your data files. You
can utilize the File Utilities section to do backups of ALL your .DAT
files or backup individual .DAT files.
Temporary Files
When a task is being completed, or you are running one of the
utilities in a manual mode, a temporary file on the hard disk is
created, and then after the operation is finished, the file is
deleted. This file will be approximately 400K or larger. Also, about
8K RAM of conventional memory is used as well.
A-4
* Delta Tango(tm)/PRO *
Using a RAM disk for the temporary files will speed up the operation,
and help keep your hard disk from becoming fragmented. Also, if you
loose power during a Delta Tango task, the temporary file will remain
on the hard disk, wasting space. Using a RAM drive alleviates this
problem.
Use this DOS SET command before entering the Delta Tango/PRO program.
A good place to keep your SET command is in your autoexec.bat file.
i.e. SET CLATMP=E:\
E is the name of the RAM drive in this example, substitute yours.
It is recommended your RAM drive be at least 512K in size. It may
need to be more under a Desqview or Windows environment.
Date Problems with Conversions to dBase Files
At this time, Delta Tango/PRO does not solve date field problems
during conversion to dbase files. It can only automate the batch
operations of the Clarion file utilities. However, dates are
definitely important, and here is one variation of a work around that
you might use to overcome losing your dates when you convert a Clarion
data file to a dbase file.
Here's an example using Delta Tango/PRO, Filer, Converter, and
FoxPro(tm).
You have a Clarion database file named product.dat. Create an empty
Clarion database for product.dat. Now, convert this empty file to
dbaseIII using a conversion task. Also, convert the product.dat
database containing the records to BASIC using a conversion task.
Next, open the empty database in FoxPro(tm), go to Setup, and modify
the fields needed (ie. date fields). Then using the Append command
(it's a menu choice), import your BASIC file with the delimited file
with commas option. Your date fields will now be correct.
Variation of this with other xbase programs may be possible too.
Assorted Utility Batch Files
MODIFY the following batch files for your computer.
Copy Color definition into a new subdirectory.
Once you have found a good color combination for the program, you
may want to place the COLOR.DAT file in one directory (D:\dtpro in
this example, substitute yours), and put this example batch file in
a directory in your DOS path. Then, at the DOS prompt of the directory
you want to copy the COLOR.DAT file into, give the batch file name,
'CCDAT' (no quotes).
A-5
* Delta Tango(tm)/PRO *
Name of batch file - CCDAT.BAT
copy D:\dtpro\color.dat color.dat
Update Future Delta Tango/PRO data structure
In the future, when you receive upgrades, and the file structure for
Delta Tango/PRO FUTILS.DAT has changed, you cannot update the file
structure of Delta Tango/PRO with the program itself. You must do
it using Filer or a batch file such as the following. The example
new file definition (DTUP.CLA) has been placed in the subdirectory,
D:\dtpro - SUBSTITUTE your own, when you modify this batch file.
Put the batch file in a subdirectory located in your DOS path.
Name of batch file - DTUNEW.BAT
cfil S=D:\dtpro\dtup L=futils I=futils /V
A-6
* Delta Tango(tm)/PRO *
Delta Tango(tm)/PRO Support
Initially, phone support is available from 9 AM to 3 PM,
Eastern Standard Time - Monday thru Thursday at (813) 647 5742.
Message support will be available on the following bulletin board
services.
User ID is Dave Troxell except for Clarionet(tm), CompuServe(R) and GE
Mail
Fidonet - Clarion conference
RIMEnet - Clarion conference
SMARTnet - Clarion conference
Clarionet(tm) - Clarion Software Corporation BBS
Clarionet(tm) User ID - DaveT
CompuServe(R) User ID - 71165,2560
GE Mail - User ID - D.TROXELL2
Exec-PC BBS - Office Conference - Database Topic
Written correspondence should be addressed to
Encourager Software
ATTN: Dave Troxell
PO Box 1060
Highland City, FL 33846-1060
A-7
* Delta Tango(tm)/PRO *
Glossary
**PRO** ONLY
Refers to features that are only available with the PRO version of
Delta Tango.
Add A Record
(Symbol +) By pressing the INS (insert) key at any one of the List
screens that shows a + symbol, an update form (record) can be added.
Backup
Refers to the process of backing up the data files in the program.
Data files end with the extension .DAT, however, in order to
distinguish files that have been backed up with Delta Tango, these
files have an extension of .CBK.
Backup Locations
Subdirectory or floppy disk location for backing up data files.
Batch Parameters
Batch parameters are the equivalent of certain lines in each utility's
base window. In Filer, these lines include Source Line, Label Line,
Input Line, Owner ID, and Output Line. They are used in DOS batch
file statements with the Utilities.
Change A Record
(Symbol *) By highlighting a record at any one of the List screens
that shows a * symbol, and pressing Enter, the record can be edited.
Command Line
Options to start the Delta Tango program. For example, using DTU V=0
at the DOS prompt disables the screen blanking feature of Delta Tango.
Compress File
Clarion data files (those ending in the extension .DAT) can be
compressed for easier storage and distribution.
Concatenation
The process of combining ALL the records of a data file with all the
records of another data file. This process is illustrated in Join
Two Files and Sorter Options (**PRO** ONLY).
G-1
* Delta Tango(tm)/PRO *
Converter
Clarion file utility to convert dBaseII, dBaseIII, DIF(Data
Interchange Format) and BASIC(ascii text) files to Clarion data files.
It can also change Clarion files to the above forms. DOS filename is
CCVT.EXE.
Copy A Record
(Symbol C) By highlighting a record and pressing F7 at any one of
the List screens that shows a 'C' symbol, you can copy that record.
Data Files
All Clarion files ending with the extension .DAT.
Description
This field is used to describe the file utility task you need to
perform. It is a REQUIRED field (information must be entered).
Delete A Record
(Symbol -) By highlighting a record at any one of the List screens
that shows a '-' symbol, and pressing the DEL (Delete) key, the record
will be shown to you and you can delete it by pressing Enter.
Director
Clarion DOS shell, lets you view your directories and issue DOS
commands. DOS filename is CDIR.EXE. * NOTE 1
DOS Prompt Line Limit
Only a total of 128 characters can be typed on the DOS prompt line.
This must be taken into consideration when writing DOS batch files
using Clarion Utility batch parameters.
Drive
Refers to temporary drive the SQL program uses for some of it's tasks.
It is a REQUIRED field.
DTU SQL Program
This is a shell interface for Cook Database Design's QSQL(tm) program.
You can prepare SQL expressions and carry out SQL tasks using this
interface. QSQL(tm) is an optional program, and must be purchased
separately.
G-2
* Delta Tango(tm)/PRO *
Editor
Clarion editor - use to write source code for your program, to create
screens, and reports, or to modify the source code produced by
Designer. DOS filename is CEDT.EXE. * NOTE 1
Error Screens
When a program error occurs that may possibly shut down the program
and send you back to your DOS prompt (or your own menu program for
the computer), these screens give information to help you understand
the problem that occurred at the time. Check special hints and the
error section of the manual for remedies.
F2 - Function Key
Primary use in the program is for an exit key. If the exit is from
a record, and the record has been altered, a 'Save Changes' prompt
will appear. Alternate key combination is Control-Escape.
F10 - Function Key
Primary use in the program is for a save key in the file maintenance
section. You may use this function key to save the form at any field,
after entering any REQUIRED fields in the form. Alternate key
combination is Control-Enter.
Field
Each update form (record) is composed of fields. This is where the
information for the program is contained.
File Utilities
The automated Clarion file utilities are accomplished at each of the
List screens on the File Utilities Menu. Access to Manual utilities,
Set User Colors, DTU SQL shell program, and file maintenance is also
provided.
File Maintenance
This major section of the Delta Tango program allows you to configure
your Clarion utility tasks.
Filer
Clarion file utility to create empty (new) data files or to convert
an existing file to a new file definition. DOS filename is CFIL.EXE.
G-3
* Delta Tango(tm)/PRO *
Flashing Task Names
When a task is being run, a small screen will appear to overlap a
previous screen. This screen will have at least one or two flashing
words to let you know the task is still running.
Global Owner ID
**PRO** ONLY In a multiple files task, only one Owner ID field is
available in the update form. All the files in a multiple set must
use the same owner ID, or you must use single file update forms.
Global Source Location
**PRO** ONLY In a multiple files task, only one source location field
is available in the update form. You must have all the file
definitions in a single source file for the multiple set, and it must
be located in a single source location.
Help
Help is available at most screens and is context sensitive at the
screen level by pressing the function key, F1.
Helper
Clarion utility used to create and revise context-sensitive help
windows for your Clarion applications. DOS filename is CHLP.EXE.
* NOTE 1
Join Two Files
The process of combining ALL the records of a secondary data file
with all the records of a primary data file. This process is also
called concatenation of two files.
Key Files
These files help sort your lists alphabetically or numerically.
Label
Refers to either the label of the field (used in sort line) or label
of the file structure (used in new file structure).
List
This is a table of update forms (records). At the list screen update
forms can be added, changed, copied or deleted.
G-4
* Delta Tango(tm)/PRO *
List Symbols
These symbols appear at each of the List screens if their record
operation (add, delete, change, copy, or multiple add) can be
performed. Note: Some List screens will have all 5 symbols and some
will have none. You must use the corresponding key to perform the
operation.
Locate
On a List screen, there is a locate field at the flashing cursor.
Type in the first few letters or numbers to locate a record more
easily.
Manual Utils
Menu to choose Clarion utilities. These utilities can be manipulated
in a manual mode as if you typed their DOS .EXE name from the DOS
prompt. Delta Tango includes access to Sorter, Filer, and Converter.
**PRO** ONLY - Delta Tango PRO includes access to Sorter, Filer,
Converter, Scanner, Editor, Report Writer(tm), Director, and Helper.
Menu
Any screen that allows selections for other screens.
Multi-Add Records
(Symbol M) Normally pressing the Insert key allows you to add only
one record at a time, and then you are returned to the List screen.
Pressing Control + m as a combination key, at any one of the List
screens that shows a 'M' symbol, will allow multiple adds without
returning to the List screen.
Multiple - File Utilities
Up to 10 Clarion files at a time can be backed up, restored, packed,
and new file structures can be made.
NFS
Abbreviation for New File Structure.
New File Structure
When a new Clarion .EXE program is issued, this operation is used
to restructure any data files (those file ending with the extension
.DAT) to work with the new Clarion program .EXE. It is also used to
create new data files containing no records. Additionally, it can
be used to create or rebuild key files.
G-5
* Delta Tango(tm)/PRO *
NOTE 1
Only license holders of Clarion Professional Developer(tm) have access
to these programs.
Output File
After the input file is processed by one of the file utilities, this
file is the result. If an Output File field is on the maintenance
update form, you have the option of renaming your input file. If the
Output File field is not available, your output file will retain the
same name as the input file.
Owner ID
**PRO** ONLY - If the input data file was created from a file
structure with an OWNER statement, then the owner ID field must filled
in. Delta Tango does not support files with Owner ID statements, only
Delta Tango PRO.
Pack
When you delete files in a data file, the space allocated for that
deleted record may or may not be reused depending upon the Reclaim
Space Option choice under File Options in Designer (or appropriate
hand coded file structures). However, packing a file will permanently
eliminate all records marked for deletion and free up space. This
operation helps reduce the data file size after deletions. There is
an exception to this operation in the PRO version. Refer to sorter
operation notes in Chapter 3 for details.
PRO Version
Delta Tango PRO has more features and also includes a separate User
version program. Some of the added features include Owner ID support,
retain deletions on backup and restore, source file location, single
file output rename, and separate expanded sorter section.
QSQL(tm)
QSQL(tm) is a separate optional standalone query program for the
Clarion database environment. It provides a powerful subset of the
ANSI SQL language with special enhancements which were made to support
the Clarion environment. A separate license must be purchased to use
the program. QSQL(tm) is a Copyrighted Trademark of Cook Database
Design, Inc. Delta Tango provides a shell interface to QSQL(tm) and
online summary help.
Record
Same as Update Form.
G-6
* Delta Tango(tm)/PRO *
Record Maintenance
Refers to the part of the File Utilities section where file utility
records can be modified, added, deleted, or copied.
Redirection
Feeding an SQL expression to the SQL program. A good example of this
is '<dtusql.in' in the SQL maintenance form.
Report Writer(tm)
Clarion Report Writer(tm) - Used to generate ad-hoc reports and screen
queries. Clarion Report Writer(tm) is a trademark of Clarion Software
Corporation. DOS filename is REPORTER.EXE.
REQUIRED field
Information for these fields MUST be entered before you can save the
update form. Currently, these include description fields and the Drive
field in the SQL form.
Restore
Data files that are backed up and compressed with the Delta Tango
program need to be restored.
Restore Locations
Subdirectory where the data backup files are contained.
Remove Key Files
**PRO** ONLY - This sorter option is used to create a sorted Clarion
data file without producing key files. Can be used for running
infrequent reports.
Retain Deletions
**PRO** ONLY - When sorter is run on a Clarion data file, records
marked for deletion are permanently removed unless the retain
deletions choice is Y. By default, all sorter options in Delta Tango
mark the records for permanent deletion. However, Delta Tango PRO
offers a retain deletions choice when sorter is run.
Save Changes
When F2 is used to escape from a update form (record), you might see
this prompt. Type 'y' for yes, 'n' for no, or 'c' for cancel.
G-7
* Delta Tango(tm)/PRO *
Set Colors
You have the option of setting colors for the program. The menu
selection for set colors is in the File Utilities section.
Scanner
Clarion file utility to display Clarion data file records in a
spreadsheet format. Can be used in DOS mode to revise DOS files. DOS
filename is CSCN.EXE. * NOTE 1
Single - File Utilities
These operations can be applied to a single file: backup, restore,
pack, and new file structure.
Sort Lines
**PRO** Only - These are used to sort, or physically rearrange, the
order of the records in a Clarion data file. A sort parameter can
be a field label or an offset type. Up to 4 sort parameters can be
entered into the Delta Tango PRO program.
Sorter
Clarion file utility to sort, merge, reorganize, back up and restore
your Clarion data files. DOS filename is CSRT.EXE.
Sorter Options
**PRO** ONLY - A number of sorter tasks are already built into the
Delta Tango program, including Backup, Restore, and Packing of Clarion
data files. Join Two Files is another sorter operation. However,
sorter options lets you choose more selectively what sorter tasks you
want to accomplish. This includes support for joining up to 4 Clarion
data files, and up to 4 sort parameters, Owner ID, Output rename, and
yes/no choices for the following: Compress Files, Retain Deletions,
and Remove Key Files.
Source File
This is the name of the file that contains your Clarion FILE
structure. It could include the FILE structures for multiple Clarion
files.
Source File Location
**PRO** ONLY - Normally, the Delta Tango program looks for source
files in the current subdirectory, however, the PRO version allows
you to put your source files in another subdirectory and reference
them at that location.
G-8
* Delta Tango(tm)/PRO *
Special Hints
This is a collection of special hints to help you run the program
more smoothly and includes the following: command line prompts, error
screens, key files, data files in other subdirectories, and temporary
files.
SQL
SQL (structured query language) - OPTIONAL program - Must buy a
separate license to use. SQL can be used to perform joins on multiple
tables, perform mass updates, and selectively filter a clarion file
and produce another clarion file after a conversion process.
Specifically, the QSQL(tm) program from Cook Database Design, Inc. is
supported through a shell interface for the SQL program, and Delta
Tango automates converting a SQL query into another usable Clarion
data file.
SQL Expression
Refers to either the syntax of an SQL query or an ascii file
containing an SQL query that is redirected to the SQL program. For an
example of a syntax of an SQL query, look at the 'ar' in string
example in Photogenic Tasks, Chapter 5. For an example of a redirected
SQL query, look at the other examples provided in the same chapter.
Table
Term used interchangeably with 'List'.
Tasks
These are commonly used file maintenance functions for Clarion data
files. This is the File Utilities section of Delta Tango/PRO. These
include backup, restore, pack, new file structure, join two files,
and others to enhance working with Clarion data files.
Temporary Files
During certain operations of the Delta Tango program, it creates a
temporary file on the hard disk, and then after the operation if
finished, the file is deleted.
Test Mode (Test Flip)
**PRO** ONLY - This test mode allows the Base window of each utility
to appear while running a task. If an incorrect parameter was input
in the record maintenance section, often an error message will help
you identify the problem.
G-9
* Delta Tango(tm)/PRO *
Update Form
This is where the actual information is stored for the database. Term
is used interchangeably with 'record'. Each update form is composed of
fields. These fields are used to store batch parameter information.
User Version Menu
**PRO** ONLY - For the owners of Delta Tango PRO, a separate program
is provided so only the task list is shown, no record maintenance
section can be accessed. Your client can buy a separate Delta Tango
PRO license, and you could install the User Version program, so the
End User cannot access the file maintenance section to provide
security for your configurations.
G-10
* Delta Tango(tm)/PRO *
**PRO** ONLY 1-3 DOS prompt line 6-5
Add a record 3-3 Drive 6-22, 7-7
Backup a file 2-5, 6-7 DTU SQL program 3-8, 7-3, 7-4
Backup locations 2-5 DTUSQL.IN 1-8, 6-23, 7-3, 7-4
BASIC 4-5 Editing Conventions 3-2
BASIC source 4-5 Editor 1-8, 3-8, 4-6
Batch file parameters 3-5 Error screens A-2
Batch parameters 6-2 F2 - Function Key 3-3, 6-5
CBK 3-4 F10 - Function Key 3-3, 6-5
Change a record 3-3 Field 3-3, 6-3
Command line 2-4, A-2 Field Separater 4-5
Command line prompt A-2 File Utilities 1-2, 6-3
Compress file 3-5, 3-6 File definition 3-4, 7-6
Compiler Errors 7-5 File extensions 3-3
Concatenation 4-3, 6-16 File interchangeability 3-3
Conversion 1-2, 4-4, A-5 Filer 3-6, 4-2, A-3
Converter 4-4 Flashing task name 2-5
Copy a record 3-3 FUTILS.DAT 2-5, 4-2, A-6
CREATE statement 4-2 Getting started 2-4
Data files 3-3 Global Owner ID 6-12
Date problems 7-5, A-5 Global source location 6-13
dBase A-5 Help 1-3, 3-2, 7-3
Delete a record 3-3 Helper 1-8, 3-8, 4-6
Description 6-4 Installation 2-2
DESQview 2-4 Interactive User Interface 7-2
DIF 3-4, 4-4 Join two files 1-2, 3-4, 4-3
Director 1-9, 3-8, 4-6 Key files 3-6, 4-2, A-4
I-1
* Delta Tango(tm)/PRO *
Label 3-6, 6-9, 6-13, 6-23 Record Maintenance
Limitations 6-5 Join Two Files 6-16
List screens 3-2, 6-4 Conversion 6-19
List symbols 3-3, 6-4 SQL 6-21
Locate field 3-3 Sorter Options 6-24
Locations list 2-5, 6-15 Redirected 7-8
Manual utils 1-8, 3-7 Remove key files 3-6, 4-4
Menu 3-2 Report Writer(tm) 1-8, 4-6
Multi-add records 3-3 Required field 6-4
Multiple files 3-6, 6-5, 6-11 Restore 3-7
New file structure 1-6, 3-7 Restore locations 6-15
NFS 6-4 Retain deletions 3-5
Output file 6-9, 6-20, 6-25 Save changes 3-3, 6-5
Owner ID 3-6 Scanner 1-8, 3-8, 4-6
Pack 3-5 Set colors 3-7
Photogenic tasks - Chapter 5 SET command 2-3, A-5
PRO User 1-3 SETEC.EXE 3-7
PRO version 1-3 Single File 6-7
QSQL(tm) 1-2, 7-2 Sort lines 3-6, 6-24
RAM drive 2-3, A-5 Sort parameters 4-3
RECLAIM attribute 4-4 Sorter 3-4, 3-7, 4-3
Record 6-2 Sorter Options 4-3, 6-24
Record Maintenance 6-2 Sorter Operation Notes 3-4
Update Forms 6-7 Source file 6-9, 6-13, 6-22
Single File 6-7 Source file location 6-9
Multiple Files 6-11 Special hints A-2
Backup/Restore Loc. 6-15 SQL 1-3, 2-3, 7-3
I-2
* Delta Tango(tm)/PRO *
SQL expression 1-7, 6-23, 7-4
String Delimiter 4-5
Support A-7
Table 6-2
Tasks 1-6
Temporary files 2-3, A-4
Test Flip 3-5
Test mode 3-5
Update form 6-3
I-3