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ReadMe
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1993-04-21
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AMIGABASE V 1.30 (c) 1989-1993 Steffen Gutmann
==============================================
AmigaBase is a programmable hierarchical database.
AmigaBase is shareware. This means that the program can be freely copied
and distributed as long as no more than a nominal fee is charged to
cover time and copying costs. All rights reserved.
If you use the program you must pay the shareware fee by sending DM 50,--
to:
Steffen Gutmann
Wiesentalstr. 30
D - 7340 Geislingen/Eybach.
You will also get a user manual (german only, I am working on the
english version).
I cannot guarantee that this program works perfectly. You use this
software at your own risk.
But if you find a bug you can report it to me. You can contact
me by sending a letter to the address above, or via E-Mail to
gutmann@informatik.uni-ulm.de
Use E-Mail if you can.
AmigaBase uses 'reqtools.library' (c) Nico François
and 'gadget.library' (c) Steffen Gutmann.
Files:
------
You should have the following files:
AmigaBase - executable program
InstallAB - Shell script to install AmigaBase
ReadMe - this file
LiesMich - german ReadMe
BUGS
CONTENTS
HISTORY
TODO - further information
Catalogs/*/AmigaBase.catalog
- catalog files for other languages than
english
Data/Deutsch/* - some example projects (german versions)
Data/English/* - some example projects (english versions)
Data/Graphics/Mandelpic.iff
- iff picture used by the project
"Mandel pictures".
libs/reqtools.library.13 - reqtools.library for Kickstart 1.2, 1.3
libs/reqtools.library - reqtools.library for Kickstart 2.0
libs/gadget.library - not yet released new gadget library.
makecat/* - information & files to translate
AmigaBase into another language.
toolmanager/AmigaBase.brush
- image file for toolmanager.
Equipment:
----------
AmigaBase works on every Amiga with Kickstart 1.2 or higher. You need
no hard disk or a second floppy, you only need at least 1 MByte Ram.
Installation:
-------------
For quick installation there exists a shell script 'InstallAB'
for installing reqtools.library, gadget.library and the catalog
files.
If you want to install AmigaBase by hand you have to do the following:
Copy reqtools.library and gadget.library to libs:. If you work
with Kickstart 1.2/1.3 you must copy reqtools.library.13 to
libs:reqtools.library. Now you can start AmigaBase.
If you want AmigaBase to look in your language and you are running
OS 2.0 with Workbench 2.1 copy Catalogs/your_language/AmigaBase.catalog
to LOCALE:Catalogs/your_language. If your language is not supported
have a look into the makecat directory and read the ReadMe file.
If you want to start AmigaBase by double clicking on an AmigaBase
project you need to assign AmigaBase: to the directory containing
AmigaBase.
What does AmigaBase offer:
--------------------------
AmigaBase is not a relational database with SQL interface or something
like this. AmigaBase is a hierarchical programmable database.
Nevertheless, or just because, AmigaBase is ideal for managing
music casettes, videos, addresses, etc. Complex applications like
a finance manager with automatic printing of transfer forms
and writing client accounts is no problem for AmigaBase, too.
A project consists of one or several records. A record is displayed
by a rectangle with a colored border and a titlebar. The record
name is displayed in the title bar. A record can be placed beside or
within annother one (hierarchy).
In records you can place variables which are used for data input and
display.
Datas are organized in datasets. For each record you can allocate
any number of datasets (only limited by available memory).
Datasets can be ordered by several keys.
A filter allows the selection of some datasets.
A print menu allows printing of datasets.
With a search requester it is easy to find certain datasets.
AmigaBase offers two display modes: normal and listing.
In normal display all records are displayed in several windows. In
each record exactly one dataset is shown.
In listing display all dataset of a specific record are displayed
in a list in only one window which can be scrolled.
AmigaBase has two working modes: working mode and installing mode
In working mode you can work with your project, input data, start
programs, etc.
In installing mode you build your data structure. You can define
new variables, change and delete them. Variables can be of the type
BOOL (boolean values), INTEGER (integer values), REAL (floating point
values), STRING (any text), DATE (date values), TIME (time values),
or MEMO (unlimited multi line text). Additionally there is the
program button type which is only used to start AmigaBase programs.
Furthermore you can define, change and delete texts. Texts are only
used for decoration in records.
You can also define, change and delete records and windows.
Each variable, record and window you must give a name. This name
must begin with an uppercase letter followed by up to nine letters,
digits or the character '_'. Reserved words cannot be used for names.
A special feature of AmigaBase is the programming of it. For each
variable (except MEMO variables) you can write a program which
is called whenever you change the contents of this variable or press
RETURN while the cursor is on the program button variable.
If you want to have a view into programming AmigaBase I recommend
that you have a look at the label print program of the casette
project (included in the distribution).
A complete description of all functions and abilities of AmigaBase
is found in the user manual of AmigaBase (german only). This document
is available by registration only. I am translating it into english.
Hold on...
Import of datasets
------------------
For importing datasets there exists no menu item. But with the use
of an AmigaBase program you can write your own Import routine.
First you have to load the import file into a MEMO variable (MEMOLOAD).
Then you do a FOR loop and examine each line of the MEMO variable.
Use LeftStr, MidStr, RightStr, Val, etc. to extract the data and
assign it to the dataset variables.
I know that this is not the best way to import datasets. I plan to
implement functions like OPENINPUT, READ, SCANF, etc. to make this
work easier.
Thanks
------
Thanks to Jürgen Brust, Michael Janich, Nico François, Peter Wastholm,
Falk Hildner, Michael Greenhalg and all registered AmigaBase users.