home *** CD-ROM | disk | FTP | other *** search
- APPLICATIONS MAKER - HELP FOR INPUT ITEMS
-
- The items on the INPUT screen of APPLICATIONS MAKER represent all
- aspects of applications generation except report production, which is
- done from the REPORT screen. Both the instructions to be executed
- and the data to be processed are initialized via the placement of
- items on the INPUT screen.
-
- The INPUT ITEMS are of five types: DATA, HEADING, CONTROL, FILE and
- MISCELLANEOUS. All of these types except HEADING offer their own on-
- screen help when they are selected.
-
- DATA TYPES: With the DATA TYPES the program opens a window and
- displays the datafiles you have selected for your application. By
- selecting a datafile from this window you are telling the program
- that the item you are initializing will be read from and written into
- the file you select. Next you will choose a field in your targeted
- file from the same window.
-
- There are many instances in which you will need DATA ITEMS that are
- not recorded in a datafile. To initialize such an item simply press
- escape. You will then have the option to initialize a DATE, STRING
- or NUMERIC ITEM. Help will then be available for each type.
-
- HEADING TYPES: With the HEADING TYPE you enter your heading.
-
- CONTROL TYPES: With the CONTROL TYPES you specify the flow, or
- control, of your application. After selecting the CONTROL TYPE on-
- screen help is available.
-
- FILE TYPES: With the FILE TYPES you specify operations relevant to
- the manipulation of datafiles. After selecting the FILE TYPE on-
- screen help is available.
-
- MISCELLANEOUS TYPES: With the MISCELLANEOUS TYPES you initialize
- operations that don't fit into any of the above categories. After
- selecting the MISCELLANEOUS TYPE on-screen help is available.
-
- INPUT TYPES - WRAP-UP:
-
- Don't be afraid to initialize an item just to see the on-screen help.
- There's usually a way out and if, due to limited space in the dialog
- box, there is no abort option you simply complete the item. Then
- place your cursor on any space occupied by that item and press
- return. Use delete to get rid of it.