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-
- DATA documentation
-
- DATA is a database management system which consists of the following files.
-
- DATAxx.BAS the source code of the BASIC program
- DATA.DOC this file
- DATAxx.COM the compiled version of the program
- DATA.PRM a parameter file read at startup
- *.DAT sample data file(s)
-
- ...
-
- To run it, type DATAxx <ret>
-
- The program will ask you what drive you want the records on and will
- default to the second drive letter in the second line of the DATA.PRM file
- if you hit <ret>.
-
- The first letter in the second line of the DATA.PRM file is the maximum
- drive you want to permit records to be allowed on. DATA.PRM also contains
- terminal configuration data and the names of data files. ** YOU WILL HAVE
- TO EDIT THIS FILE FOR YOUR TERMINAL etc. **
-
- A .DAT file's first record contains four fields; the string DATA.DAT, a
- number indicating the number of records in the file, another number
- indicating the number of fields per record and finally, an encrypted
- password. The program assigns a newly created database the password
- PASSWORD. This may later be changed by the user. This password mechanism
- was added to prevent unwanted updating. To update a database, you must
- first select the exPand menu command and then type in the password.
-
- ...
-
- The second record holds descriptions for each "field" in the following
- "data" records.
-
- The program displays a menu from which the user selects the function
- desired. You may Enter, Change, Kill, Find, Read and List up to 50
- records. If the file DATA.DOC (this file) is on the logged disk, Help
- requests will print its contents, page by page. You may also change the
- default Drive, toggle eXpert mode and, if you use the special password SU
- (Super User), Zap, Sort or Print databases.
-
- Records may hold up to 18 "fields" or lines. When you specify a database
- name which is new, on your first record entry, you are asked to supply
- descriptions for each line in the data records.
-
- You may easily change to a New database with this program.
-
- ...
-
- Deletion is handled internally by replacing the first field of the record
- to be deleted by an asterisk ("*"). These records are bypassed in
- subsequent print requests and actually get deleted when the user selects
- the Quit or New option. This option puts the records manipulated in
- internal arrays back into the .DAT file.
-
- Lee Bradley
- 24 East Cedar Street
- Newington, CT 06111
-
- (203) 665-1100 (RCP/M)
-
- 12/06/92
-