The DATAdesign Operating Manual

This document contains the instructions for operating the DATAdesign program, creating and maintaining databases.


Throughout this manual you will find the following symbol *. If you are reading this in the html Reader clicking on this item will take you immediately to the index.

A separate part of this manual contains the following files: Copyright details, credits and a history of this program can be found in the Head file.


Instructions on Configuring DATAdesign can be found in Appendix A.





* Section 1 : DATAdesign engine

This is the part of the DATAdesign package that makes everything happen. Without it DATAdesign would not exist.

There are however some details which are important to everyone. To be able to use DATAdesign the DATAdesign Engine has to be loaded. This should not pose a problem since the engine is part of ProWesS

.

The DATAdesign engine creates a special job called 'DATAdesign files' in which all the information is stored.

There is an 'ENGINE_INIT' command which allows you to re-initialise the engine. This may be necessary should you accidentally remove the 'DATAdesign files' job. You should, however, endeavour not to delete this job since it contains all the files which are accessed, so if you do remove this job you will actually remove all files as well. This may cause problems for any jobs which were accessing these files, and therefore all jobs which were using a DATAdesign file will also be removed.

Actually even the DATAdesign.engine thing will be removed, but it can be re-initialised, as we have stated, with the 'ENGINE_INIT' command.




* Section 2 : Loading the program

Always use a backup.

We want to stress the fact that you must first make a backup from the master disk and use the backup for loading and configuring.

* Section 2.1 Installation under ProWesS

The current version of DATAdesign (version 4) is supplied to new users without the DATAdesign engine. This Program is part of the ProWesS package so you will need to have this package in order to use DATAdesign. If you have installed the ProWesS package as part of your usual setup then you only have to use the utilities button on your system and indicate the 'Install files on flp1_' instruction. This will install DATAdesign and copy the file to a directory as instructed.

*Section 2.2 Updating from a previous version

Users of older versions of DATAdesign who are upgrading their copies to version 4 can simply substitute the new program into their boot file as it was before.

* Section 2.3 Installation as a 'Thing'

One useful and memory efficient way of DATAdesign is to load it as a thing. You should LRESPR the program and then use the following lines to call it:
 ERT HOT_THING ('D','DATAdesign')
 ERT HOT_THING ('z','DATADesign';'WIN1_DATA_Dbases_adbk_ddf')
 
The first line will allow you to press < ALT-D > to get a blank version of DATAdesign ready to load a file. The second line will allow you to press < ALT-z > and get a copy of DATAdesign with the file WIN1_DATA_Dbases_adbk_ddf already loaded. The advantage of this is that there is only one copy of the DATdesign code loaded into memory and it's execution is noticeably faster. You can set up as many of these hotkeys as you have files.

* Section 2.4 Installation into an existing Boot file

This can be done with the following boot file.(This boot file will not work if you have a JM QL. In that case use the boot file as supplied on disk). Please note that the lengths of some of the files may be different from those stated here because those files may have been updated after this manual was written.

100 base=RESPR(11684) : LBYTES flp1_hot_rext,base : CALL base
110 base=RESPR(14534) : LBYTES flp1_ptr_gen,base : CALL base
120 base=RESPR(10360) : LBYTES flp1_wman,base : CALL base
130 base=RESPR(22432) : LBYTES flp1_menu_rext,base : CALL base
140 base=RESPR(31408) : LBYTES flp1_engine_rext,base : CALL base
150 HOT_GO      : REMark just to make sure you can still use alt-enter
160 ENGINE_INIT : REMark initialise the DATAdesign engine
170 EXEC flp1_DATAdesign

Users with Toolkit 2 can substitute the 'base=RESPR(n): LBYTES.. 'lines for LRESPR and those of you who use SMSQ/E need only load the 2Menu-rext, Engine_rext and DATAdesign program files.

You Can, of course, include these lines in your normal boot file. If all the resident extensions are loaded, then you can run DATAdesign with a line like:

EXEC flp1_DATAdesign 

Toolkit 2 also offers you the opportunity to start DATAdesign with a file already loaded. This can be done with a line like:

EXEC flp1_DATAdesign;'flp1_example'

If no device is specified, then the DATA default device will be searched. You should not specify the '_ddf' extension.

If you have QPAC 2 then you can also define a hotkey and/or create a button with these lines.

ERT HOT_RES('d','flp1_DATAdesign')
BT_EXEC 'DATAdesign'




* Section 3 : Principles

DATAdesign is a standard "Pointer Environment" program, so everything can be done in a way familiar to users of that system. If you are not familiar with the Pointer Environment there is a special section in this document to explain it.

In all sub-windows all items which activate another subwindow can be recognised because they end in '..'

.

In this manual keys which should be pressed are always shown like this [key]. When you are required to press two keys at the same time, it will be displayed like this [key1-key2]. On the other hand, if we say [key1]-[key2] then you should first press[key1] and then [key2].



* Section 4 : DATAdesign Windows

* 4.1 : The Status and Pointer Environment Icon Window

The first line of DATAdesign contains the following items from left to right:

The Move Icon
This is the standard Pointer Environment icon to move the entire window to another place on the screen.
The Resize Icon
This is the standard Pointer Environment icon to resize the screen. If you Configure the program to remember the size and position then resizing / repositioning the screen when a file is loaded will cause DATAdesign to store that information when the file is saved.

DATAdesign will recall the size and position on the screen when the file is next re-loaded and it will show the file in the that way.
A 'DO' on this item will toggle between the maximum and minimum sizes for the program window.

Total:
This item shows the total number of records in the file.
Visible:
If you have filtered a file or another program is accessing a record in the file then some records may not be available. In that case the number shown here will be lower than the 'Total:'. These numbers will also vary if you have added records to a sorted file from another program and that program has not resorted the database. This can be rectified by using the sort option from the Command Window.
Current:
This shows the recordID of the record which is being displayed.
F10
Pressing [F10] will allow you mark the current record. You can give the Mark Status any number between 0 and 255.
Zzz
This is the standard Pointer Environment sleep icon. It is advisable to only put the program to sleep when there is no record in the edit window, as that record would then be locked. This is only important if there are other jobs in memory which access the same file.
The Disk Icon
The Disk Icon will appear as soon as a file has been edited and not saved. This item can be configured to either be static or to flash.

* The Disk Icon

One of the things that was added to DATAdesign v4 was the Sprite Icon which will appear whenever a change has been made to a file and the file has not been saved. This item can be Configured to be either static or flashing and serves as a useful reminder of when you have not yet saved a particular file. A '0' value in the Config Block will give a static sprite and other values will change the flash rate.



* 4.2 : Commands Window

This line gives the user access to the various command menus which control the program. These menus can be accessed in two ways, either by indicating the item with the pointer or by pressing the appropriate 'Function' key. (keys F6 - F10 are available on a QL by pressing one of the Function keys 1 to 6 in conjuction with the [Shift] key. So F6 would be [Shift-F1], F7 [Shift-F2], etc.)

See Section 5 'The Menus', For a further description of the menus available or refer directly to the sections detailed below

The last item on this bar is a box which displays the name of the file which is loaded into DATAdesign at the time. This is the actual file name stripped of its extension and of any path names that may be before it.(ie. 'flp1_data_private_Address_ddf' would appear as 'Address')


* 4.3 : The Icon Bar

The Icon Bar concept was conceived by Jochen Merz for use with his QD8 Text editor and has been adapted by Bernd Reinhardt for use in this program. It allows quick access to some of the functions in DATAdesign and thus, once the user has become familiar with it, makes the program's commands much easier to call.

* 4.3.1 : The Information Icon

keypress =[I] (when not editing)

Indicating this item will give you some information about the current file and current record.

The window displays:
Filename :
the name of the file you are working on.
Filedevice :
the device where the medium-file is stored.
No. of Records :
how many records there are in the file.
No. of Fields :
how many fields there are in the file.
Records in index :
how many records are visible
Recordlength :
the length of the current record, no real importance
Recorddate :
when the current record was last changed
Recordid :
the unique recordID for the current record

* 4.3.2 : The Help Icon

The 'Help' icon calls the ProWesS Reader which will display this manual. You have to configure the Datadesign to tell it where the help file is in your system and you have to have loaded ProWesS and have the reader available as described in the ProWesS manual.

* 4.3.3 : Load File Icon

The Load File Icon is a dual function item:
A 'HIT' on the item will activate the 'Load File' command.
A 'DO' on the item will activate 'Merge File' command.If there is no file already loaded then it will have the same effect as a 'HIT'.

Full descriptions of these actions can be found in Section 5.1.1 : Load File and Section 5.1.2 : Merge File.

* 4.3.4 : The Save File Icon

The Save File Icon is a dual function item:
A 'HIT' on the item will activate the 'Save File' command.
A 'DO' on the item will activate the 'Save with a new Filename' command. If there is a file already existing in the chosen name then it will give the opportunity to either Overwrite, Abort or Retry.

Full descriptions of these actions can be found in Section 5.1.4 : Save File and Section 5.1.6 : Save with a new Filename

* 4.3.5 : Print records..

keypress =[CONTROL-p]

This sub-window allows you to print your records. It is made in a way that that should allow you to print labels and lists easily. For more complex jobs, a dedicated printing program should be written. PROGS have a separate program, pfDATA for printing databases in a more refined way. This program also allows you to insert graphics produced by their drawing program, LINEdesign.

The print window will start printing when you indicate the [print] item.

This command will always print all the fields which can at that moment be edited in the edit-window. So selecting which fields to print can be done with 'Display'.

This menu also gives the user the choice of the following options to control the printed output

* 4.3.6 : The Search Icon

keypress = [CONTROL-S]

This window allows you to search for a string or numerical value in the database.
You can choose to search in selected fields or in all fields (with the given type).
There is an window in which you can enter the value or string which should be searched for.

When you indicate 'integer', the value will be searched in both 'short' and 'long' fields, unless the value will not fit in a short.

The search will commence when the 'DO' item is indicated.

You can then continue the search by indicating the Again Icon or pressing [F9].

If you press [ESC] while in this window, then you can immediately search starting from the next or previous record by indicating the Again Icon or pressing [F9].

* 4.3.7 : The Again Icon

keypress = [F9]

This item can be used to repeat a search command.

* 4.3.8 : The Next Record Icon

keypress = [F4]

This icon gives access to the 'Next Record' command in the

  • Records Menu. Information on this can be found in Section 5.4.7 :
  • Next Record.

    * 4.3.9 : The Previous Record icon

    keypress = [F5]

    This icon gives access to the 'Previous Record' command in the

  • Records Menu. Information on this can be found in Section 5.4.8 :
  • Previous record

    * 4.3.10 : Delete Record Icon

    keypress = [CONTROL-D]

    To keep your database up to date you will occasionally (or often) have to delete a record, and this command allows you to delete the current record. The recordID of the record deleted will not be reused and the recordIDs of all of the other records in the file will remain unchanged.

    * 4.3.11 : New record

    keypress = [CONTROL-K]

    This command creates a new record ready to have data entered into it. It is functionally equal to the [CONTROL-E]-[F4] key sequence when in edit mode.



    * 4.4 : The Edit Window

    The fourth window is the fieldcontents window, which is also called edit window. This part is actually used to input or edit all the data in the file. Typing in this window is quite similar to using a wordprocessor or editor. But here are some differences. If a line is wider than can be visualised, then part of the line will pan in the left margin while typing. When editing another line, the first part will be visible. This panning will only occur in the line you are editing. When typing you can use all printable characters and controlkeys. These are described in full in section 7.2.


    * 4.5 : The Fieldnames Window

    The fifth part of the DATAdesign screen is the fieldname window. This window is used to show the names of the fields. It can also be used to delete a field or to change the name of a field. This can be done by a hit or a do on the fieldname you want to change or delete. You can then change the name. If you delete the name, then the field will be deleted. Please note that a name which is exactly sixteen characters long can't be edited this way.


    *Section 5 : THE MENUS


    * 5.1 : The Files Menu


    * 5.1.1 : Load file..

    keypress = [CONTROL-L]

    This command allows you to load a new file. This file can be selected with either the File Select window, or with the Read String window from the Menu Extensions. The Read String window will only appear when the window size of the main program is too small to support the File Select window

    DATAdesign always attempts to load or save three medium files.

    * 5.1.2 : Merge file..

    This command allows you to merge two files together. You just have to select the file to be merged from the File Select Window.If the main window is too small to support the File Select Window then a Read String window will appear. In order to get the File Select Window in these circumstances you have to go back to the main program and 'DO' the 'Resize Icon' in the Top Window. You will then have access to the File Select Window.

    Both of these menus are part of the Menu Extensions

    .

    The fields which have identical names (case dependant) will be put in the same place. Other fields will be added. If there are fields in the two files with identical names and different field types, one of the files may actually display garbage. The fields to be merged should not be longer than 8k.

    * 5.1.3 : Forget file

    This command allows you to remove the file you are working on so you can create a new one.

    * 5.1.4 : Save file

    keypress =[CONTROL-V]

    This command saves the current file, and the medium-file with the window information, and if the file is sorted or filtered, also a file with all the index information. The files will automatically be overwritten if they already existed.

    * 5.1.5 : Save file and Quit

    keypress =[CONTROL-Q]

    This command saves the current file, and the medium-file with the window information, and if the file is sorted or filtered, also a file with all the index information. The files will automatically be overwritten if they previously existed. When the file save is completed the program will remove itself from memory in the normal way.

    * 5.1.6 : Save new name..

    keypress =[CONTROL-N]

    Functionally the same as ''Save file'', except that you can now change the filename and device. Please also read the section on filenames.

    If the medium-file already existed, a request is made whether you want to overwrite or not.

    * 5.1.7 : Backup of file..

    You can make a backup of your file with this command. Just edit the filename 2 (you should actually only change the device), and a backup will be made.

    When your file is memory based, this allows you to save the file to another device (or name) without the internal filedevice changing.

    When your file is disk-based, this is the only way you can make a backup without releasing the file (i.e. making sure all jobs which use it stop doing so). It does however require you to keep the medium with the file in place, so you will have to backup to another device (or to the same disk).

    Backup of a file only makes a copy of the root file, the index file and the file with the window details are not backed up with this command.

    * 5.1.8 : Print

    keypress=[CONTROL-p]

    This icon will activate the The Print Menu described in Section 4.3.7



    * 5.2 : The Commands Menu

    * 5.2.1 : Begin/first

    keypress = [CONTROL-B]

    This command can be used to go to the first record in the file. This will be the first visible record which is not locked by another job which accesses the same file.

    In a sorted file this will be the first record that satisfies the sort criteria. In an unsorted file this will be the first record that was entered into the database.

    * 5.2.2 : End/last

    keypress = [CONTROL-E]

    This command can be used to go to the last record in the file. This will be the last visible record which is not locked by another job which accesses the same file.

    In a sorted file this will be the last record that satisfies the sort criteria. In an unsorted file this will be the last record that was entered into the database.

    Please note that this record will always be followed by an empty record which can be used to create a new one.

    * 5.2.3 : Search..

    This command activates the Search Menu that is called up by The Search Icon, and is described fully in Section 4.3.6.

    Please note that the searching occurs without indexes because this is more flexible. On the other hand it is also slower. There is another kind of search available which does use index information. This can be found in the Commands Menu under the heading Index Find.

    * 5.2.4 : Replace..

    keypress = [CONTROL-R]

    This window allows you to replace a string or numerical value in the database.
    You can choose to search in selected fields or in all fields (with the given type).
    There is an window in which you can enter the value or string which should be searched for and one beneath it in which the replacement can be entered

    When you indicate 'integer', the value will be searched in both 'short' and 'long' fields, unless the value will not fit in a short.

    The search and replace will commence when the 'DO' item is indicated.

    You can then continue the search and replace by indicating the Again Icon or pressing [f9].

    If you press [ESC] while in this window, then you can immediately search and replace starting from the next or previous record by indicating Again Icon or pressing [f9].

    Please note that the searching occurs without indexes because this is more flexible. On the other hand it is also slower.

    Replace can only replace one occurrence of a string or numerical value per record. If you want more occurrences to be replaced, then you should start again from the start of the file.

    * 5.2.5 : Filter file..

    keypress = [CONTROL-F]

    This command allows you to select which records in the file should be visible, and which not. There are up to ten filter levels. You always edit the level which is indicated in the top scrollable window. Near the bottom there is another scrollable window which indicates the field this level works on, or that only previous levels are taken into account (if any).

    Each level which is evaluated has a levelstatus (true or false). These statuses are combined by taking the first value, and then:

    'OR'ing
    And not indicated the next level with it.
    'AND'ing
    And indicated the next level with it.

    When the field is a text field, then you can also specify whether the comparing of characters should be done case dependant or not.

    5.2.6 : Sort file..

    keypress = [CONTROL-O]

    This window allows you to sort all the visible records in the file. If sort is switched off, records will be in the order of creation (this is actually not always true, but this is so unlikely that it is a safe generalisation, for more info, read the documentation in the Application Programming Interface.

    There are up to ten sort levels. Only when two records are the same (as far as sort is concerned) in all previous sort levels, will the next level be taken into consideration.

    You can also indicate the place. For numerical fields, this is the number of the item in the field which is sorted. If the item doesn't exist, then the record will be placed at the end of the file. When the field you want to sort is a text field, then this indicates the character which is used for sorting.

    The above changes take effect when the 'DO' item is indicated. Indicating 'QUIT' will abort any changes made and return to the main window.

    * 5.2.7 : Indexed find..

    keypress = [CONTROL-Y]

    This command gives you another way to search in a DATAdesign file.
    It has the advantage of being blindingly fast, always, no matter how long your file is. Naturally, there are some disadvantages as well. This command can only be invoked if the file is sorted, and you can only search according to the first sort level. This means that it only searches a given place in a given field.

    When indicated the user is presented with a box in which to enter the search key. The search key should be of the same type as the field in the first sort level. When you press enter the requested record is displayed, or a 'not found' reported.

    Please keep in mind that this command needs an exact match. If the field was sorted case dependant, then the search is case dependant. If the field was sorted as text, then the first eight characters of the given string must match. If the string you search for is not eight characters long, then the search key should also be shorter than eight characters.

    Please also keep in mind that a field which is sorted by character is always case dependant.

    * 5.2.8 : Clear all mark

    keypress = [CONTROL-C]

    (When not used to switch jobs)

    This command will clear the mark status of all records to zero. This will have no effect on records which are edited by another job.

    * 5.2.9 : Information..

    This item will activate the same menu as that called up by the The Information Icon and is described in section 4.3.1.

    * 5.2.10 : Status

    keypress = [T]

    (when not editing)

    * 5.2.11 : View file..

    keypress = [CONTROL-W]

    This command allows you to get an overview of the file you are editing. All the visible fields are (partly) displayed in the window. The window can be scrolled and panned. Panning will change the fields which are displayed, and scrolling will change the records. Note that scrolling is a bit slow because the data has to be retrieved from the file.

    The window can be split (only horizontal) to show two different sets of fields.

    You can immediately jump to a record with a 'DO' on one of its fields.

    * 5.2.12 : Quit program

    keypress = [CONTROL-X]

    Can be used to leave the program. If you have changed anything since the last time you saved, there will be a confirmation request (Item Select from the Menu Extensions).


    * 5.3 : The Fields Menu

    This menu gives access to commands which all relate to fields within DATAdesign Records.

    * 5.3.1 : New field..

    keypress = [CONTROL-H]

    When you want to add a new field to your file, you just have to call this command, and enter the name of the new field. The type can be indicated by the first letter of the fieldname. Fieldnames will be truncated to 16 characters, and an error will be reported if a field with the same name already exists.

    The fieldname has to be typed in a Read String window from the Menu Extensions.

    * 5.3.2 : Erase field..

    keypress = [CONTROL-A]

    After a while some fields in your database may become redundant, and you may want to delete them. That is exactly what this command does. There is however one problem. You can only erase a field in a file if this is the only job which has access to that file, as we can't delete a field in a record which is being edited by another job. If no fields can be removed, an error will be reported.

    To use this command, just indicate the fields you want to delete in the scrollable box. This command will take effect when the 'DO' item at the head of the menu is indicated

    * 5.3.3 : Clear field..

    keypress = [CONTROL-G]

    This command can be used to clear the contents a some fields. This will be done in all records which can be accessed, so not in the records which are locked because another job is editing it.


    * 5.4 : The Records Menu

    keypress =[F7]

    This menu gives access to commands that relate to Records within DATAdesign files .


    * 5.4.1 : New Record

    keypress = [CONTROL-K]

    This command will create a blank record in the file and present it ready for data to be entered. It is described fully in Section 4.3.11.

    * 5.4.2 : Delete Record

    keypress = [CONTROL-D]

    This command will delete the current record from the database. It is described fully in Section 4.3.10 : Delete Record Icon

    * 5.4.3 : Duplicate record

    keypress = [CONTROL-U]

    In some cases you need to add a new record to the file which is almost the same as another record which already exists. In these cases this command comes in handy. Just execute it on the record with the similarity, then you can make the changes you need. It will actually create a new record with the same contents as the previously current one. This then becomes the current record.

    If you don't want this second record, you can always revert with Undo/Truncate

    .

    * 5.4.4 : Undo/Truncate

    keypress = [CONTROL-T]

    If you have made if faulty change to your record or to the mark status, then you can restore the original values of both with this command.

    * 5.4.5 : Set MEMO field..

    keypress = [CONTROL-M]

    All records always contain a 'MEMO' field. This is an 'invisible' field, as it can never be displayed in the edit-window. It is always a text field which can contain some additional notes. This command allows you to edit these notes.

    You just have to indicate the records you want to clear.

    * 5.4.6 : Stuff record..

    keypress = [CONTROL-Z]

    This command can be used to stuff the current record. The record will be stuffed as displayed in the edit window, that is only visible fields and in the same order.

    If you stuff by line, then all lines will be placed in the stuffer buffer in reverse order, so you can recall them (in the correct order) with a sequence of [alt-space] and [shift-alt-space] keypresses.

    If you stuff as block then the entire record can be recalled by only one [alt-space] keypress.

    The last alternative is to store it in the Scrap, this is part of the Menu Extensions, and the record can be used in QD, LINEdesign and any other program that uses these extensions. Users who write their own programs with the QMenu extensions can also access the scrap item, making this a very powerful option.

    * 5.4.7 : Next Record

    keypress =[F4]

    This command can be used to browse through the file. The effect is the same whether it is accessed from the Commands Menu or the Icon Bar. If the file is sorted then the record displayed will be the next in the sort order. If the file has not been sorted or the sort has been turned off from the Sort File option in the Commands Menu then the record displayed will be the one with the next highest RecordID

    It can also be used to

    Please note that 'next' will display an empty record when you were on the last record. This empty record can then be used to fill in a new one. If you indicate 'previous' when on the first record, then no other record will be displayed.

    * 5.4.8 : Previous Record

    keypress =[F5]

    This command can be used to browse through the file. The effect is the same whether it is accessed from the Commands Menu or the Icon Bar. If the file is sorted then the record displayed will be the previous in the sort order. If the file has not been sorted or the sort has been turned off from the Sort File option in the Commands Menu then the record displayed will be the one with the next lowest recordID

    It can also be used to:

    Unlike the Next command this never presents you with a blank record



    * 5.5 : Display Window

    keypress = [F8]

    This command can be used to define which fields should be visible in the edit-window, and in which order.

    All you have to do is indicate the fields you want viewed in the edit-window in the order you want them. Then press [ESC]]. Now only your selection of fields will be visible.

    If you indicate 'all' in this window, then all the fields will be selected in the order in which they are displayed in the window.


    *Section 6 : Creating a New Database

    When you want to create a record in an empty database, you first have to define the fieldnames. This can be done by first starting DATAdesign with no file loaded and then going to the field contents window and typing in the names of the fields, each on a different line.

    The type of the field will be defined by the first letter or character. If this is a special character, then the field will get a type accordingly, and the character will be removed from the fieldname. If the character was not recognised as denoting a fieldtype , then you will get a character field (and the first letter is not removed).

    Fieldnames can be no longer than sixteen character (they will be truncated), and no two fields with the same name are accepted (only the first one will be created).

    When you have completed the list of fields then press [F4] or [F5], the fieldnames will be moved into the fieldname window and you can start adding some records.

    Don't worry if you have forgotten a field, you can always add (or delete) it later.

    The records themselves can be put in the file by (again) pressing [F4] or [F5]. This will also give you the next record in the file. When you start creating a new file, the next record will always be an empty one. However, when you are modifying a sorted file, the next record will be the record which is just after the one you just entered.

    If you are entering a series of records you should either press [CONTROL-K] or indicate the New Record Icon in the Icon Bar for a 'New Record'.



    * Section 7 Accessing the DATAdesign Commands

    DATAdesign commands can be activated in three different ways all of which are available at any time while the program is loaded and active.

      These commands can be reached through:-
    1. The Commands Window. See Section 4.2.
    2. The Icon Bar. See Section 4.3.
    3. Direct access via the Keyboard using [CONTROL] and another key.Section 7.1

    There are a further set of commands that are available only when editing an entry and these can be found in section 7.2

    * Section 7.1 : General Control Keys

    The following CONTROL keys can be used at any point during the operation of DATAdesign. Explanations ending in ''..' are those which will lead into another sub-menu or window.

    [CONTROL-L]
    Load file..
    [CONTROL-V]
    Save file
    [CONTROL-Q]
    Save File and Quit
    [CONTROL-N]
    Save File with a new Filename..
    [CONTROL-P]
    Print Records..
    [CONTROL-P]
    Begin/first
    [CONTROL-E]
    End/last
    [CONTROL-S]
    Search..
    [CONTROL-F]
    Filter file..
    [CONTROL-O]
    Sort file..
    [CONTROL-H]
    New field..
    [CONTROL-A]
    Erase field..
    [CONTROL-U]
    Duplicate record
    [CONTROL-T]
    Undo/Truncate
    [CONTROL-D]
    Delete record
    [CONTROL-C]
    Clear all mark
    [CONTROL-K]
    New record
    [CONTROL-M]
    Set MEMO field..
    [CONTROL-G]
    Clear field..
    [CONTROL-V]
    View file..
    [CONTROL-Z]
    Stuff record..
    [CONTROL-R]
    Replace..
    [CONTROL-Y]
    Indexed find..
    [CONTROL-X]
    Quit program
    [T]
    Status
    [I]
    Information..
    [F1]
    Help..
    [F2]
    Summon the Files Menu..
    [F3]
    Summon the Commands Menu..
    [F4]
    Next Record
    [F5]
    Previous Record
    [F6]
    Summon the Fields Menu..
    [F7]
    Summon the Records Menu..
    [F8]
    Summon the Display Menu..
    [F8]
    Repeat a previous search

    Note that [CONTROL-C] is normally used as key to switch jobs. This takes precedence and thus the mark status is normally not cleared when using this keypress.
    If, however, your system is not configured to use [CONTROL-c] in this way you can clear the mark status by using this keypress.

    You can get into edit-mode by a hit or do on the window, or by pressing [e]. Getting out of edit-mode can be done by going up on the first line, going down on the last line of the record or pressing [ESC].

    * 7.2 : Edit Control Keys

    The following CONTROL keys can be used from with the Edit Window:

    [tabulate],[shift-down]
    go to start of next field
    [shift-tabulate],[shift-up]
    go to start of previous field
    [enter]
    new line in this field
    [escape]
    leave edit-window, get pointer back
    [left]
    cursor left one character
    [alt-left]
    cursor to start of line
    [CONTROL-left],[backspace]
    delete left on character or add line to previous when on first character
    [CONTROL-alt-left],[CONTROL-down]
    delete line
    [right]
    cursor right one character
    [alt-right]
    cursor to end of line
    [CONTROL-right],[delete]
    delete character under cursor
    [CONTROL-alt-right]
    delete to end of line
    [up]
    cursor up one line
    [down]
    cursor down one line

    See also the list of general control keys above for the shortcut keys used in the rest of the program



    This document is mostly based on the original text for the DATAdesign Manual converted into html format by Roy Wood
    PROGS, Professional & Graphical Software
    last edited Friday 23 August 1996