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[PCjs Machine "ibm5150"]
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Information about “ABC DATABASE”
ABC DATABASE is a user-friendly data filing system that accepts up to
1,500 records with up to 12 fields in each record. It handles
customer files or mailing lists of 100s to 1000s of records. It will
also handle daily schedules or technical-article cross references.
Features:
~ Maintains 1,500 records, 12 fields, and 50 characters per field
~ Handles customer files or mailing lists of up 1000s of records
~ Handles daily schedules, technical article cross references, recipe
files, sales records, parts inventories, student grades, etc.
~ Ability to specify character or numeric fields
~ Simple calculations on fields
System Requirements: Epson FX/MX-80 or equivalent.
How to Start: Consult the .DOC files for documentation and directions.
To run the ABCFILE.EXE program, just enter ABCFILE and press <ENTER>.
Suggested Registration: $30.00
File Descriptions:
ABCFILE HLP ABC-FILE help file
ABCFILE DOC Documentation
ABCFILE EXE ABC database main program ABCFILE HLP Help data
NUMSAM CFG Sample configuration
DBII-ABC EXE Translate dBASE II files to ABC
AUTOEXEC BAT Boot start up file
ABCONVRT BAS Convert files to ABC format
NUMSAM DAT Sample program data
NUMSAM NUM Part of sample program
SAMPLE DAT Sample program data
SAMPLE CFG Sample configuration
README 1ST Initial documentation
NUMSAM1 NDX Sample program
SAMPLE1 NDX Sample program
SAMPLE NUM Part of sample program
ABCFILE.DOC
" ABC-FILE "
(C) Copyright 1984
D N D Enterprises
6215 Quiet Water Place
Charlotte, N. C. 28214
David A. Valk
Page 2
ABC-FILE Index Version 1.1
==================================================================
0.1 - Files, Records, Fields & Such - 3
0.2 - ABC-FILE requirements, capabilities, & scope - 4
0.3 - How to begin... - 5
0.4 - Defining a database - 8
0.5 - The Menu,Help,Sound, and Color - 11
1.0 - Adding - Records - 12
2.0 - Finding records by number (See Records) - 13
3.0 - Binary Search (Find Record) - 13
3.1 - Deleting Records - 15
3.2 - Recalling Records - 15
3.3 - Modifying existing records - 15
3.4 - Writing individual Records to WS/MM File - 16
4.0 - Reports (List Records) - 17
4.05 - More Reports (General Information) - 18
4.1 - Labels (Two Part Names) - 21
4.2 - Labels (One Part Names) - 22
4.3 - To WS/MM File - 22
4.4 - To Disk File - 23
4.5 - To the Screen - 24
4.6 - To the Printer - 24
5.0 - Sorting Records - 24
6.0 - Packing Files (Pack Records) - 25
7.0 - Importing Files - 26
- Using ABCONVRT.BAS if needed - 27
7.1 - Using DBII-ABC for import - 28
8.0 - Changing Files - 29
9.0 - Misc.... - 29
Page 3
0.1 Files, Records, Fields & Such
--------------------------------------
Perhaps something should be said about the record concept with
regards to computer files. (For those in the Know, feel free to
skip this chapter and move on to 0.2)
A computer stores information in files. For the purpose of ABC-
File we will refer to these as "DataFiles". A DataFile consists
of many individual components known as Records. ABC-File
allows a maximum of 1500 records in any DataFile. The "Record"
can be thought of as a individually locatable part of the
DataFile. Generally a record would be used to contain the
information about an individual Customer, Person in a mailing
list, Recipe, etc.
Each record is within itself made up of individual components
known as "Fields". A typical field might be used for storing the
Name, Address, City, State, etc. All records in a DataFile will
contain the same number of fields known by the same field name.
So, to summerize each DataFile you define will contain from 1 to
1500 records. Each record will contain from 1 to 12 fields.
When you define your DataFile you will be asked not only to Name
the Fields for each Record, but also to specify the length of each
field. (The computer must be told how much space to allocate in
your file for each field and each record.) The maximum field
length allowed in ABC-File is 50 characters and the minimum length
is 2 characters.
One might think of a file as an Index File Box and each record as
an Index Card within the box. A Field may be thought of as the
lines on an Index Card.
With ABC-FILE you will be able to define any number of "File
Boxes" containing any number of ever changing Index Cards. The
number of lines used on the card can be specified and named at
will, and every card in the box will be uniformly formatted.
So, continue on and get ready to define your first file, have
fun!!!
Page 4
0.2 Requirements, Capabilities & Scope
---------------------------------------
System Requirements - IBM PC/XT
- 128K Memory
- At least 1 disk drive or hard disk
- Epson FX/MX-80 or equivelant
- Color or Monochrome monitor
Files required - ABCFILE.EXE ABCONVRT.BAS
- ABCFILE.DOC
- ABCFILE.HLP
- DBII-ABC.EXE
Files Generated - YOURFILE.DAT
- YOURFILE.NUM
- YOURFIL1.NDX thru YOURFI12.NDX
- YOURFILE.CFG
- YOURFILE.MRG
- ABCCONFG
Capabilities - Max number of records - 1500
- Max number of fields - 12
- Max characters per field - 50
- Max number of index files = # of fields
Scope....
ABC-File is not intended to be all things for all people. It is
not intended to be used to maintain a 65000 plus (+) record file
for some Fortune 500 company. (What Micro is ? !)
It is however designed to be easy to use, user friendly throughout
and adequately maintain a reasonable size file for most any
purpose. Customer files or mailing lists of 100-1000 records are
handled very well. Other ideas include daily schedules, technical
artical cross references (With the first field used for a
keyword(s), at 50 characters per field you can enter 550
characters of text about the artical), recipe files, sales
records, parts inventory, student grades, etc.
Page 5
This version includes the abilty to specify fields to be character
or numeric, and if numeric, the number of default decimal places
for each field. Also included are simple calculations on fields.
You can define any field to be the result of a calculation on any
two other fields in the record. Numeric operators include +, -, *,
and /. You will not be prompted to enter data into calculated
fields while in the add record function. ABC will update the field
automatically. Reports containing numeric fields will be totaled
and averaged for each numeric field.
Again, your super DataBase system its not, but we feel ABC-FILE
will find its "Place" in any number of uses, for any number of
people !
Your feedback and suggestions for later versions is appreciated.
0.3 How to Begin
-----------------
To prepare your ABC work disk, first make a copy of your
distribution disk and file it away for safe keeping. Next, with
the DOS copy command, copy Command.com to your ABC work disk.
There is an Autoexec.bat file included with ABC to allow you to
boot the system form the work disk once you have copied the
necessary DOS files.
To load ABC-FILE, insert your disk in the default drive and type
ABCFILE <Enter> (Or,if booting simply hit Ctr-Alt-Del). After
loading you should see the sign-on screen, read the information
and press any key to proceed.
One of two things will happen next. If your IBM PC is equipped
with a monochrome adapter you will proceed directly to the file
entry screen (Go to 0.4 if thats the case). If your system is
equipped with a color graphics board you will go to the color
definition screen to set up your screen configuration. The
default colors are 7,7,3,1,1,3,1 and are a good starting point for
now. Enter these, one at a time when prompted to do so. If you
have a Green or Amber monitor connected to your CG Board enter the
proper codes for foreground, 0 for background, and white for
inverse video.
Page 6
You will then be prompted to save this configuration. Respond "Y"
and press enter and the ABCCONFG file will be written to disk.
You will not have to define colors again unless you wish to change
at a later date or time.
You should now be looking at the prompt asking for the entry of
your DataFile Name. To view the predefined files on your disk
enter "?", press <Return>, then the drive identifier (A,B,C,or D),
press <Return>, and you should see the available files. You may
enter "SAMPLE" for a demo (Suggested) now or go to 0.4 to
define your own file.
If you're reading this I'll presume you have entered "Sample" for
the file name and we'll proceed with a quick demonstration of
ABC's commands and abilities. After viewing the defined fields,
Press <Return> to go to main menu.
Let's begin with an easy report using one of the Macros available
from here. Press [F4] (The function key on the left). ABC will
quickly flash through several screens and then present a report to
the screen of all the records in the sample file. Notice the
screen will display 19 records at a time, then pause for a
keypress to continue or by pressing [F10], return to the menu. If
you continue through all the records note that the number printed
is provided for you at the end.
Press <Return> to return to the main menu. Now lets do another
report, but this time not use the macro. First press [4] (List
Records). At the next screen select [1] for sorted, then "N" for
printed copy. Now ABC asks for the index to sort the report on.
Enter [2]. You should get an error message telling you to resort
the file on that field! ABC will not let you print a report if the
index is not current! (We could press Return and sort the file on
the 2nd field now, but lets continue) Now re-enter [1], this is a
valid index, presorted and included with your distribution disk.
ABC will respond with "List all the records ? ". Enter "Y" and
press <Return>. (If we would have responded with "N", ABC would
ask for our selection methods and the field to compare to, you can
try that later, see 4.0)
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Now ABC asks for the fields to include in the report, ....enter 4,
3, 2, 1 ,(<Return> after each number, no comma's). To end the
process press <Return> again. The report will list to the screen
with only the fields you have selected. Notice you printed the 4th
field in the first column, the 3rd in the second, etc. With ABC
you can print any field in any column. They don't have to be
consecutive, and any field may be omitted. You may also include
extra spaces between any field by simply typing "Sn" when asked
for the next field, where "n" equals the number of spaces to place
between the field last entered and the field about to be entered.
Press <Return> to return to the main menu. Now an example of the
find function. Press [F3]. One screen will flash by (We're using
another Macro!). Enter "IBM" in response to the prompt, and
press <Enter>. The record will be displayed almost immediately.
This "Find" function utilizes a binary search and find times will
remain nearly constant no matter how many records are in the file.
Notice by pressing "A" you will advance one position in the index
in use, "B" will back up to where you were. You may also delete,
recall, change, or write any record with a single keypress from
the find function. When Advancing or Backingup the relative
position in the datafile is displayed for your convienence.
Pressing "E" will Exit back to the main menu.
Lets end this demo with a quick look at the add record function.
Press [1] from the main menu. Notice the inverse video to the
right of the "Enter Vendor" prompt. This visually shows the
maximum number of characters you may enter into this field. Typing
past this point will cause an error message. Try it now, type
anything past the inverse outline and press <Enter>. ABC will tell
you of an entry error and ask you to re-enter. Now, press <Enter>
with the inverse area blank and ABC will return to the main menu.
This is how we exit this function. Return to the add record
function by typing [1] from the menu and enter a new record,
typing dummy info into each field when asked. When finished answer
"N" to the prompt verifying that all is OK, select a field number
to change, Press <Enter> , and see how ABC allows us to correct
our mistakes. When finished answer "Y" to OK? and press <Enter> on
a blank first field to exit. ABC will re-sort the primary index
(On field 1), and return us to the main menu.
Page 8
Well, that gives you a taste of how ABC works and of its
capabilities. Read the rest of the documentation for details on
the many more features included, define your own file, and put us
to good use!
0.4 - Defining a DataBase
-------------------------
Now, to define a DataBase....First we must select a name for the
database. Naming restrictions are the same as those for all
regular DOS file names with one exception. DO NOT enter an
extension for the name (No .ext!), ABC-FILE will assign the .Dat
extension to each file you define. As with DOS you are allowed a
maximum of Eight characters with no spaces, you may use the
underscore character if it is imbedded in the name (I.E. MY_FILE).
See your DOS manuel for more information. Choose a name that
describes the files contents so you will know what it is the next
time you see it!
Next you will be asked to enter the drive on which the file will
be saved (Stored). Enter A,B,C, or D as applicable.
If you have chosen a "New" name for your file ABC will beep and
respond with "NEW FILE". A prompt at the bottom of the screen
will ask you to confirm that you want to define the new file.
Press "Y" and (RETURN) to continue. (If you have misspelled your
file name or wish to change it enter "N" (RETURN) to re-enter the
file name.
ABC will respond with the prompt, "Enter field #1 Name ?".
Enter the name of your first field. Field names may be in
lowercase (recomended) and may include any character as well as
spaces. In effect, anything but a blank may be entered, and
seperated or 2 part names will work very well later on in the
prompts. The Maximum length is 8 Characters.
Page 9
Examples - New Cust - LastName
- 1st Name - Time 24H
- Line #1 - Key Word
- Zip Code - ABC Cust
NOTE * If you intend to use this file for mailing labels see
"4.1 Labels".
Pressing enter after the field name will produce the following
prompt "Enter Field #1 length?". Respond with a number equal to
the maximum number of characters you will need to store the
necessary information. The number must be between 2 - 50. Disk
space will be wasted if you choose an excessively long field, and
you won't have enough room if you do not define a long enough
field so give it some thought. Do not forget to include spaces
for the hyphens in phone numbers, etc.
If you wish to define the field to be numeric place a capital "N"
immediately following the field length, and immediately following
the "N" a number from 0-9 specifying the number of decimals.
Example... 5N2 or 10N1
Remember, the "N" MUST be in uppercase! This is necessary due to
the manner in which ABC parses the command string . It is
recomended that 8 to 10 characters be defined for field length
with all numeric fields to allow for space to print totals in
reports later on. The decimal specifier is required for all
numeric fields, even those not using decimals ("0").
Another feature available with numeric fields is defining a field
to be the result of a calculation made on two PREVIOUSLY DEFINED
FIELDS. The calculated field must occur in the record AFTER the
fields that combine to be it's value. In other words, you can't
define field #1 to be the product of field #2 * field #3. You can
define #3 to be the product of #1 * #2. The Method for including
calculations follows some pretty strick rules so study the
following examples carefully. The necessary identifier that tells
ABC to make a calculation is the backstroke "\". This symbol must
follow the decimal specifier (I.E. 10N2\ ). Following the "\" is
the first field in the calculation , then the operator, and then
the second field in the calculation. The fields entered MUST be
two digit numbers. To enter field 1, you must enter it as "01", 3
as "03", etc. The operators available are + - * / , representing
Plus, Minus, Multiply, and Divide.
Page 10
Example....
Lets pretend we are defining a Datafile to be used for stock
inventory. We define the first two fields to be "Partname" and
"Part Num". These are character fields of 20 char each in length.
We decide to define field #3 as "Quanity" and specify it to be
numeric as follows...10N1. Now we define field #4 as "Price Ea"
and also make it numeric as ....10N2. We decide it would be to our
advantage to have a running total of "Quanity" * "Price" for
individual parts as well as in reports so we define field #5 to be
the product of field #3 * field #4 as follows, 10N2\03*04.
Now, anytime we add records to the file ABC will not prompt us to
enter field #5, but simply skip to the next field (If there is
another). If we enter some records, when we go back and look at
them we'll see that ABC made the necessary calculations and
entered the current total into the record for us. Also, if we
locate the record with the find function and elect to change field
#3 or #4, we'll see the new total fill into field #5
automatically. Any Reports we choose to format will total and
average the calculated fields just as if they were entered fields.
Any number of uses can take advantage of this feature, let your
imagination run and see what you can come up with. We've defined
files for Sales,Costs, then calculate profit and % of profit.
Inventory files could contain minimum quanity and calculate the
required reorder to maintain it, etc.etc.etc.
Rules review for Numeric fields...
* The N must be in uppercase "N"
* You must specify the number of decimals "N2" (0-9)
* Calculated field indentifier "\"
* Field Identfiers for calculations must be two (2) digits.
Enter 1 as "01" , 5 as "05" , etc
* Available operators + - * /
* Valid entries... 8N3\10/05 8N2\02+06 10N2\01-09
Page 11
Continue in this manner until you have defined all the fields in
your DataFile. If you make a mistake or want to start over anytime
during the definition process enter "99" to field name and press
enter.
Once all are defined, if you have not reached the 12 field limit,
press enter when prompted for the next field name to end the
process. If you are using all 12 fields,after you enter the 12th
definition ABC will end the process automatically.
ABC-FILE will now display the fields defined and pause waiting for
a key press. Press (RETURN) to go to the main menu.
0.5 - The Menu, Help, Sound and Colors
--------------------------------------
You should now be viewing the main menu. Notice your file name is
displayed in the upper right corner. In the upper left corner the
number of Records on File is displayed for your information. If
you have just defined this file the ROF will equal 0.
Notice the three prompts across the bottom of the screen (Sound
off/on, Help, Color).These functions are accessed by pressing the
appropreate arrow keys on the numeric key pad as follows....
Left Arrow ( <-- ) - Sound toggle, turns the "Beep" on or off
Up Arrow ( ^ ) - Displays help screens. Follow the arrow
key immediately with a function number
for specific help (You have to be fast,
no more than a second delay between
the up arrow and a key 1-9). Up arrow
only starts at screen 0 and you can page
on through screen 9.
Right Arrow (--> ) - Allows you to change the color
configuration of the screen.
Page 12
*****************************************************************
MACROS - There are four (4) macros available from the Main menu,
they are...
[F3] Find function, indexed on field #1
[F4] List function, indexed on field #1, to the screen, "A"
[F5] List function, " " " " , to the printer, "A"
[F6] List function, " " " " , to the printer, "AC"
******************************************************************
The main functions (1 - 9) all begin and end from the menu screen.
Read 1.0 thru 9.0 for a description. (Please note, the chapter
numbers correspond with the menu selection to simplify using this
documentation).
l.0 - Adding Records
--------------------
To add new records to your DataFile enter "1" from the main menu.
ABC will respond with "Enter (yourfield)_____________". The
inverse video corresponds to the length you defined earlier for
this field. Typing past the inverse video will result in a "Entry
Error " and a low tone Beep. Type in the information for each
field in order when prompted to do so. To abort the addition of
records press enter with field #1 Blank.
When each record is complete ABC will ask "Are Entries OK?". If
you respond "Y" you will be given the next record to enter. a "N"
will result in the following....
ABC will number the fields, 1 thru the record length. Enter the
number of the field to change. The cursor will move to the proper
field and you may re-enter the correct data. You may do this any
number of times, changing any and all of the fields until correct.
Page 13
To abort or exit after you have begun elect to change field #1 and
replace the current data with a blank.
After you have completed a session of adding records, press enter
on field #1 and ABC will construct an index file built on the
first field automatically. You will see the prompt "Indexing
Files" as this takes place. When complete ABC will return to the
main menu.
Note - Any calculated fields will be skipped during the entry
procedure.
2.0 - Finding Records by Number
-------------------------------
ABC-FILE keeps track of where any given record is in your file by
Record Number. The last record entered will have the number
corresponding to the ROF=n shown on the main menu screen. This
function provides a means to view any record selectively by record
number. This could be handy to look at the last record you
entered from a previous session to see where to begin again, etc.
Press (RETURN) or enter "0" to exit the function. The present
range shown at the top right of the screen details the acceptable
entries.
No functions other than viewing are accessable from this screen.
3.0 - Binary Search (Find Records)
----------------------------------
Use this function to find records quickly (typically 1 - 1.5
seconds) even in large DataFiles. The search criteria may be
compared to any field in the file but the field chosen MUST BE
INDEXED! ABC always maintains and keeps current the index built
on field #1 of every DataFile, You may elect to index on
additional fields but this must be done manually after each entry
or pack of the datafile using the "Sort Records" function (#5).
Page 14
To "FIND" records enter "3" from the main menu. ABC will respond
with the Index Selection Screen. Select which field (By Number)
you wish to have your search criteria compared to. Every field in
your DataFile is displayed and numbered for your convenience under
the heading "Indexes Available". Remember only #1 is maintained
automatically, you must sort the file on any others if it has
changed since the last sort.
Once the index is selected you will go to "Binary Search Entry
Screen". A prompt will ask "Enter (yourfield) to Find ?". Enter
either Full or Partial search criteria for ABC to locate.
(Index files are built on the first 10 characters of a field so
anything past 10 will be ignored). If the record desired is in
the DataFile it will be displayed almost immediately, if not ABC
will say "(your entry) not found, press E to Exit or Return
to Continue". Pressing return will allow entry for another search
,E will return you to the Main Menu.
Once the desired record is found a number of functions are
available. We will cover A)dvance and B)ackup here, see 3.n for
others.
To advance a position in the Index chosen simply press "A", to
Backup press "B". In both cases ABC will show you your relative
position in the index. A)dvancing or B)acking up past the
beginning or end of the Index will result in ABC returning to the
original Entry Screen.
Anytime you are looking at a given record on the screen it may be
deleted, recalled, changed, or written to a disk file. See the
following chapters for details.
To end the find function and return to the main menu enter E or
Press return when asked for search criteria.
******************************************************************
Macros available from find function....
[F8] Recall the displayed record and backup
[F9] Delete the displayed record and advance
******************************************************************
Page 15
3.1 - Deleting Records
----------------------
To delete records from the datafile "Find" the proper record (See
3.0) and with it displayed on the screen simply press "D". A
prompt will ask if you are sure, respond "Y" or "N". If you
respond "Y", ABC will say "Record Deleted" and you will notice a
"*" placed at the beginning of the first field. At this point the
record is not permantly deleted and may be R)ecalled by the "R"
entry. (See 3.2) The "Pack Records" function must be used to
permantly remove records from the file (See 6.0).
Until the file is Re-Indexed you may still find the deleted record
in the normal fashion. Once re-indexed you can find all "Deletes"
by searching for a "*" in field #1.
Responding with a "N" will leave the record unchanged.
3.2 - Recalling Records
-----------------------
Records may be recalled after deletion by finding (See 3.0) and
simply pressing "R" to recall. You will notice the deleted marker
("*") will be removed from the first field.
Remember, once a datafile is Packed deleted records are gone
Forever and cannot be recalled!
ABC will tell you "Record is not deleted!" If you press "R" on an
active record.
3.3 - Modifying Existing Records
--------------------------------
To change the information stored in any record in the DataFile,
find the desired record as in 3.0. When viewing the appropriate
record type "C" for C)hange.
Page 16
ABC will respond by numbering the available fields and prompting
you for a field number to change. Enter the desired field number
(or press enter to abort) and ABC will ask for the new data. At
the "Enter New (yourfield)?" prompt type in the new information
and press enter. ABC error checks the length of the new data
entered and will respond "TOO LONG!" if the field length is
exceeded. You will then see your "NEW" data in the displayed
record.
Please note; if you change information in an Indexed field you
should resort the file from the ""5"" selection to keep the Index
current!
3.4 - Writing Individual Records to WS/MM File
----------------------------------------------
To output individual records to a file to be used by Wordstar/Mail
Merge(TM) simply locate the record as in 3.0. You may page
forward or backward in the DataFile reviewing records at will (A
or B from the Find function).
To write a record to the output file just press "W" with the
record displayed. ABC will respond with a Beep and print
"Done..." on the screen to verify.
The file written to will have the Name of your DataFile with an
extension of ".MRG" (I.E. MAILLIST.MRG). All 12 fields are
written to the file, even if you DON'T HAVE 12 DEFINED. A
carriage return is inserted after each entry. In some Mailmerge
type programs it may be necessary to include "dummy" varibles for
the unused fields (If any) written to the file. Wordstar works
fine without the "dummy" varibles, you will have to experiment
with others to see.
Fields are written delimited with (") and (,). The file written
to is appended to(I.E. added to). If a new file is desired it will
be necessary to delete the existing (filename.MRG) file from disk
before entering ABC-FILE. This function allows for ongoing
additions to a mailmerge file allowing creation of a "Preferred
Customer" or "Close Friend", etc. file and making additions over a
period of time.
* Wordstar & Mailmerge are registered trade marks of MicroPro Int.
Page 17
4.0 - Reports (List Records)
----------------------------
The list function is the most involved and perhaps the hardest of
the menu selections to master due to its complexity. However,
once mastered (It's not that hard!) you can utilize the IBM's
type ahead capabilities and quickly enter 4 or 5 commands at once
from the menu and have a report listing to the screen or printer
in no time at all! To begin, lets start slowly and cover each
step in detail.
First, select the #4 option from the main menu. ABC will respond
with enter "1" for Sorted, "2" by record number.
The "2" is the easy selection so we will cover it first. Press
"2", the screen will clear and the records in your file will begin
to scroll down the screen in the order in which they were entered
(By record number). Only the first two fields are displayed in
this version as well as the record number. You may press Control
NumLock to stop the scrolling at anytime and then (RETURN) to
continue.
That's it, that's all you can do from here! The function was
included only to allow a listing of records by number if the need
should arise.
You could use this to verify that a record was entered and where
it is relative to other enteries, perhaps to take note of its
spelling if difficulties were encountered in "Finding". There is
no way to abort the printing of all the records in the file, so if
you have a large DataFile be prepared to watch them roll by for a
while!
Many more options are provided from the "1" selection and you will
utilize it much more often....
Page 18
The "#1" selection will present a number of prompts requiring your
input as to how to format your report. After pressing "4" from
the main menu and then "1" for sorted, you will see the following
prompt.
Do You Want Hardcopy? (1,2,3 or 4) Y/N ?
At this point you have six (6) options on how to proceed. You may
respond to this prompt with a 1,2,3 or 4, a "Y" or a "N". Each
selection is covered in detail in the following chapters (4.1 thru
4.6) and the generic information on 4.05, please read on.....
4.05 - More About Report (List Records)
---------------------------------------
For Sorted reports (Selection 4,1 ) from the main menu, as stated
before you have six (6) options, they are....
1 = Mailing Labels, 2 part Names
2 = Mailing Labels, 1 part Names
3 = Out put to WS/MM file
4 = Out put to disk file
N = Report to the screen
Y = Report to the printer
We are going to put the cart before the horse for a moment and
explain what happens after one of the above selections and then go
into detail for each of the above, bear with us....
After selecting one of the six options ABC will respond with the
familiar "Index Selection Screen" to determine how you want the
report sorted. Enter a field number and press [Enter].
After doing so you will see "Validating (yoursortfield) Index".
If the Index is current you will advance to the next step, if it
is not current, ABC will respond with "Resort File on (yourfield)"
and you will be given the opportunity to select another field for
the index. (Pressing Return at this point will take you to the
main menu)
Page 19
Once a current Index is selected (ABC will not let you print a
report with a non-current index) you will be asked "List all the
Records Y/N ?" A response of "Y" will advance you to the next
step, "N" will produce the following prompt.
"Enter field to Select on?". Enter the field in your file you
wish the selection to compare to (1 thru NumberOfFields).
You will notice the field chosen for the Index will be marked with
"Sort -->" and the field to select on marked with "<-- Sel" to
remind you of where you are.
Once the selection field is chosen you will be asked to tell ABC
how to compare the search criteria to the field. To the prompt
"Compare How A,B,C,D,E,F,?", select a method and enter A - F
A = Equal to ( = )
B = Not Equal to ( <> )
C = Greater than ( > )
D = Less than ( < )
E = Keyword
F = Not Keyword
Once A - F is entered ABC will say "Enter Criteria to Compare
(SelectHow) with (yourfield)?
Enter your selection criteria in response to this prompt, for
example...
If field #3 was "City" in a mailing list and you selected "A"
(Equal to) you could enter "Chicago" for your selection criteria
and print a report of all the enteries in the mailing list in
Chicago. If you selected "B" for "Compare how?" (Not equal to)
the report would contain entries from everywhere BUT Chicago. Zip
Codes and Customer Number fields would be prime candidates for the
"C" and "D" selection methods " > and < " and so on.
The keyword function checks for the occurance of the selection
criteria anywhere in the selection field, for example, if you
choose a keyword search ("E") and entered the selection criteria
of "AS", a report of all records containing "AS" anywhere in the
selection field would be printed. The "Not Keyword" ("F") would
do the opposite.
Page 20
This can be a very powerful means of selecting records, give some
thought to how best to utilize it.
Once all that is behind us, we next have to tell ABC-FILE how to
format the report. There are a few options here so lets review
them.
Manual Entry
------------
You may enter the fields to be included in the report, one at a
time and in any order. The fields again are numbered and the
entry is of the selected field number. You may print field #12 in
position 1 by entering it first, or field #5 in position 3 or
whatever. As you select a field to include ABC will print on the
screen the position in the report it will occur. For instance, if
you select field #5 to print in the 1st position (on the very
left) you will see field #5 in caps with a #1 beside it to
indicate its position in the report.
As you add fields to the report manually a line will appear
showing the current report width. If the report is to be printed
to the screen the maximum width is 75 characters, if it's going to
the printer, the maximum width is 132 characters. If you come
close to the maximum ABC will Beep and flash the maximum as a
reminder.
The default space between report columns is 1. If you would like
the spacing changed in your report after entering the left most
column, tell ABC how many spaces to allow between the column just
entered and the next column about to be entered by entering "Sn",
where "n" is the number of spaces to insert before the next
column. The width status line will change to reflect the width
including the added spaces and MAY BE CHANGED AGAIN before the
next field is entered. This allows you to space a report and if
you see you have added too many spaces between columns to
accomadate the next field, to RE-ENTER "Sn" with fewer spaces.
You may do this any number of times until the status line reflects
the desired number of spaces to start the next field.
Page 21
If you exceed the maximum line width allowed ABC will respond with
"Too Wide" and force you to start over.
If you have started defining a report and want to start over,
enter "99".
AUTOMATIC
---------
ABC-FILE will automatically format your reports for you, with
little to no effort on your part.
When asked to define the fields in the report simply enter"A" for
automatic and ABC will print the maximum number of fields in the
allowable line width. They are chosen beginning with #1, then #2,
etc., until the next field would exceed the maximum line width.
If a "Summary" only report is desired enter "SUM" when asked for a
field to include, then define the fields to summarize or enter "A"
for automatic. This option will not print individual records, but
print the totals and averages of the selected records only.
If the report is to be output to the printer "A" will output a
maximum of 75 columns and "AC" [for A)utomatic C)ompressed] will
output a maximum of 132 columns. (AC has no effect to the screen)
Some commands differ based on selections from the original "Do you
want Hardcopy (1,2,3 or 4) Y/N?" Please see 4.1 thru 4.6 for
further details on each selection.
4.1 - Labels (2 part Names)
---------------------------
Use this selection to print mailing labels of selected records
when the first two fields of your file are for two part names
(I.E. First, Last or Last, First, etc.).
ABC will trim the first field to properly space the second field
and print them both on the first line of the label.
ABC will ask you to specify the number of linefeeds between labels
. You may respond with <Enter> for the default of three, or enter
a number of your choosing.
Page 22
You will not be asked to define the fields to include, the first
six fields are includes automatically and should be....
1 - First or Last
2 - First or Last
3 - Address
4 - City
5 - State
6 - Zip
(All functions other than defining fields are active)
4.2 - Labels (One part Name)
----------------------------
Use this selection to print mailing labels of selected records
when the first field contains the complete name.
This selection would normally be used for customer mailing lists
with the DataFile defined as ...
1 - Customer
2 - Address
3 - City
4 - State
5 - Zip
6 - Attn.
(See 4.1 for other details)
4.3 - To WS/MM File
-------------------
This selection will output all 12 fields of your file to a disk
file for use by a wordstar/mailmerge type program. This also may
prove handy for output of selected records for use by another
program that can read the fields delimited with (",).
Field selection and sorting are available as in any report format.
(You will not be asked to define the fields to output)
Page 23
ABC will ask you to supply a File Name to output records to. Use a
Name that will help you identify the contents later on, as in
Chicago.Cst, or Pastdue.Act , etc.
A variety of information can be automatically inserted in
mailmerge type letters using this function.
As mentioned earlier, since all 12 fields are output to the file,
some mailmerge type programs may require you to identify the
unused fields (If any) with dummy varibles (See 3.4).
4.4 - Outputting reports to Disk File
-------------------------------------
This selection allows you to output any or all of the fields in
your records to a disk file. All commands are available as are
used in any report, including the A)utomatic function for "fields
to include".
This is expecially handy for outputting selected fields of
selected records to other programs or for importing into another
ABC DataFile.
If you wanted to create another DataFile of only certain
customers, you could output only the fields selected for records
meeting a certain criteria (I.E. City = Chicago) and then use
import (Selection #7 from the main menu) to copy them into an
existing or new DataFile.
If creating a new datafile from existing records,fields can be
added between existing fields by using the "Sn" (Spaces) command
after a field already entered. In other words, if copying out
fields 1 thru 8, with a desire for a new field between 4 & 5,
after entering 4, enter "S10", and then enter 5 thru 8. This will
result in a file containing NINE fields, with #5 being blank and
containing 10 spaces. Any number of fields can be added, but only
one between any two existing fields, and none after the last
field.
Fields output are delimited with a (C/R), and are in standard
ASCII form.
Page 24
4.5 - Reports to the Screen
---------------------------
Enter "N" in response to "Do you want Hardcopy?"
All report functions are active, selected records will be output
to the screen for viewing.
Display format is 19 records per page with titles across the top.
Pressing return at the end of a page will cause the next page to
be displayed. F10 may be pressed at the end of any page to return
to the menu.
A count of the records displayed will be printed at the end of the
report.
4.6 - Reports to the Printer
----------------------------
Enter "Y" in response to "Do you want Hardcopy?"
After entering selection methods and sort field, selected fields
will be output to the printer. If the line width exceeds 80
characters, compressed print will be selected automatically.
All report functions are available including A)utomatic
field selection (75 Char) and also A)utomatic C)ompressed field
selection (AC) for 132 Char reports.
5.0 - Sorting Records
---------------------
This function provides for Sorting or Indexing the DataFile on any
field. Sorts can be made in Ascending or Desending order, as you
prefer. After a sort is made, the resultant index file is written
to disk with the name (DataFile) + (Index field Number) + .NDX.
You may have as many different index files as you have fields in
your file. Index files are stored on the same drive as you
designated earlier for the DataFile.
Page 25
Remember, the index on the first field of your file is automatic
and kept current by ABC after each entry or deletion to the
DataFile. You may have as many other index files as you wish, but
they must be resorted with this function after changes are made to
the DataFile.
A prompt will advise you of the status of the sort as it
progresses and when complete will allow you to go directly to the
report function if you desire.
6.0 - Packing Records
---------------------
This selection allows for permanent removal of deleted records
from the DataFile. You will be advised of this before it takes
place and you must respond with "Y" to proceed.
If you elect to proceed you will see the progress of the pack
function as it reads and rewrites non-deleted records back to the
file. Deleted records will be removed. Each time one is found
for removal you will hear a high pitch Beep and the removed record
will be printed to the screen. The total removed, packed and
deleted will be reported during the pack operation.
Upon completion ABC will re-index the DataFile on the first field
and wait for a key press to return to the main menu.
Remember, once deleted records are packed there is no chance of
recall!!
If no deleted records are found ABC will read and re-write all
records to the file and return to the menu, without re-indexing or
pausing.
Page 26
7.0 - Importing files from Other Programs & ABC
-----------------------------------------------
Use the Import function as an alternate means of entering new
records into a DataFile. If the DataFile you are appending to
already contains records, new records added by this function will
be appended to the existing file exactly as if you had typed them
in the normal fashion.
If the DataFile to append to did not exist prior to the import
function, YOU MUST DEFINE IT PRIOR TO THE IMPORT USING THE CHANGE
(#8) FILES COMMAND.
Basically, IMPORT reads in ASCII Files delimited with (C/R)s and
inserts this data into your file. The file appended from is read
sequentially so special care must be taken in defining the
DataFile to contain the same number of fields as are represented
in the "FROM" file. (I.E. The file appended from will contain
information written in a repetitive manner).
If it contains a mailing list the information will repeat every
(X) times, for instance Name, Address, City, State, Name, Address,
City, State and so on. In this case it would be imperative that
the DataFile chosen to "Append to" be made up of four (4) fields
so that the data "read" was placed in the appropriate field. If
it mistakenly contained 5 fields the first record written would
contain Name, Address, City, State and Name again! Now we are out
of sequence and successive records would contain garbage.
Import can also be used to create new DataFiles from information
contained in existing files. Selected information can be written
to a tempory file using the report (4,1,4) function (See 4.0 &
4.4). Then create a new DataFile using the Change Files (#8)
selection from the menu and then append the data "IN" with the
import function.
Page 27
Here are the steps again....
#1 - Select List, Sorted, Output to Disk File (4,1,4)
#2 - Select Index, All or part of the Records and selection
criteria.
#3 - Identify the fields to be written to the TempFile
#4 - Define the new DataFile to ABC (8) with one field for
each field output from the original in Step #3
#5 - Select Import Files (7) and when prompted for a file
name to append from enter <TempFile>.
NOTE * Remember, the list function allows any or all fields to be
written in any order. Keeping this in mind it is easy to
reconstruct a DataFile, moving fields, eliminating some, or adding
fields, etc. Also, the selection functions provide for writing
only records meeting certain criteria. These features combine to
produce the ability to reconstruct your DataFile in practically
any form, containing only selected records as you desire.
Import does not create index files automatically, when complete it
will be necessary to resort the file to create/update any indexes
required.
******************************************************************
[NOTE] If IMPORTING files from other programs that are delimited
with comma's (,) or double quotes (") or both (",) process the
file first with the program ABCONVRT.BAS, included on the
distribution disk. It will read in the foreign data and write it
out to a new file with the fields delimited in ABC fashion. This
program is run from basica and may be started from DOS with the
BASICA ABCONVRT command.(Of course, a copy of basic must be
present on the default drive and a drive identifier may be
necessary for ABCONVRT).Files written will have a ".IMP" extension
and may be "Imported" as described above.
******************************************************************
Page 28
7.1 - Using DBII-ABC Import
---------------------------
This is an external function of the ABC system (Not available from
the menu!). It requires the DBII-ABC.EXE file and of course
Ashton Tate's dBase II to output from.
This function provides a means to transport existing dBase II
files to ABC-FILE. When using this function DataFiles are
"Created", not appended to. (To append the standard
"Import"function should be selected)
From dBase II "Use" the desired file. Issue the following command
to instruct dBase to write the desired output to a TEMPFILE.
* COPY [FIELDS FIELD1, FIELD2, etc.] TO TEMPFILE SDF
This will cause dBase II to output the data in what they call
System Data Format (ASCII files W/O delimiters with a C/R after
each record).
Before exiting dBase take note of the order of the fields, the
length of each field and the total length of each record (The sum
of the field length).
After doing so, exit dBase and copy TEMPFILE to the ABC-FILE disk
containing DBII-ABC.EXE. Now, from DOS type DBII-ABC. After
loading, the program will prompt you for the name of the file to
append from. Enter TEMPFILE. Next you will be asked for the name
of the file to write to. Enter your New DataFile name. Now
DBII-ABC will ask for the length of each record, Enter the "Sum
of the field lengths" from your notes.
Now DBII-ABC will proceed to read the data from TEMPFILE and write
it out in the exact format used by ABC-FILE for DataFiles. The
operation is fairly fast so it will not take long. After creating
the new ".DAT" file, it will also create the reqired ".NUM" file,
advise you of what is being done, and then load ABC-FILE for you.
Page 29
Upon entering ABC, proceed to the second screen (after sign-on)
and Enter your "NEWFILE" Name when asked. Proceed to DEFINE the
field names and lengths to ABC. For proper operation, IT IS
IMPERITIVE THAT THE FIELDS BE IN THE SAME ORDER AS THEY WERE IN
dBASE II'S COPY COMMAND, Also the FIELD LENGTH MUST BE THE SAME.
That is all there is to it, now create any required index files
with "Sort Records" (5) and begin using your new file. You will
find that ABC's Sort is much faster than the dBASE II sort
function.
* dBASE II is a Registered Trademark of Ashton-Tate.
8.0 - Changing Files
--------------------
Use this function when you want to change to a different DataFile
or define a new DataFile.(If you need to list the predefined files
to refresh your memory, type a "?" for a file name) If the file
name has already been defined, ABC will list the field definitions
for you information. If not, you will be asked to define the new
file. (See 0.4)
9.0 - MISC.
-----------
QUITING
-------
The (9) selection from the menu will allow you to exit ABC,
returning to DOS. (An alternate means of exiting is to press
return when prompted for a DataFile Name on screen 2)
Page 30
SAMPLE PROGRAMS
---------------
The following sample programs are included on your disk.
SAMPLE.DAT NUMSAM.DAT
SAMPLE.CFG NUMSAM.CFG
SAMPLE.NUM NUMSAM.NUM
SAMPLE1.NDX NUMSAM1.NDX
ABC-FILE - How, how much, and where ?
-------------------------------------
ABC-FILE is made available as User Supported Software, We
encourage you to copy it and share it with your friends. If you
find the program to be of value, a contribution of $30.00 would be
appreciated. Contributions should be sent to....
DND Enterprises
6215 Quiet Water Pl.
Charlotte, N.C. 28214
704-393-0489
ABCONVRT.BAS
10 '****************************************************************************
20 '******** Copywrite 1984 DND Enterprises All rights reserved ********
30 '******** Program to convert files delimited with ", to ABC-FILE ********
40 '****************************************************************************
50 ON ERROR GOTO 130:KEY OFF:CLS:FLDNUM=0
60 LOCATE 5,5:INPUT "ENTER FILENAME TO IMPORT TO ABC-FILE:";OLDFILE$:IF LEN(OLDFILE$)>12 THEN BEEP:GOTO 60:ELSE IF OLDFILE$="" THEN CLOSE:SYSTEM
70 OPEN OLDFILE$ FOR INPUT AS #1:GOSUB 140
80 LOCATE 7,5:INPUT "ENTER ABC-FILE TO CREATE (NEW FILE):";NEWFILE$:IF INSTR(NEWFILE$,".")>0 OR LEN(NEWFILE$)>8 THEN LOCATE 25,5:BEEP:PRINT "MAX LEN=8, NO EXTENSION!";:GOTO 80
90 GOSUB 140:OPEN NEWFILE$+".IMP" FOR OUTPUT AS #2:WHILE NOT EOF(1):FLDNUM=FLDNUM+1:INPUT #1,A$:LOCATE 10,5:PRINT "WORKING,FIELD #"FLDNUM;:PRINT #2,A$;CHR$(13);:WEND:CLOSE
100 PRINT:PRINT:PRINT TAB(5) "Your file has been written to disk in ABC-FILE format ,":PRINT:PRINT TAB(5) "PRESS [RETURN]"
110 NXT$=INKEY$:IF NXT$=CHR$(13) THEN 120 ELSE GOTO 110
120 CLS:SYSTEM
130 IF ERR=53 THEN LOCATE 25,5:BEEP:PRINT "FILE NOT FOUND";:RESUME 60:ELSE LOCATE 25,5:BEEP:PRINT "SORRY, UNDEFINEABLE ERROR, RE-TRY";:SYSTEM
140 LOCATE 25,5:PRINT SPACE$(40);:RETURN
CRC.TXT
PC-SIG Disk No. #119, version v1_1
The following is a list of the file checksums which should be produced by
the CRCK4 program on disk #9 (and others). If the CRC numbers do not match
you may have a bad file. To use type: CRCK4 <filespec>
CRCK4 output for this disk:
CRCK ver 4.2B (MS DOS VERSION )
CTL-S pauses, CTL-C aborts
--> FILE: ABCFILE .DOC CRC = 80 4D
--> FILE: ABCFILE .EXE CRC = F3 23
--> FILE: ABCFILE .HLP CRC = C0 6D
--> FILE: ABCONVRT.BAS CRC = 9C 1E
--> FILE: AUTOEXEC.BAT CRC = 00 00
--> FILE: DBII-ABC.EXE CRC = D0 46
--> FILE: NUMSAM .CFG CRC = D0 A4
--> FILE: NUMSAM .DAT CRC = 4B EA
--> FILE: NUMSAM .NUM CRC = 22 C4
--> FILE: NUMSAM1 .NDX CRC = D4 EC
--> FILE: README .1ST CRC = B6 00
--> FILE: SAMPLE .CFG CRC = A7 C9
--> FILE: SAMPLE .DAT CRC = EB 27
--> FILE: SAMPLE .NUM CRC = 90 F2
--> FILE: SAMPLE1 .NDX CRC = EC 2B
--> FILE: XXX . CRC = E4 AF
---------------------> SUM OF CRCS = 5F 3B
DONE
These and other Public Domain and user-supported programs from:
PC Software Interest Group
1125 Stewart Ct Suite G
Sunnyvale, CA 94086
(408) 730-9291
Directory of PC-SIG Library Disk #0119
Volume in drive A has no label
Directory of A:\
ABCFILE DOC 60288 1-11-80 11:47p
ABCFILE EXE 88064 1-11-80 12:48p
ABCFILE HLP 14276 1-11-80 4:37p
ABCONVRT BAS 1062 1-11-80 4:37p
AUTOEXEC BAT 14 1-11-80 12:00a
DBII-ABC EXE 23168 1-01-80 4:47p
NUMSAM CFG 128 1-11-80 5:10p
NUMSAM DAT 896 1-11-80 11:38p
NUMSAM NUM 128 1-11-80 5:44p
NUMSAM1 NDX 256 1-11-80 5:44p
README 1ST 647 1-11-80 4:57p
SAMPLE CFG 137 1-11-80 6:05p
SAMPLE DAT 7040 1-11-80 6:04p
SAMPLE NUM 128 1-11-80 6:04p
SAMPLE1 NDX 640 1-11-80 6:05p
XXX 768 5-02-84 10:28p
CRC TXT 1313 11-09-84 2:47p
CRCK4 COM 1536 10-21-82 7:54p
18 file(s) 200489 bytes
112640 bytes free