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PC-SIG Diskette Library (Disk #799)
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Information about “SIDEFILE”
SIDEFILE is a memory-based database manager that works with relatively
small to medium sized files. These files can be subjected to extremely
fast manipulation because all of the data is stored in memory,
eliminating the constant slow down of accessing the disk for
information.
SIDEFILE is also a disk-based data manager that can operate on large
numbers of records in a manner similar to larger programs. In this
filing mode, SIDEFILE retains its easy to use interface and
spreadsheet-like screens while affording disk-based usage.
SIDEFILE is a fast, easy, and very forgiving program that attempts to
make life easier for all who regularly use small business or personal
data files for nearly any purpose. SIDEFILE lets you to manipulate
your many notes, lists and files with a flexibility approaching,
sometimes surpassing the talents of larger systems. You can also keep
some of your small spreadsheet-type applications in SIDEFILE instead of
in an expensive spreadsheet program. You can even do small editing
jobs right within SIDEFILE instead of having to find and load yet
another program such as a word processor or editor. Of course, all of
your SIDEFILE files will still be compatible with those other programs
should you choose to use them.
SIDEFILE uses two types of files: those with a built-in header line
(data file), and those without a built-in header line (text file). You
can perform all available commands with a data file, but not with a
text file. Text file manipulation is mostly for convenience.
SIDEFILE has proven to be one of the most flexible database programs
available for the IBM PC.
System Requirements: None.
How to Start: To start the SIDEFILE program, put your working disk in
one of your disk drives and type SF (press enter). You may type the
name of the data file you wish SIDEFILE to load right on the command
line -- SF DATAFILE (press enter).
File Descriptions:
??????? SF Example database file (11 files).
EXAMPLES DOC Documentation file explaining example files.
SF DOC Documentation file.
SF EXE Main program.
SF HLP Help file used by SF.EXE.
PADLOCK ADD Advertisement for another of the author's programs.
EXAMPLES.DOC
SideFile (tm) Examples Documentation
This file provides a short description of the example files
provided with the SideFile distribution disk.
ACCOUNTS.SF - A file to keep information on all of your accounts
up to date. Includes the companies address, telephone, and
your account number.
ADDRESS.SF - Very similar to the accounts.sf file, except this
one is for your friends and close contacts.
CHKBOOK.SF - This particular file is a check book for one bank,
one account. Every time you write a check or deposit money
into the account, enter into SideFile. You can get a total
of the Amount field at any time to find your current
balance. If you enter it in on the day you did the
transaction, the date field will come up with the right date
for you. When it comes time to balance your account, you
need to do only three things:
1. Delete all checks and deposits that cleared your
account. You do not need to add a line for service
charge because it will have 'cleared' your account.
2. Edit the 'Last BANK balance' record and put in the new
bank balance. Any line entries now left in the file
are checks and/or deposits that are already outstanding
for the next month (they did not clear this time).
3. Total the Amount field to see your new balance with
remaining entries.
Remember to add any new debits or credits as they occur,
just as you would keep your paper checkbook up to date.
The space before the 'Last BANK balance' entry is so that if
you sort on that field, the balance line will end up on top
of the list. Of course you can also sort or re-sort on the
date field.
CHKBOOK2.SF - This is another example of a check book system,
however this file uses two different accounts - banking and
checking. Try sorting on different fields while in the
EDITOR (with <F5>) to see the different affects. Use <Alt-
F9> to total the columns.
CONTACTS.SF - This list is for a person that works at Acme, a
large company with lots of departments. The employee also
has kept some of his personal, non-work related contacts,
separating them by description in the first field.
HOUSECAT.SF - Exactly like the computer catalog; this one is on
household items. Great for an insurance listing.
INVENTRY.SF - A short and simple example of an inventory.
NUMBERS.SF - A place to keep all of the numbers in your life - no
matter what the number, serial number, account number, etc.
belongs to, it can be kept with all the other numbers right
here in this list.
PHONE.SF - A little phone list for home. Print it out now and
then and tape it to the kitchen cabinet for the family to
use. As more numbers become important for the home, update
the list and print it out again.
PORTFOLO.SF - A busy file containing lots of information on
someone's 'money' accounts. Total the Amount field to get
green with envy (it's not ours!). All his accounts, the
why's, where's, when's, and the totals, it's all here.
The neat thing about this file is that when you receive a
report or statement from one of the accounts on the list,
get into SideFile and update the list. Then make sure to
edit the date field associated with that record. just press
<enter> when the date field appears in the edit block and
the current date will be added to the record. If you are
simply doing some file maintenance editing, then do not edit
that date field and the old date will be preserved. In the
EDITOR, just use the <arrow keys> to leave the date field
unchanged, or the <enter> key to leave it with the new date.
TODO.SF - Everyone needs a 'to do' list. You may be the type of
person that only wants to keep a list of long term projects,
or you may want a daily list. Whatever you want, you can
make a file like this work for you. Separate your notes out
by category, and then sort the list as you add to it for a
pictorial view of what's up. Print the list out and take it
with you. But be forewarned, you may become dependent upon
it.
FILES799.TXT
Disk No #799
Program name: SIDEFILE version 2.33
PC-SIG version 1.1
SIDEFILE is a memory-based database manager that works with relatively
small to medium sized files. These files can be subjected to extremely
fast manipulation because all of the data is stored in memory, eliminating
the constant slow down of accessing the disk for information.
SIDEFILE is also a disk-based data manager that can operate on large
numbers of records in a manner similar to larger programs. In this filing
mode, SIDEFILE retains its easy to use interface and spreadsheet-like
screens while affording disk-based usage.
SIDEFILE is a fast, easy, and very forgiving program that attempts to make
life easier for all who regularly use small business or personal data
files for nearly any purpose. SIDEFILE allows you to manipulate your many
notes, lists and files with a flexibility approaching, sometimes
surpassing the talents of larger systems. You can also keep some of your
small spreadsheet-type applications in SIDEFILE instead of in an expensive
spreadsheet program. You can even do small editing jobs right within
SIDEFILE instead of having to find and load yet another program such as a
word processor or editor. Of course, all of your SIDEFILE files will
still be compatible with those other programs should you choose to use
them.
SIDEFILE uses two types of files: those with a built-in header line (data
file), and those without a built-in header line (text file). You can
perform all available commands with a data file, but not with a text file.
Text file manipulation is mostly for convenience.
SIDEFILE has proven to be one of the most flexible database programs
available for the IBM PC.
Usage: Database.
System Requirements: None.
How to Start: To start the SIDEFILE program, put your working disk in one
of your disk drives and type SF (press enter). You may type the name of
the data file you wish SIDEFILE to load right on the command line -- SF
DATAFILE (press enter).
Suggested Registration: $29.95
File Descriptions:
??????? SF Example database file (11 files).
EXAMPLES DOC Documentation file explaining example files.
SF DOC Documentation file.
SF EXE Main program.
SF HLP Help file used by SF.EXE.
PADLOCK ADD Advertisement for another of the author's programs.
PC-SIG
1030D E Duane Avenue
Sunnyvale Ca. 94086
(408) 730-9291
(c) Copyright 1987 PC-SIG Inc.
GO.TXT
╔═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ <<<< Disk #799 SIDEFILE >>>> ║
╠═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╣
║ To copy the documentation to your printer type: ║
║ COPY SF.DOC PRN (press enter) ║
╚═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
SF.DOC
SIDEFILE (tm) - SHAREWARE VERSION
---------------------------------
This version of SideFile is distributed to you under the share-
ware marketing concept. Therefore this shareware distribution
diskette may be freely copied and shared with your friends. It
is not a full version of the SideFile program, although nearly
all of the functions work exactly like the registered version.
To obtain the fully operational registered version of SideFile,
simply fill out the order blank below and send it along with a
check for $29.95 to Security Software ($34.95 if you
would like the program on a 3 1/2 inch disk). The very latest
version will be sent to you promptly. A sample order blank is
provided below.
The shareware concept is being used to market SideFile for the
following reasons:
1. It allows people to try out a product before deciding to
invest money into it.
2. It allows software developers to be supported directly
by the end users.
3. Liberal distribution allows for large cuts in adver-
tising costs, thereby passing these savings onto the user.
If you are still using a shareware program after a couple of
weeks, or if you have developed an application for the product
for your use, then it should be obvious to you that the software
is worth something to you, and you should register with the
company who made it. We believe that this should certainly not
be too difficult a decision when you weigh the uses of SideFile
against its price.
Only by supporting the shareware concept can authors continue to
bring you useful software products at below market prices.
shareware allows everyone to benefit; the end user by allowing
software to be 'test driven' and by low price offerings, and the
maker by providing an inexpensive way to advertise a product.
Please remember three things when using this shareware version of
SideFile:
1. It is a partial version intended to acquaint you with the
program. You may use it as you wish. When you find a feature
that does not work with this version (all restrictions are listed
below), please remember that this was only done to prompt you to
buy our fully supported version.
2. A full version is available to you at any time. If you
elect to buy a supported version of SideFile from us, you will
obtain the following:
a. The most recent full version of the SideFile package
without any of the restrictions present in this shareware
version.
b. Automatic notice of SideFile updates and the right
to purchase such for a small maintenance fee.
c. Support for the program in the form of written (or
telephonic) responses to any questions you might have.
d. You will be supporting the concept that allowed you
to receive SideFile in the first place. Only with user support
can we continue to improve the product and perhaps offer you new
products.
3. THE FOLLOWING RESTRICTIONS ARE PRESENT IN THIS SHAREWARE
VERSION OF SIDEFILE:
a. File usage is restricted to the MEMORY-based mode
only. DISK-based mode is not available. A maximum of 1000
records can be used in MEMORY-based mode (depending on record
size). This should be more than enough for you to accomplish
small lists, banking accounts, and data lists, etc. The full
version allows up to 30000 records in it's DISK-based mode.
b. Conversion of dBASE II files and ASCII delimited
files through the SideTran Conversion Utility is not allowed.
The full SideFile package allows conversion of these types of
files to and from SideFile as long as they conform to SideFile's
maximum limits. However, SideFile's ASCII file format will still
allow transfer of data to and from many programs such as dBASE II
and III, Lotus 1-2-3, NutShell, BASIC.
c. Printer specification files may not be loaded into
SideFile. The default generic mode must be used. The full
version allows loading of printer specific files, which are
included on the registered distribution disk.
d. Access to DOS and the ability to run DOS programs or
enter DOS commands from within SideFile is not allowed. The full
version allows complete interfacing with DOS.
e. The opening screen contains a shareware sign-on
message that is not present in the full version. This screen may
not be over-ridden in the shareware version. The full version
allows this through command line sequences and default settings.
f. Filenames may not be entered on the DOS command line
when loading SideFile. The full version allows you to name a
data file for SideFile to load on startup.
g. The SideFile help file (SF.HLP) must be located on
the same drive/directory that is active when you start SideFile.
In the registered version, the DOS environment table may be used
to set the drive/directory where SF.HLP will always be located.
h. SideFile defaults may not be entered into the DOS
environment table. However, most defaults are still changeable
from the command line.
This list is fairly minor because SideFile is loaded with fea-
tures that will allow you to do things with your data files that
you may not be used to doing with other programs. Please read
the rest of this on-disk documentation for more about the
capabilities of the SideFile program.
We thank you for your interest in SideFile and hope to hear from
you for an upgrade to the registered version. But if we don't,
Please enjoy this shareware version with our complements.
By the way, please feel free to give your shareware version of
SideFile to your friends for their use and experimentation. But
please give it to them in its complete, unaltered form as you
received it on the shareware distribution diskette. If you
received an older or altered copy of the shareware version, and
would like an updated one, simply send a check for $5.00 to the
address below.
Order Blank:
You may call 512/860-2697 to order with Visa or MasterCard
24 hours daily, 7 days a week
=================================================================
NAME:
_________________________________________________________________
COMPANY:
_________________________________________________________________
ADDRESS:
_________________________________________________________________
CITY:
_________________________________________________________________
ST:
_________________________________________________________________
ZIP:
_________________________________________________________________
How did you learn about SideFile?
_________________________________________________________________
What comments can you share with us?
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
=================================================================
MAIL THIS FORM AND A CHECK FOR $29.95 TO:
Security Software
P.O Box 161922
Austin, Texas 78761
($34.95 for 3 1/2 inch media)
Your new updated copy and registered extras will be sent
immediately upon receipt of this order.
Memory/Disk-based Data Manager
ver 2.33
by Skip Bremer
(C)Copyright 1988 Security Software Company
Shareware
Reference
(Abidged)
DISCLAIMER
----------
Security Software Company makes no representation or warran-
ties with respect to the contents hereof and specifically dis-
claims any implied warranties to the suitability of this program
for any particular purpose. You must determine that yourself.
In addition, you should understand that using a program of this
type on an IBM-PC series machine or compatible has inherent risks
and that you may inadvertently damage or destroy valuable pro-
grams or data. Security Software Company expressly declines
to assume liability for any use of this program by you, and your
use of this program constitutes your agreement to hold us
blameless.
Security Software Company reserves the right to make changes
from time to time in the context hereof without obligation to
notify any person or persons of such changes.
TRADEMARKS
----------
MS-DOS is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
PC-DOS is a registered trademark of International Business
Machines Corporation.
1-2-3 is a registered trademark of Lotus Data Corporation.
dBASE II and dBASE III are registered trademarks of Ashton-Tate.
Nutshell is a registered trademark of Leading Edge Software
Products Inc.
Reflex is a registered trademark of Borland International Inc.
SideKick is a registered trademark of Borland International Inc.
WordStar and MailMerge are trademarks of Micropro International
Corporation.
Epson is a trademark of Epson America Inc.
INTRODUCTION
------------
"Data is but data which can be manipulated into yet more data."
-Old technical proverb
Have you ever wished you could manipulate small to medium sized
data bases or listings without the constant disk access (and the
resultant slowness) required of most database managers available
today. Let's face it. We don't all need a dBASE II or III to
take care of most of our personal data needs. There are many,
many often overlooked uses for a quick, easy-to-use data manager.
SideFile allows you to manipulate your many notes, lists and
files with a flexibility approaching and sometimes surpassing the
talents of larger systems. You can also keep some of your small
spreadsheet-type applications in SideFile instead of in an
expensive spreadsheet program. And you can even do our small
editing jobs right within SideFile instead of having to find and
load yet another program such as a word processor or editor. Of
course, all of your SideFile files will still be compatible with
those other programs should you choose to use them.
SYNOPSIS
--------
First, SideFile is a MEMORY-based data manager that works with
relatively small to medium sized files in memory. These files
can be subjected to maximum manipulation because of the inherent
advantages to MEMORY-based work. SideFile is a fast, easy, very
forgiving program that attempts to make life easier for all who
regularly use small business or personal data files for nearly
any purpose.
Second, SideFile is also a DISK-based data manager (should you
choose) that can operate on large numbers records in a fashion
similar to larger programs. In this filing mode, SideFile
retains its easy to use interface and spreadsheet-like screens
while affording DISK-based (random access) usage.
SideFile uses two types of files: those with a built-in header
line (data file) and those without a built-in header line (text
file). You can perform all available commands with a data file,
but not with a text file. Data files are the norm for SideFile,
while text file manipulation is mostly for convenience.
FEATURES
--------
SideFile manipulates your data in one of two ways (your choice):
MEMORY-based mode. In this mode SideFile loads your data
file entirely into memory with the following benefits - quick
file access, minimum disk access, great flexibility. Files are
limited to 1000 records (depending on record size).
DISK-based mode. In this mode, large files may be utilized
in a more traditional fashion. Files are limited to 30000
records.
SideFile uses pure ASCII files, allowing your files to be used by
almost any other program, be it a word processor, spreadsheet,
memory resident editor such as SideKick, or another data manager.
SideFile is a program unto itself. It requires no additional
overlay files (with the exception of its help file, SF.HLP, which
is optional). It requires no additional startup files either.
SideFile does not create additional files required of most data
managers when creating a formatted data file. No header files,
index files, temporary files or sort files are produced
permanently that must be kept. The only file that is ever needed
is the data file itself, be it formatted or not.
SideFile does common functions like adding, deleting, listing,
sorting, printing, finding, replacing, merging, editing, etc.
But SideFile also has functions reminiscent of more powerful
spreadsheet type applications, such as changing field widths,
totaling fields, and viewing and editing your data in column
format. It has functions not found in many other programs like
changing case, moving fields, multiple date formats, and
splitting and combining files.
SideFile lets you perform limited editing on non-formatted files,
similar to a line editor or word processor (without word wrap).
SideFile lets you look at your data in multiple ways. From
within the spreadsheet-like column format, you can choose to view
and add data in the traditional field oriented format, and you
can even view your data in "raw" format.
In all, SideFile has over 50 commands available for manipulating
your data as you see fit.
REQUIREMENTS
------------
SideFile requires the following to operate successfully:
Any version of IBM-PC (PC, XT, AT, Jr, Convertible), or any
computer compatible to this line.
Any 80 column display screen.
Any MS/PC-DOS disk drive (1 floppy, micro-floppy, or hard disk
drive).
Any version of MS/PC-DOS from version 2.0.
256K of memory.
Optionally - any 80 column printer.
In other words ... SideFile should work fine on your computer.
THE DISTRIBUTION DISK
---------------------
The following programs are contained on the shareware version
SideFile distribution disk:
SF.EXE - The SideFile program.
SF.DOC - The shareware (abridged) documentation on disk,
(Shareware disks only)
SF.HLP - The SideFile help file. Not required, but recommended
until you are used to the program. This file should not be
altered.
ST.EXE - The SideTran conversion utility for SideFile that allows
you to transfer dBASE II files and ASCII delimited files to
and from SideFile. (Registered disks only)
*.SF - Various short SideFile example files to help you to gain
ideas on how to use SideFile. All of these files are pure
ASCII files that may be loaded into almost any other
program. Note that file extensions like '.SF' are not a
SideFile requirement. Choose any extension that you like,
or no extension at all, for your own files.
EXAMPLES.DOC - A short explanation of the example files (*.SF).
PADLOCK.ADD - INFORMATION ON NEW PROGRAM!
ST.EXE - S Disk Catalog Utility (Registered Versions Only)
SIDEFILE USES
-------------
Some of the possible uses for SideFile are listed below. This
list is certainly not all inclusive, but it should give you an
idea of the ingenuity of its design. Many short examples are
located on the distribution disk. Simply load them into SideFile
and look at and experiment with them.
Maintain checking, credit card, and saving accounts. Keep an on-
going list of all your banking activities for different
banking accounts, savings accounts, credit unions, etc. You
won't need your checkbook any more. (See CHKBOOK.SF and
CHKBOOK2.SF example files)
Maintain a reminder/tickler file. Keep grocery lists, to-do
lists, to-buy lists, must-do-before lists, any kind of list
you want. (See TODO.SF example file)
Maintain simple portfolio management. Maintain a listing with
the current holdings of all your financial accounts for
instant retrieval and/or reporting. Or simply keep a list
of all your accounts. (See PORTFOLO.SF example file)
Maintain a list of accounts. Keep the specifics on all of your
accounts at your fingertips, such as type, purpose, total,
interest, etc. (See ACCOUNTS.SF example file)
Maintain name and address files. Or maintain business contacts,
accounts, phone numbers, whatever you wish. (See ADDRESS.SF
example file)
Maintain a work contacts list. Keep track of all those offices,
companies, and people contacts you have throughout your
business and the community, like a computerized rolex file.
(See CONTACTS.SF example file)
Maintain catalogs. Keep as many catalogs as you wish any way you
like, and keep totals on the items. (See CMPTRCAT.SF and
HOUSECAT.SF example files)
Maintain simple inventories. Maintain a simple inventory system;
set it up as you wish. Track on-hand supplies, keep current
costs up to date, etc. (See INVENTRY.SF example file)
Maintain telephone directories. Keep telephone numbers, names,
and addresses. (See PHONE.SF example file)
Maintain a numbers list. Keep a list on the hundreds of import-
ant numbers in your life, from lock combinations to bank
accounts, social security numbers to mutual fund account
numbers, from your television serial number to your car
registration number. (See NUMBERS.SF example file)
Maintain dBASE II files. Work with your dBASE II files in
SideFile; you may find it much easier. Also SideFile is an
excellent vehicle to use when first planning a dBASE data
file because of its forgiveness and changing flexibility.
After you are satisfied with the layout and have entered and
experimented with a number of records, you may then easily
convert the file to a dBASE II file. Later if you decide
you need to make changes in field order and/or sizes, use
SideTran to convert the file back to SideFile, and make the
changes. But be careful - you may decide to leave your data
in SideFile full time!
There are many more uses that you will find, such as project
tracking, member lists, doctor expense records, etc.
The bottom line is that SideFile does what it was designed to do
quite well, much easier than larger, more complicated programs,
all of which contain a lot more overhead.
GETTING STARTED
---------------
MAKING A BACKUP
---------------
The first thing you should do is make a backup copy of the
distribution disk. Then put your original away in a safe place.
Consult your DOS manual, if necessary, on how to use the DISKCOPY
command. Next you should copy the SideFile and SideTran programs
to whatever working disk you will be using it on, along with the
example files for your experimentation. Consult your DOS manual,
if necessary, on how to use the COPY command.
STARTING SIDEFILE
-----------------
To start the SideFile program, put your working disk in one of
your disk drives and type SF<enter>. You may type the name of
the data file you wish SideFile to load right on the command line
-- SF DATAFILE<enter>.
THE FILER
---------
Once inside SideFile, if you did not give the data file name on
the command line, you will enter the FILER. Use the <F1> Help
key to obtain guidelines on how to use this screen. You will be
presented with a directory of the current drive and directory
that SideFile started up in. A maximum of 100 files may be seen
in the file name box. Use the <Up/Down> arrow keys and the
<PgUp/PgDn> keys to see more of the files. The following
choices are available in the FILER:
1. Load a file: Use the arrow keys to highlight the file you
wish to load, or enter a filename into the edit block
(reverse video answer block). File extensions are allowed
but not mandatory for SideFile files. SideFile files cannot
have the extensions [.DBF], [.COM], or [.EXE]. The file
must be on the current drive and directory shown. Use the
choices below to change these. The file will be loaded if
it exists, or a new one will then be created by your choice.
The following are examples of valid filenames:
TEST.FLE
TEST
TEST.SF
If SideFile finds the file you entered, it will load it, and
then you are free to manipulate the data as you wish, as
described in the commands section below. If SideFile does
not find the file you entered, then it will ask you if you
wish to create a new one. For this procedure, see the FILE
Load command in the commands section below.
2. Get a directory: Entering an asterisk '*' somewhere in a
file specification will give you a directory of those files.
Examples:
*.*
*
TEST.*
3. Change the current drive: Press <F3> to move the active
edit block to the drive indicator, and enter the letter of
the drive you wish to view and use. SideFile will change to
the root directory of that drive.
4. Change the current directory: Press <F4> to move the active
edit block to the directory indicator, and enter the new
directory you wish to view and use. Do not enter a trailing
backslash '\', a preceding drive and colon 'A:', or a trail-
ing file name or file directory specification '*.*, etc'
here, but only the actual subdirectory name. Use the other
edit blocks for those purposes.
5. Return to SideFile's initial drive/directory: You may, any
time you are in the FILER, return to SideFile's initial
drive/directory by pressing the <F2> key. This may be
useful if you have been working on another drive and/or in
another directory, and want to return to where you started
before you quit SideFile.
6. See (view) highlighted file: You may look at the
highlighted file simply by pressing <F5> while in the FILER.
If the file is not a text file, you will probably see a lot
of garbage, and should not try to load these type of files.
Use <Alt-F5> to see a WordStar formatted file.
7. Move highlighted file: You can move the highlighted file to
another subdirectory on the SAME disk. The file is not
actually copied, but the name is simply changed to show its
new location (just as DOS does). When using this command,
be sure to enter only the directory and the name (which can
be changed in the process if you wish). Do not enter a
drive specification like 'B:'. For example, to move the
file test to the subdirectory WORK, you would enter this:
\WORK\TEST. Users without hard disks have little need for
this command.
8. Rename highlighted file: Similar to the MOVE command,
except that only the filename is given. The file will be
renamed but not moved.
9. Delete highlighted file: If you choose this command,
SideFile will prompt you to be sure. The command (as in
DOS) is not reversible.
10. Run a program: You can run the same programs that DOS can
directly from SideFile by simply pointing to the filename
and pressing <F9>. Keep in mind that SideFile must find
COMMAND.COM in order to do this. Also there must be enough
memory available to keep SideFile in memory and run the
program, or DOS will issue an error message. Users of DOS
3.x can have COMMAND.COM as specified in their COMSPEC table
(see your DOS book). Users of 2.x DOS must have COMMAND.COM
on the active disk drive before issuing this command (or the
DOS command). Even then, it is possible that DOS related
commands may not work due to a bug in the earlier versions
of DOS (and not through any fault of SideFile).
11. Choose MEMORY or DISK-based filing mode: Press <F0> to
select the mode you wish to load your file under, MEMORY-
based or DISK-based. A high-pitched or low-pitched
sound will accompany the change.
12. DOS: Press <Alt-F1> to go directly but temporarily to DOS
from within SideFile. SideFile must find a copy of
COMMAND.COM on your work disk or in the DOS COMSPEC (see DOS
manual for an explanation of this). If you have problems
with the DOS manual, then try this command first. If its
works, fine. If it doesn't, copy the file COMMAND.COM to
your work disk and then it should work. This will also give
you the capability of running other programs that end with
[.COM], [.EXE], or [.BAT] simply by pointing to them while
in the FILER. This can be very convenient, especially in a
hard disk environment.
13. Quit and return to DOS: You may press <esc> to quit.
SideFile will ask you if you wish to quit; answer 'Y' or
'N'. If you pressed <esc> while you were entering a
response into one of the edit blocks, then it will simply
return whatever the edit block said before you changed it.
In this case you will have to press <esc> again to quit.
You may also use <Alt-F0> to quit.
There are other choices you will learn about in the section
covering SideFile's commands that concern file loading and
saving. They include reading and writing files or partial files.
All of these commands will take you to the FILER. Only the <F2>
quick save command will not bring you here.
COMMANDS
--------
Command discussions will indicate what mode the command is avail-
able in with a note such as '(MEMORY only)'.
Some of the commands explained below are accessed with the
function keys (normal or alternate).
You may cancel any of the below listed commands at the beginning
prompt (and sometimes at the second or third prompt) by pressing
<esc>. In the case of a number prompt, leaving or entering a '0'
into the edit block will also cancel the command normally.
Most commands 'remember' the last data entered when you were in
that command, and will display it for you to either accept or to
change. If you enter anything in the very first character posi-
tion of the edit block, then the old data will disappear, just as
if it had never been there at all.
All references to 'columns' can be read as 'fields'. All refer-
ences to 'rows' can be read as 'records'.
HELP MENU
---------
HELP General - How to use the pop-up menus, and a listing of
function keys.
HELP Navigating - How to move around the file.
HELP Editing - How to edit the data.
HELP Headers - All about header/non-header file types.
HELP Fields - All about character/date/number data fields.
HELP Modes - All about MEMORY/DISK modes.
HELP Reporting - All about VIEW parameter affects on reports.
HELP Defaults - All about SideFile default switches.
HELP SideTran - All about additional import/export procedures
available with with SideTran, SideFile's on-disk conversion
utility.
FILE MENU
---------
FILE Load - Use this command to load a new or existing file into
SideFile from disk. The current file in use will be
discarded. If it has been changed since it was loaded, you
will be asked if you are sure you wish to discard it (if it
was loaded in MEMORY-based mode). If not, you may answer
'N' and then use the FILE Save command to save it. Then you
may reissue the FILE Load command without this safety prompt
occurring. Of course, if you answer 'Y' to the discard
prompt, the current file will be cleared from memory at that
time (if loaded in MEMORY-based mode) and any changed data
will not be permanently saved to disk. Be careful. There
is no way to undo the FILE Load command once you decide to
discard a file.
You will be put into the FILER, just as you would for the
other filing commands. When you attempt to FILE Load a file
that does not exist, SideFile will ask you for field types,
lengths, and names. After the new file has been created,
add or delete columns with COLUMN Insert, COLUMN Append, and
COLUMN Delete. Remember to use the '@' or '#' symbols
instead of a number for the width when creating or adding
date or number fields. Use COLUMN Delete and COLUMN Insert
to move a column, and COLUMN Width to change the width.
COLUMN Name will rename a column for you. When you have the
file the way you want it to be, don't forget to FILE Save
it, because the new file process will automatically put you
into MEMORY-based mode, if you were not already there.
If you define only one field, you will be creating a no-
header file, basically a simple text file, for editing.
On the other hand, if your new file does exist, then it will
be loaded just like the first file was when you entered
SideFile. The file will be checked for limits such as
maximum line length, minimum/maximum number of fields, only
one date field, etc.
FILE Save - (MEMORY only) Use this command to save the file
loaded in MEMORY-based mode and then continue operation. It
is recommended that you use the FILE Save command often. It
is conveniently located as function key <F2>, which is
similar to SideKick and some other programs. Whenever you
make a change to your file that you are sure that you wish
to keep, you should consider saving the file by pressing the
<F2> key. More importantly, if you are about to issue a
command that could change the data in your file
considerably, such as COLUMN Sort, COLUMN Insert, COLUMN
Delete, VIEW Replace, etc., and if you already have changes
made in the data that are not saved, save them first. This
way, if the command does not do what you wish, or you regret
the change accomplished by the command, then you can simply
reload the freshly saved file with the FILE Load command.
The FILE Save command always saves to the original file name
that was loaded, the true working file shown on the FILE
Type screen.
FILE Squeeze - (DISK only) Saving is not necessary in DISK-based
mode, because records are constantly being written to disk.
FILE Squeeze is a convenience command that will remove all
blank records from your file, sort of like packing the file.
You should use it now and then if you have made deletions to
the file in DISK-based mode. Squeezing is automatic for
files written to disk using the FILE Write command.
SideFile will check to be sure there is enough disk free
space remaining on the disk the current file came from to
perform the FILE Squeeze operation. There must be disk free
space of at least the size of the current file or SideFile
will issue an error message. As an example, to FILE Squeeze
a 30K file, there must be over 30K free space remaining on
the disk.
FILE Write - Use this command to save all or part of the current
file to a file name of your choice, and not necessarily the
'remembered' file name as with FILE Save. You may save the
current file to any disk drive you have on line, and to any
proper file name. Be careful of the file name you choose,
however, because FILE Write does not, repeat does NOT, check
to see if it over-writing an existing file. You have three
choices when writing a file with this command. You may save
all of it, part of it by a FIND criteria, or part of it by a
record number range. In any case, the current header will
always be saved with the file. This command is SideFile's
vehicle for splitting up large files into smaller ones. The
opposite of this command is the FILE Read command.
FILE Read - Use this command to merge another file from disk to
the file in use. The file you choose to merge should have
the exact same field layout as the current file, or you will
end up with a mess. This is not true, however, with no-
header text files. The commands are similar to those you
get when first loading a file into SideFile. You may join a
file from any other disk that you have on line. A small
delay after the FILE Read command has been completed is
normal. This is SideFile's vehicle for combining smaller
files into large ones. Read files will have their header
line removed as they are added to the file in use. If you
plan to make a large file with this command, you should
enter the current file in the DISK-based mode first. The
opposite of this command is the FILE Write command.
FILE Print - Use this command to print records in your file to
your printer. You can print all of the records in your file
or you may print only records that fit a certain FIND
specification. This operates just like the VIEW Find
command. The records will also be printed with the same
axis format that is in affect for viewing, listing, etc.
See the VIEW ?-axis commands. If printing to the printer,
continuous feed is assumed and required unless you have
changed the default. You may press <enter> to stop and
restart the printing command. If you press <esc>, the
printing will be stopped as soon as your printer buffer
clears.
SideFile will first ask you for a 'title' for your report.
If you give one, it will be centered at the top of the first
page, with the date right-aligned on the next line.
If the file is multi-field, and the VIEW Kut switch is ON,
and the VIEW X-axis view is active, the field names will be
printed at the top of the report.
All number fields will be totaled at the end
of the report. The same criteria used for field names will
be used to determine if the totals are to be printed at the
bottom of the totaled column or separately at the end of the
report. Additionally, the length of the printed record with
dividers must be less than 75 characters for the totals to
be printed at the bottom of each number column.
FILE Image - This command will print your file (all or part) to a
disk file using the exact same format as the FILE Print
command, except that print attributes such as bold face and
form feeds are stripped from the report. The file name you
choose will be over-written if it exists.
FILE Filer - Use this command to go to the FILER to perform disk
procedures. You can change the active disk drive and/or
subdirectory from this screen. While in the FILER via this
command, you cannot press <enter> to do something with a
file. The prompt will read 'File to F1-F9', denoting that
you must press the appropriate function key after pointing
to the file to perform the desired function. Pressing <esc>
will take you back to the EDITOR.
FILE Type - Use this command to obtain a quick file structure
summary of the current file in use from SideFile. It will
display the current available (free) memory if in MEMORY-
based mode or the available (free) disk space on the file
disk in DISK mode. The free memory can be useful to you if
your file is getting large, and you are taking steps to
reduce its size. Notice that the free memory will increase
as you delete records or size down columns with the COLUMN
Width command, or delete columns with the COLUMN Delete
command. You should start considering a DISK-based load if
available memory approaches zero bytes left. Use disk free
space as an indicator of how big your file can be, and as an
input when deciding to SORT or SQUEEZE your file (see those
commands for more on disk space).
FILE DOS - Use this command to exit SideFile temporarily to DOS.
You are given a choice of entering the command from within
SideFile (which allows SideFile to return immediately after
the command is finished) or to go to DOS to enter your
commands. SideFile will not quit, but will instead load a
copy of your command processor (COMMAND.COM) so that you may
essentially perform DOS commands or run other programs while
in SideFile without having to quit and restart SideFile.
This option's effectiveness depends on how much memory you
have available. If you have too little, DOS will tell you.
Also a copy of COMMAND.COM must be available on your
SideFile disk in the subdirectory in which you started
SideFile. If you are using DOS 3.x, then COMMAND.COM may be
specified with the COMSPEC function and be located on
another disk (see your DOS manual for an explanation of the
COMSPEC function). If it is not found, SideFile will give
you an error message. If in the FILER, you may point to a
file that ends in [.COM], [.EXE], or [.BAT] and SideFile
will use DOS to run that file from within SideFile after
pressing <F9>, depending on memory available. Be sure you
do not run any programs that become memory resident
(terminate and stay resident) from SideFile or from any
other program that allows this feature.
FILE Quit - Use this command to end the SideFile program and
return to DOS. If you have made changes to your MEMORY-
based file, you will be reminded of such and asked whether
you still wish to quit SideFile. If you do not answer with
'Y', you will remain in SideFile with your data in tact.
You may then issue the FILE Save or FILE Write command to
save your data first. If you answer 'Y', you will be
returned to DOS and any changes made to the file in use will
be lost and not saved to disk. If you issue the FILE Quit
command with no changes made to your file or your file is
DISK-based, you will be immediately returned to DOS without
further prompting.
HELP MENU HELP
HELP General - About the pop-up menu, function keys.
HELP Navigating - About moving around the file.
HELP Editing - About editing the data.
HELP Headers - About header/non-header file types.
HELP Fields - About character/date/number data fields.
HELP Modes - About MEMORY/DISK modes.
HELP Reporting - About VIEW parameter affects on reports.
HELP Defaults - About SideFile default switches.
HELP SideTran - About additional import/export procedures
available with with SideTran, SideFile's on-disk conversion
utility.
FILE MENU HELP
FILE Load - Load new or existing SF file from disk. Current file
is discarded if in MEMORY mode. DISK mode files are always
current.
FILE Save - (MEMORY only) Save current file to disk and continue
operation. DISK mode files are always up-to-date.
FILE Squeeze - (DISK only) Remove all blank records from current
file. Acts like a file packer.
FILE Write - Save current file to disk as another SF format file
with new name. Can save all or part of file (by record
numbers or FIND criteria).
FILE Read - Read SF format file from disk, appending it to
current file. Can rejoin smaller files to one large file
while in DISK mode.
FILE Print - Print current file to printer in current VIEW
format. Can print all or part of file (by record numbers or
FIND criteria).
FILE Image - Print current file to disk in current VIEW format
(like printing). Can include all or part of file (by record
numbers or with FIND).
FILE Filer - Returns to the FILER to allow disk and/or
subdirectory changes and other DOS commands. Use <esc> to
return to the EDITOR.
FILE Type - Display structure of current file.
FILE DOS - Go temporarily to the system to run DOS commands
and/or other programs (memory permitting). COMMAND.COM must
be found.
FILE Quit - Quit SideFile program to DOS permanently. End of
session. If in MEMORY mode, SAVE current file first.
RECORD MENU HELP
RECORD Insert - Insert blank record just before current record.
In DISK mode APPEND may be more desirable due to excessive
disk access.
RECORD Delete - Delete current record (NOT undo-able in DISK
mode). BLANK (DISK only) may be more desirable due to
excessive disk access.
RECORD Append - Insert blank record at end of file. Consider
VIEW APPEND for appending multiple records.
RECORD Undo - (MEMORY only) Insert last deleted record just
before current record. Becomes BLANK in DISK mode (UNDO not
available).
RECORD Blank - (DISK only) Blank record at cursor position. Can
later SQUEEZE file. Becomes UNDO in MEMORY mode.
RECORD Show - (headers only) Display entire current record in
view temporarily. For those files with records longer than
screen length.
RECORD Goto - Goto specified record number. Can later use LAST
to go back to current record.
RECORD Last - Goto previous record. Can use after a GOTO command
to jump back and forth between two sections of the file.
COLUMN MENU HELP
COLUMN Insert - (MEMORY with headers only) Insert blank column
just before current column. Enter @ or # as length for date
or number columns.
COLUMN Delete - (MEMORY with headers only) Delete current column.
Will be kept in column buffer if memory permits. Restore
later with UNDO.
COLUMN Append - (MEMORY with headers only) Insert blank column at
end of file. Enter @ or # as length for date or number
columns.
COLUMN Undo - (MEMORY with headers only) Insert last deleted
column.
COLUMN Sort - Sort records on current cursor position. In DISK
mode a longer DISK sort will be performed, followed by a
SQUEEZE.
COLUMN Width - (MEMORY with headers only) Change current column
width. WARNING! Clipped data is NOT recoverable.
Character columns only.
COLUMN Name - (headers only) Change current column name. Can not
use with columns having thickness of only one character.
COLUMN Order - (MEMORY with headers only) Insert a temporary
'order' column to preserve current order before new SORT.
Good for <1000 records.
COLUMN Case - Change current column to upper/lower case. Entire
column will be affected. Character columns only.
COLUMN Redate - Reverse date format, Switch date edit block
default, or Change date spacer. Must be pointing at a Date
column.
COLUMN Total - (headers only) Total current column. Multi-column
total is displayed with (=). Number columns only.
COLUMN Kut - (headers only) Toggle display of columns to multiple
or single.
SEARCH MENU HELP
SEARCH Find - Find non-case-sensitive text starting at current
record. VIEW FIND also available.
SEARCH Next - Find next occurrence of non-case-sensitive text.
SEARCH Absolute - Find case-sensitive text starting at current
record.
SEARCH Replace - Replace case-sensitive text starting at current
record. VIEW REPLACE also available.
SEARCH Continue - Replace next occurrence of case-sensitive text.
SEARCH Global - Replace case-sensitive text from current record
to end of file.
VIEW MENU HELP
VIEW List - List records depending on current VIEW format. See
HELP for more on how VIEW switches affect print/screen/disk
reporting.
VIEW Find - Find non-case-sensitive text in current VIEW format
for all records. SEARCH FIND also available.
VIEW Replace - Replace case-sensitive text in current VIEW format
for all records. SEARCH REPLACE also available.
VIEW Append - (headers only) Insert multiple records and
associated data at end of file.
VIEW X-axis - Turn X-axis VIEW mode on (each record lists from
left to right).
VIEW Y-axis - Turn Y-axis VIEW mode on (each record lists from
top to bottom).
VIEW Z-axis - Turn Z-axis VIEW mode on (each record lists exactly
as on disk).
VIEW Kut - Turn Kut VIEW mode on/off (each record lists/may not
list one per line).
VIEW Status - Status of AXIS and KUT switches. See HELP for more
on how these switches affect print/screen/disk reporting.
FILE HEADERS
------------
SideFile manages to keep files in a particular file structure
without keeping a separate header file by putting the
required information on the first line of the file. The
file remains pure ASCII, and by keeping all the data at the
top in one line, the header becomes very easy to make,
change, or delete. Headers are only kept for multi-field
files . The header retains four types of information --
the number of fields, the names of fields, the size of fields,
and the types of fields.
The following example has three fields:
First |Last |Date @|
FIRST LAST DATE
This header line may be created, changed, or deleted at any time
with a text editor, such as SideKick, or by changing the
specifications from within SideFile by changing widths,
adding columns, or deleting columns.
The '|' characters define the last position of a field in the
record. The record length is defined by the position of the
last field ending '|'. Date fields are defined by a '@'
just prior to the field end character. Number fields are
the same but use a '#' character. Date and number fields
must have 9 and 11 spaces in the file respectively. To add
this header to an existing text file, simply make a blank
line at the top and 'paint' this line in. This can also be
done to a text file while in SideFile if the header will be
79 characters or less. Then, save it and reload it.
SideFile will see the header and treat it as a data file.
This header concept is the key to making SideFile useful with
other programs such as SideKick. It retains all the data
necessary to keep the file formatted as a data file (with
fields, etc.) while keeping it useful for other programs.
If a file does not contain a header, then it is a one-field
text file as far as SideFile is concerned, as explained
below.
DATA/TEXT FILES
---------------
SideFile sees files in one of two ways -- with a header line and
multiple fields (more than one) or without a header line and
one field (each line is the one and only field of that line
or record - basically a text file). Files that have only
one field have no need to have a header line (and in fact
may not), because SideFile has no information to obtain.
Here is an example of a one-field file with no header line and
three records:
The largest ocean is the Pacific.
The best country is the US.
The largest state in is Texas.
Here is an example of the same file with a header line applied
(three records, three fields):
Fld one |Fld two |Fld three |
The largest ocean is the Pacific. |
The best country is the US. |
The largest state is Texas. |
When this file is loaded into SideFile, the data on the second
line, ' state is Texa', is the second field of the third
record. Note that if a file is defined with fields,
SideFile automatically adds spaces to the right if necessary
to make all the records the same size. SideKick, on the
other hand, ignores these spaces when loading and saving
such a file. Therefore SideFile is one of the few programs
that can deal with this end of line problem automatically,
and you don't have to worry about it. Your data is not
really changed, and the dexterity of using the file with any
program is maintained. Simple but very useful. If you,
however, look at a file with SideKick and then save it, you
MUST load it into SideFile with the MEMORY-based mode first
and then save it so that the record lengths can be reset by
SideFile if you intend to use the file in DISK-based mode.
When loading no-header files, if a line is found to be longer
than 79 characters, then the file will be aborted.
Any data file or list that you may have will work very nicely in
SideFile, as long as it is kept within the bounds imposed by
SideFile, such as maximum record length (see technical
specifications). Play with the examples on disk
for more explanation on this subject.
TECHNICAL SPECS/LIMITS
----------------------
Maximum number of records/rows:
MEMORY-based mode - 1000 (depends on memory and record size)
DISK-based mode - 30000
Maximum number of fields/columns - 16
Maximum length of records/rows - 250 characters
Maximum length of fields - 65 characters (unless a no-header
'text' file, then 250 characters)
Maximum length of line in no-header text files - 79 characters
Maximum number for formatting purposes - from 9999999.99 to -
999999.99
Required file types - pure ASCII, ASCII comma/quote/carriage
return delimited, and dBASE II
Directory of PC-SIG Library Disk #0799
Volume in drive A has no label
Directory of A:\
ACCOUNTS SF 2449 3-22-87 9:08p
ADDRESS SF 2953 3-22-87 9:08p
CHKBOOK SF 2191 3-22-87 9:08p
CHKBOOK2 SF 1563 3-22-87 9:08p
CONTACTS SF 3409 3-22-87 9:08p
EXAMPLES DOC 5168 8-13-88 11:13a
FILES799 TXT 2491 8-31-88 10:11a
GO BAT 38 7-02-87 12:53p
GO TXT 463 8-22-88 10:52a
HOUSECAT SF 7129 3-22-87 9:08p
INVENTRY SF 1441 3-22-87 9:08p
NUMBERS SF 3521 3-22-87 9:08p
PADLOCK ADD 4288 8-15-88 8:41p
PHONE SF 1067 3-22-87 9:08p
PORTFOLO SF 2437 3-22-87 9:08p
SF DOC 58989 8-16-88 11:46a
SF EXE 128958 8-12-88 1:52p
SF HLP 70912 8-12-88 1:53p
TODO SF 1585 3-22-87 9:08p
19 file(s) 301052 bytes
10240 bytes free