Database

Accepts up to ten definable fields. Facilities include quick search, sort and hard copy - capable of storing up to 300 complete records in memory (Model B).

The Object Of Database

The object of the database program is to enable the user to store large amounts of data to tape, and manipulate the data with the minimum amount of trouble. The type of data can be varied, and can be anything from addresses to the prices of car spares.

How To Create A Database

Once the program is running, the first thing that should be known is that you can select any mode that is displayed in the top line of the screen by typing the first letter of that mode. The line at the top of the screen starts with the letters 'OPT:'.

This shows that you are in command mode. If the first part of the top line reads 'EDIT' then you are in edit mode. Now you can create your prompt lines. The prompt mode can be selected by typing 'E' for edit and then press 'P'. The object of the prompt lines is to show the relevance of the data items that you input. For instance, if you wish to store names and addresses then the prompt lines could look like this:

NAME
STREET
TOWN
COUNTY
POSTCODE
TELEPHONE

The lines should be entered in the same way as they are displayed here.

Now the data can be entered into the computer by selecting append mode. The number of the current record will be printed on the top of the screen and the prompt lines will be printed below.

Next to the first prompt line that you have created will be the flashing cursor. You should now type the section relevant to that prompt line. When you wish to go to the next line, the RETURN key should be pressed.

When all of the lines are completed, the computer will ask some questions and they should be answered with a 'Y' for yes and a 'N' for no.

This is the same for any question of a similar context throughout the entire program. If a mistake has been made that could not be corrected by pressing the Delete key then you should respond 'N' to the prompt 'Is the above correct?'. This will enable you to edit the information as explained in the section that explains the Exchange mode.

Once all of your records have been entered into the computer you will be put back into command mode.

Loading Data From Tape

To load a file from tape, you should type 'L' from command mode and then you can either press the return key to load the next file on cassette or type the name of the file.

Saving Data To Tape

To save the current database to cassette, you should type 'S' from command mode and follow the messages displayed. The filename you choose will be subject to the normal restrictions that BASIC has, and errors will occur accordingly if these rules are broken.

The prompt lines that you set up before entering the database will also be saved to cassette in the same file.

Viewing The Records Using Either Screen Or Printer

To view the records in the database, 'V' should be pressed from Command Mode. The record numbers should now be typed and answers typed to the questions that follow. (If prompting is selected the computer will wait for a key to be pressed after each record has been displayed unless the records are being set to the printer.)

The Edit Modes

When 'E' is pressed the Edit mode is invoked and four new options will appear at the top of the screen. To return to Command Mode from Edit Mode the RETURN key should be pressed.

These options are explained in the next four paragraphs.

The Append Mode

This mode allows you to add to the data currently in the computer, and is explained in full in the section How To Create A Database.

The Delete Mode

To delete a number of records, the relevant record numbers should be typed when they are asked for. If only one record is to be deleted then the record number should be typed twice.

The Exchange Mode

This mode allows you to edit an existing record. To change the line where the cursor is flashing, it should be retyped, but if that line is correct then the RETURN key should be pressed. When all of the lines in the current record have been edited, you will still have a chance to correct any remaining errors. If there are no more errors then you will be returned to Command Mode.

Prompt Mode

By using this option, you can select the number of prompt lines and also what they contain.

Finding A Character String Within A Record

Once you have selected this option you are asked for the string of characters that you wish to search for. All records with the string that you select will be displayed to the screen or to the printed if you have requested a printout. At the top of the screen will be the number of the record currently being scanned. This number will change rapidly until a record is to be printed or all the records have been scanned.

Order-To Sort The Records Into Alphabetical Order

If you require the records that you have entered to be sorted into alphabetical order, you can simply type 'O' from Command Mode and they will all be sorted. Please note that if there are many records to sort, the time needed may be extensive.

Loading

Tape: CHAIN"" (RETURN)
Disc: SHIFT-BREAK

Note: If a large amount of data is to be stored, and you are working from tape, it is advisable to change the value of PAGE to make more memory available for the records. To do this, type:

PAGE=&C00
NEW
CHAIN""

Be careful however, after the program has loaded, not to press BREAK - as this will kill the program.