Flexifile

Welcome to the world of Diamondsoft Systems!

The system consists of two major programs. The first is to create your file structure and allow the insertion, amendment and deletion of records. The second to allow enquiries and powerful manipulation of your data.

Setting Up Initial File

You can select the number of fields per record (up to 20), the type of each field (A (alphanumeric) or N (numeric)), the size of each field (up to 99 for A and preset at 8 for N) and which field is to be the key. Complete each entry by RETURN. When you have entered the last field required, key $$$ into the NAME field followed by RETURN.

Points to note are:

1. Flexifile allocates fields in multiples of 8 bytes + 4 bytes per field (e.g. do not use 24 bytes when 16 will do!)
2. Flexifile will automatically allocate maximum number of records per file, depending on record length.
3. Files requiring more records are handled by multi-files see 9.1.

Inserting Data Records

Select the appropriate option from the menu and the system will display the fields from your file together with the maximum length of each field.

Key in each field and RETURN after each field. Flexifile will insert in correct sequence in the file. If the file is filled up, see 9.1.

Amending Data Records

You input the record key and the record (if found) will be displayed on the screen. Each field (except key field) may then be altered by over-typing (including use of the BBC Copy feature) followed by RETURN.

Deleting Data Records

You provide the record key, the record will be displayed and optionally deleted. Remaining records will be closed up on the file.

Listing Data Records

All records may be listed on the screen by selection of appropriate option. Intended as a simple check whilst updating the file. For Flexifile, powerful manipulation and enquiry feature select the Search/Select Option.

Search/Select

This option brings in the many features available to you when you have completed the current file updating. It will take a few minutes to load the program after having saved your data file on cassette. The program is recorded on tape immediately following Program 1.

Note: It is advisable to:

1. Keep several copies of your data file for security reasons (at least the last three copies)
2. Use meaningful filenames
3. For multi-reel files - store data files in sequence on same cassette
4. Keep detailed record of your library

Sort

Selection of this option will allow you to sort your file on any field. The key field will be changed by the system.

If you wish to "save" the new sequenced file, then see the next section.

Search/Select

You may search on any field by specifying the field number.

You may select on any of Equal, Unequal, Greater Than, Less Than or Contains (enter E, U, G, L or C).

You may supply the criteria as a string.

You indicate the action to be taken as Print, Count, Total (a field).

Set specified field to a value, write a file with a specified Filename (enter P, C, T, S, W).

Examples:

E.g. Split File into two parts

E.g. Print all records where Address line 3 contains LONDON

The record will be printed where LONDON appears anywhere in Address line 3, (LOND) would have the same effect.

Labels

May be printed by specifying:

1. The spacing of the labels on the roll (top of label to top of next label in lines)
2. The start and end field number of be printed (typically name and address)

You may have realised that you could sort your file, select certain records and print labels by the use of a combination of above facilities!

You may view your list first without a printed copy.

Exit System

Exiting from the first program will automatically save your latest data file.

Exiting from the second program simply closes down the system. Any saving of data will have been achieved by the use of the WRITE facility.

Use of Flexifile will soon demonstrate that its considerable flexibility and power of data manipulation will be a valuable and lasting aid.

You will find that you will soon become conversant with the many features and are able to completely control your data files.

Its uses are endless!

Loading

CHAIN"FLEXIFILE" (RETURN)

The system will take a few minutes to load.
The system is menu-driven and will lead you via a series of questions and answers.