(README September 1985)

Version 1 of pBASE is distributed in two "flavors":

RBBS archive

User-supported

The RBBS archive version contains an operational pBASE program,
some sample programs and a subset of the documentation. It may
be distributed without restriction as long as the archive files
are unmodified and no fees are charged.

The user-supported version consists of the current and complete
program and documentation. It may be obtained for the nominal
fee of $35 (CA residents add tax) from:

4B Associates
2518 Curran Ct.
Pinole, CA 94564

Please write us about bugs, improvments and application programs.

The user-supported concept...

User-supported software is an experiment in program distribution,
based on a belief that:

- the value and utility of software is best assessed by the
end-user on his/her computer.

- the creation and evolution of personal computer programs
can and should be supported by end-users.

- copying of computer programs should be encouraged, rather
than restricted.

- computer programs are too expensive for the casual user.


PLEASE JOIN THE EXPERIMENT!


=============================================================================


What is pBASE? Well... it's a "programmable" data base management system

(DBMS) featuring a fourth generation language based on IBM's Structured

Query Language (SQL). It might be best described as a combination of

dBASE II/III, RBASE 5000, SQL and my imagination. It currently exists

only as an interpreter but the internal design will support tokenized input

and well as the generation of language source code (such as C or PASCAL).

The interpreter is logically independent of the DBMS engine to allow it to

"talk" to other DBMS' and to support language interfaces to the engine.



Although pBASE is currently targeted at a fairly sophisticated user audience,

future enhancements will support an interface suitable for the so-called

naive user.



User-supported software is an experiment in program distribution, based on

the belief that:



- the value and utility of software is best assessed by the end-user on

on his/her computer.



- the creation and evolution of personal computer programs can and should

be supported by end-users.



- copying of computer programs should be encouraged, rather than

restricted.



- computer programs are too expensive for the casual user.





PLEASE JOIN THE EXPERIMENT!



===================== KNOWN pBASE PROBLEMS =========================

09/30/85

Entry of a single quote (') within a forms field will generate a syntax

error. A temporary solution is to enter two single quotes (''). pBASE

will be modified in a maintenance release to provide the second quote

transparently.

09/30/85

String function arguments are NOT checked for reasonableness.

10/01/85 - fixed 1.01

Form entry (1st cycle) generates an INSERT command syntax error if ALL

fields not tabbed through and an associated variable created.

10/01/85 - fixed 1.01

Allow blank(s) in numeric field mask.

10/01/85 - fixed 1.01

Entry past mask end during data entry within a window.

10/03/85 - fixed 1.02

Loop during form entry when cursor right at field end and autoskip.




==================== HOW TO SUPPORT pBASE =====================



A complete program and documentation package may be obtained for the

nominal fee of $35 (CA residents add tax) from:



4B Associates

2518 Curran Court

Pinole, CA 94564





We will send you an IBM /4 formatted disk containing the most current

program and documention. Useful program (.PRG) files will also be

included. All files will be in one or more archive (.ARC) format files.