. P O C K E T D O T


version 1.2
Copyright 1989 by Ben Snow
P.O. Box 29591
Atlanta, GA 30359


Pocket Dot came out of my attempt to fill in the void where Clipper left
off - the interactive arena. What I wanted was many of the functions
included in the 'big name' interpreters, without the cost, in an
implementation that is compatible with Clipper. (Please don't mention
DOT.PRG and DBU.) So here's Pocket Dot.


Pocket Dot is an interactive Clipper command processor, or interpreter.
It provides a 'dot prompt,' from which Clipper commands can be executed
interactively. It also has the ability to interpret (execute) .PRG files.

Pocket Dot can be used for a variety of things that would normally
require writing and compiling a program or using one of the 'big name'
interpreters. Here are some of the things for which people I know are
already using Pocket Dot:

- Creating and maintaining database files outside an application.
- Viewing the contents of .MEM files.
- Learning or testing the usage of Clipper commands.
- Testing procedures and functions interpretively.
- Using it as an additional debug facility.
- Providing a hot-key 'back door' support for applications.
- Demonstrating third party functions and libraries.

Pocket Dot (PD.EXE) is 'shareware.' You are encouraged to copy and
share the unmodified, executable file with others, provided that this
documentation is included and there is no fee or consideration charged for
the software. If you find Pocket Dot to be of value, your contribution would
be appreciated.

You can register you copy of Pocket Dot by sending a contribution of
$20. or more with your name and address to:

Ben Snow
P.O. Box 29591
Atlanta, Ga. 30359

Those of you that register your copy of Pocket Dot will receive the
contributor's package, including more documentation (on diskette), and some
"other goodies" that I have reserved for Pocket Dot supporters. (ex.: Pocket
Dot's OBJ files and a make file so that you can link Pocket Dot to/with your
applications, window routines, a dictionary-driven file maintenance utility,
an abbreviated debug substitute, AND SOURCE CODE for much of this!)
Some notes on using Pocket Dot:

Most commands work the same way they would in a Clipper compiled program.
Some, however, deviate from this when used directly from the prompt (as
opposed to running in a .PRG). CREATE , for example, provides the
interactive 'MODIFY STRUCTURE' screen when used directly from the prompt.

CONFIG.PD can be used to set up your standard Pocket Dot environment. If
found in the current directory when you start Pocket Dot, it is executed just
as if "DO CONFIG.PD" were entered at the command prompt.

SET DOTBOX ON/OFF toggles the 'plain old dot prompt' for those of you that
can't stand the box. Also available are: SET DOTROW TO xx, SET DOTCOL TO xx,
SET DOTLEN TO xx.

BROWSE, LIST MEMORY, LIST STRUCTURE, STAT, and MODIFY STRUCTURE (to name just
a few) should help you realize the usefulness of Pocket Dot!

F2 is the context sensitive 'select' key, which attempts to give you a list
of whatever it is you need when entering a command. Try typing LIST (without
pressing ENTER) at the command prompt, then pressing F2. You will get a list
of fields from the currently active database. When you have selected the
ones you want, press ESC and they will be placed on the command line for you!

Changing drives and directories is supported at the command prompt in a
similar manner to being at the DOS prompt (ie. CD, MD, RD, A:, C:, ...).






I hope you find Pocket Dot useful and interesting. Your suggestions and
criticism are of great value to me (as are your contributions). It is my
intention that Pocket Dot will continue to be upgraded and enhanced as time
and resources (some dependency on contributions here) permit. It is my goal
to continue to provide quality software at a great price, promoting public
acceptance of "shareware" and an appreciation of the individual programmers
and small software companies.


You can reach me by mail at the P.O. box mentioned above. You can also
reach me through Compuserve (ID: 74730,445), PC-Forum (BBS: 404-294-0237),
and ADBUS (Atlanta Database Users Society BBS: 404-998-2804)



I would appreciate hearing your comments and suggestions!