Category : Databases and related files
Archive   : DATAMAGE.ZIP
Filename : CODEGRUP.HLP

"WRITE CODE OR FLAG HELP"

"The write code/flag function writes the same value into a data segment"
"in all records in the current group. If you have used the select"
"records function to exclude some records from the group the code/flag"
"will be written to only the records now in the group. If not, the data"
"will be recorded in all records, presumably to zero or blank the field"
"for future use."

"This is an advanced function and you must be VERY CAREFUL with it. If"
"you are uncertain, DON'T!. This routine PERMANENTLY DESTROYS the data"
"currently recorded in the field. So, if you write a code/flag, you'll"
"need an UNASSIGNED field to hold it, or a segment specifically for the"
"purpose of holding code/flag data. The program has no way of knowing"
"the purpose of the segments, and will, if directed, happily DESTROY"
"a field containing permanent data."

"The purpose of a code/flag is to leave a message in the record. The"
"meaning of the message is up to you. If you have spent time defining"
"a group of records you may wish to place a flag in them. When you need"
"to work with that group again you can do a single record select oper-"
"ation with the flag as its target to get that same group back into the"
"computer. Your work need not be duplicated each time, but, you should"
"remember that new records added since your group was defined may fit"
"your definition and, therefore, should be in the group."

"The target segment of the code/flag may be numeric or alpha. If it is"
"alpha, you may opt to replace the current entry with the code/flag or"
"append (add) the new data to the current entry."

"In the case of multi-user files please consider others when you choose"
"a field for your code/flag. The stuff in there may look like garbage"
"to you, but it may represent hours of somebody's' time."