Category : Databases and related files
Archive   : DLITE10.ZIP
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Output of file : DLITE.DOC contained in archive : DLITE10.ZIP

















dLITE User's Guide

Copyright (c) Ward Mundy, 1988.

All Rights Reserved.





























Ward Mundy Software
4160 Club Drive
Atlanta, GA 30319 USA




Chapter 1 Preliminaries

1.1 What Is dLITE Anyway?

dLITE is a memory resident ("pop-up") desktop utility which
gives a user access to up to 10 dBASE III-compatible applications
from within virtually any other text-based program on a DOS-based
personal computer. All the user does is press one of 10 "hot-
keys" to pop-up a dLITE application at any time anywhere!

dLITE provides the most common data base functions (as well
as some fantastic new ones) from a pop-up, light bar menu which
displays on the top four lines of the screen. These include:

Adding, updating or displaying records in any
dBASE III-compatible data base using up to 7
dBASE III-compatible indexes.

Creating a custom dBASE III-compatible data
entry screen using a dBASE-standard .FMT file.

Creating a dLITE PASTE-IT template to extract
any information from a dBASE III-compatible
data base. Then you can instantly "paste it"
into your favorite foreground word processing
or spreadsheet application in seconds. Say
goodbye to complex file conversion routines!

Creating customized lists, labels, or reports
using selection and sort criteria you specify.
These, too, can be "PASTEd" into your favorite
word processor or spreadsheet, if desired.
All the coding for output may rely upon
standard dBASE III commands and functions. So
you can finally learn dBASE programming if
desired.

Registered users receive the dLITE Developer's
Version and Developer's Guide which details
the process for creating customized dLITE
applications using virtually any dBASE III-
compatible data file. The Developer's Version
also provides a simulated "dot" prompt to
enter many of the most popular dBASE commands.

The ShareWare version includes a fantastic
mailing list manager worth hundreds in the
commercial market! In addition to the
standard mailing list functions, you also can
"PASTE" a complete name, address, and salu-
tation from your data base into a letter in
your word processor in seconds!

Print out the README.DOC file accompanying
dLITE for other applications which may be
included with your ShareWare version.


1



1.2 Special Thanks!

Much of dLITE's magic is the result of a phenomenal program
called FrontRunner, developed by Jeff Cooper and Gary Wisniewski
of Apex Software Corporation. The program now is marketed by
Ashton-Tate. dLITE includes a complimentary copy of FrontRunner's
run-time module. It provides the data base engine for dLITE much
like a BASIC interpreter provides the engine for many BASIC
programs. So, our special thanks goes to Apex Software Corp. for
allowing us to distribute their run-time module as part of the
dLITE ShareWare package. If you like dLITE, share it with your
friends and put in a good word for FrontRunner while you're at it!


1.3 Legal Stuff

The world is not a simple place any more, so we have to tell
you a few things you need to know before you start using dLITE.
First, a few disclaimers are in order. We provide the same, fine
software warranty that all the big-boys do: NONE! In short, you
use dLITE at your own risk. We make no representations regarding
its fitness for any particular purpose or its merchantability.
Nor do we provide any warranties, express or implied, that the
software will work. That is solely for you to decide! The good
news is that the price is definitely right! You do not have to
shell out $600 only to find that the software doesn't meet your
needs. You can use dLITE for up to 90 days without charge and
make up your own mind. Once you are satisfied that it works and
meets your requirements, then you must register. You will receive
all sorts of additional goodies as explained below.

Everything mentioned above with respect to Ward Mundy
Software applies in spades to Apex Software Corporation. They
don't get another nickel from us whether you register or not.
Hence, don't blame them if dLITE smokes! It's probably the result
of our lousy programming rather than theirs.

Finally, for all you good people out there, please bear with
us. You may have heard that there still are a few good crooks who
live amongst us. They try to take other people's work and pass it
off as their own. This is a no-no in most parts of the world for
which people get put in jail. If someone other than Ward Mundy
has asked you to pay them a license fee for using dLITE, then we'd
like to know about it. Some suggest that you pay them, and they
will pay us. Guess what gang? We don't have any distributors of
this variety. And, we will take the necessary legal steps to
curtail their activities. The reason this all matters to you
honest folks is that if we don't receive some compensation for
writing good software in the ShareWare market then guess who won't
be writing any more software for the ShareWare market.

Let us hasten to add that we do receive support from
thousands of ShareWare distributors around the globe who charge a
modest "copying fee" for distributing ShareWare. This fee should
never exceed $10 in Yankee dollars, and dLITE should always be
distributed on a single diskette. If not, we'd like to know.


2



1.3 A Word About ShareWare

ShareWare is a unique marketing concept which permits you to
"try before you buy." It doesn't mean FreeWare! dLITE is a
copyrighted work for which we retain all rights. You or your
company are licensed to use it up to 90 days to determine whether
dLITE meets your requirements. If it does, then you need to
register and obtain a license if you intend to continue to use the
software. If it doesn't meet your needs, then give it to a
friend, your local User's Group, or your friendly trash can!

You may pass dLITE along to others so long as you distribute
it exactly in the form it was received. The next section
describes the files which must be on the distribution diskette or
in the archive file if you downloaded the program from a bulletin
board. If your copy doesn't match the list, do yourself a big
favor: DON'T USE IT or you may be VERRRRRRY SORRRRRRY! There are
also some folks who pride themselves in design of CrippleWare. If
there is any doubt in your mind about the reliability of your
copy of dLITE, please drop us a note. We also will be glad to
send you a home-grown copy of dLITE if you include 10 yankee
dollars. Please let us know where any questionable copy came from.

1.4 Files on Distribution Archived Diskette

The following files and README.DOC are in the ShareWare archive:

FILE NAME FILE SIZE FILE FUNCTION
------------ --------- ------------------------------
DLITE.EXE 115311 FrontRunner Run-Time Module
DLITE.DOC 54213 dLITE's Documentation File
FR_INI.FRB 4104 dLITE's Initialization Program
DLITE.FRB 7688 dLITE's Main Menu Program
ADDREC.FRB 1544 dLITE's Add Record Overlay
EDITREC.FRB 3080 dLITE's Edit Record Overlay
PASTEREC.FRB 4104 dLITE's Paste Record Overlay
DELREC.FRB 3592 dLITE's Delete Record Overlay
UNDELREC.FRB 3592 dLITE's UnDel Record Overlay
DELPROC.FRB 520 dLITE's CTRL-U Delete Overlay
SELREC.FRB 1544 dLITE's Select Record Overlay
OUTPUT.FRB 2568 dLITE's Output Records Overlay
PRINT.FRB 1544 dLITE's Printing Overlay
PICKFILE.FRB 2568 dLITE's File Selection Overlay
UTIL.FRB 3080 dLITE's Utilities Overlay
INTERACT.FRB 520 dLITE's Critical Error Handler
ERROR.FRB 520 dLITE's Code Error Handler
DLITE.CFG 256 dLITE's Default Config File
DLITE.1 256 dLITE's Menu #1 Config File
MAILLIST.DBF 1536 Mailing List Data Base
FULLNAME.NDX 1024 Mailing List Full Name Index
IDCODE.NDX 1024 Mailing List ID Code Index
ZIP.NDX 1024 Mailing List Zip Code Index
MAILLIST.CFG 128 Mailing List Config File
MAILLIST.FMT 1792 Mailing List Data Entry Screen
MAILLIST.OUT 128 Mailing List Output Spec
MAILLIST.INI 128 Mailing List Output Initialize
MAILLIST.PST 256 Mailing List Paste Spec

3



1.5 Registration

The terms of dLITE's ShareWare license already have been
outlined. When you register, you are eligible to receive the
Developer's Version of dLITE as well as the Developer's Docu-
mentation. This software and documentation permits you to develop
your own dLITE applications for use on your computer. Once you
pay the registration fee of $25 per PC, the only charge for the
Developer's Version and Documentation is the shipping and handling
fee of $5 within the United States or $10 foreign. The Developer's
Version and Documentation may not be redistributed without written
permission from the author.

An order and invoice form is included in this documentation
for your convenience. We do not accept credit cards or purchase
orders. We do accept personal checks drawn on U.S. banks in U.S.
dollars, money orders, and cash in U.S. currency.


1.6 Credits

Names of computer hardware, software, and computer companies
are used solely for the purpose of identification. With the
exception of dLITE and WAMPUM, all remaining references to
products and companies are trademarked by their respective
companies. dLITE and WAMPUM are trademarks of Ward Mundy.

IBM, IBM-PC, and PC/AT are trademarks of IBM Corporation.

dBASE, dBASE III, dBASE III Plus, RunTime and Ashton-
Tate are trademarks of Ashton-Tate.

FrontRunner is a trademark of Apex Software Corporation.

SideKick is a trademark of Borland International.

MS-DOS is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation.

PKXARC is a trademark of PKWare, Inc.



















4



Chapter 2 Getting Started


2.1 System Requirements

dLITE is a memory resident program which runs on an IBM-
compatible PC, PC/AT, or PC/386. It requires DOS 2.1 or higher
and approximately 160K of memory or 100K of memory if you have at
least 64K of expanded memory free which conforms to the Lotus/
Intel/Microsoft Expanded Memory Specification (versions 3 and 4).
To "pop-up" dLITE from within your favorite word processor
typically requires a 512K or 640K machine with few other memory
resident programs. If you have adequate memory, dLITE can coexist
with all your favorite TSR's.


2.2 Installing the Software

If you received dLITE on diskette, then type A:INSTALL for
instructions on installation of the software. If you received
dLITE from a BBS, then follow the steps outlined below.

dLITE is distributed in archived (compressed) form to better
protect the integrity of its various program and data files.
These archives come in two flavors: a file with an extension of
.ARC or a file with an extension of .EXE. The .EXE variety is
self-unarchiving. The .ARC variety requires that you use a
program such as PKXARC from PKWare to unarchive the files.

STEP 1. Creating A Directory

Regardless of which version of the archive you have, you will
need to first create a directory on your hard disk to store the
software. For floppy disk users, you will need to format a
diskette. This directory must be part of your DOS PATH to get the
most out of dLITE.

For hard disk users, type MD C:\DLITE at the DOS prompt to
create a new directory on your hard disk. Add the following
command to the top of your AUTOEXEC.BAT startup file using any
editor: PATH=C:\DLITE. If you already have a PATH command in
your startup file, then add C:\DLITE to it preferably at the
beginning. This improves performance since dLITE makes frequent
calls to program overlays.

For floppy disk users, format a system floppy with the
command FORMAT A:/S. Type the following commands exactly as they
appear to create the startup file:

COPY CON AUTOEXEC.BAT
PATH=A:\
ECHO Insert foreground application disk in Drive B.
B:
A:DLITE

Now press CTRL-Z and to save the file.


5




STEP 2. Loading the Software from .EXE archive

If you have the .EXE archive variety, then list the directory
and write down the name of the dLITE archive. It should be named
DLITE10.EXE unless the name was changed. If the file name is
DLITE10.ARC then go to Step 3.

If you have a hard disk, move to the \DLITE directory by
typing CD \DLITE at the C> prompt. Insert the floppy with the
archive file in Drive A and type A:DLITE10 to unarchive the
software and copy it to your C:\DLITE directory.

If you have a floppy disk system, insert your new system disk
in Drive B and insert the floppy with the archive file in Drive A.
Now type B: to position to Drive B. Then type A:DLITE10
to unarchive the software and copy it to your B: floppy.

STEP 3. Loading the Software from .ARC archive

If you have the .ARC archive variety, then list the directory
and write down the name of the dLITE archive. It should be named
DLITE10.ARC unless the name was changed. If the file name is
DLITE10.EXE then go to Step 2.

If you have a hard disk, move to the \DLITE directory by
typing CD \DLITE at the C> prompt. Insert the floppy with the
archive file in Drive A and copy PKXARC.COM onto this floppy.
Now type A:PKXARC A:DLITE10 to unarchive the software and copy it
to your C:\DLITE directory.

If you have a floppy disk system, insert your new system disk
in Drive B and insert the floppy with the archive file in Drive A.
Copy PKXARC.COM onto the floppy in Drive A. Now type B:
to position to Drive B. Then type A:PKXARC A:DLITE10 to unarchive
the software and copy it to your B: floppy.

STEP 4. Checking Your PATH

Before you attempt to load dLITE into memory, check your DOS
PATH by typing PATH at the DOS prompt. Make certain that
C:\DLITE or A:\DLITE (for floppy users) is included in the path.
If not, reread STEP 1 above and create the necessary PATH command
in your startup file.


2.2 Loading the Software into Memory

dLITE can be loaded into memory by typing DLITE at
the DOS prompt. If you receive a message "File Not Found" then
you have not created the necessary PATH for DOS to find the
program. Reread the steps in section 2.1 above.

If you have at least 64K of EMS memory, type DLITE /X to
load the program and you will save about 64K of conventional
memory. This means dLITE will consume only 90-95K of
conventional memory.

6




If you have a color monitor, you may increase screen perfor-
mance by loading dLITE with the command: DLITE /F. If snow
appears on your screen, this option should be avoided.

If you will be using dLITE with a graphics mode program, then
install it with the command DLITE /G.

Multiple switches can be used in loading dLITE. For example,
DLITE /X /F /G is acceptable.

The FrontRunner run-time module then will be loaded, and
dLITE will display its opening screen. After reading the screen,
press any key to make dLITE memory resident.

You now can "pop-up" dLITE at any time by pressing ALT-1
regardless of your default drive or directory. Once dLITE's menu
appears, you can make it disappear at any time by pressing the
ape key. Please note that dLITE does not work well with
graphics mode programs. You should not pop-up dLITE while using
a program which is in graphics mode. While dLITE's PASTE
function will work, its menus will not be readable.

Because dLITE is a memory resident program, a few words of
caution are in order. With the exception of SideKick, dLITE
should always be the last memory resident program loaded. This
assures two things: (1) that dLITE will work and (2) that you can
remove it from memory without rebooting your computer.






























7



Chapter 3 dLITE's Mailing List Manager


3.1 Overview

dLITE is bundled with a complete Mailing List Management
application which is ready to use. It provides all of the major
functions of the $200 commercial mailing list managers with some
extra bells and whistles: pop-up functionality and the ability to
"paste" information from your mailing list directly into your word
processing or spreadsheet applications with just a couple of
keystrokes.

This chapter walks you through every function on dLITE's pop-
up menu. While the Mailing List Manager is certainly a useful
product, it is only the beginning for dLITE. dLITE has been
designed to allow anyone who can read the capability to add 9 more
dBASE III-compatible, custom applications to meet your unique
requirements. Any of these 10 applications then can be popped up
with a single keystroke. When you register, the Developer's
Documentation and Software walks you through the process of
building your own custom applications.

The ShareWare version is intended to provide you a complete
and powerful Mailing List Manager and to expose you to the great
potential which lies ahead in designing your own software. YOU DO
NOT NEED TO BE A dBASE PROGRAMMER TO BUILD COMPLETE AND POWERFUL
dLITE APPLICATIONS. See README.DOC for other applications!

For now, read through the remainder of this documentation
which will acquaint you with all the magic that dLITE can offer.
Then use the Mailing List Manager for up to 90 days to evaluate
the beauty and ease of use of this great new software tool.


3.2 Navigation Keys for dLITE's Main Menu

Once you have pressed dLITE's "hot-key" and the light bar
menu appears, you simply highlight the option desired by using the
or arrow keys on the numeric keypad. Then press
to execute your choice. Pressing ape allows you to
exit from dLITE and return to your foreground application.

The key moves the light bar to the first option on
the menu. The key moves the light bar to the last option on
the menu. With the exception of typing "Q" to quit and exit,
other dLITE options cannot be executed by typing their first
letter. This is a protective step due to keyboard buffering of
type-ahead keystrokes.


3.3 EDITing records

When dLITE is first popped up, the default choice is EDIT if
an application has been configured with a default data base file.
To execute this choice, simply press .


8



Once the EDIT option is selected, you will be prompted for
the record to retrieve based upon the lead index then in effect.

The Mailing List Manager application is distributed with one
record in the data base. The default LEAD INDEX is FULLNAME. To
recall the sample entry in the file, type Mundy when prompted for
the FULLNAME and press .

Even with large data bases, typical retrieval times for
indexed data bases is approximately one second. When the Mundy
record is displayed, you can move between the various fields by
pressing the and cursor keys. also will move
you to the next field.

SAVING an entry occurs when ANY of the following occur:

(1) ape key is pressed;

(2) or key is pressed;

(3) key is pressed in upper most field
(top left);

(4) key or is pressed in
lower most field (bottom right);

(5) Lower most field (bottom right) is filled
with newly typed characters.

All of the EDITing functionality of dLITE is virtually
identical to dBASE III Plus with the exception that the key
will SAVE an entry with any changes while dBASE III Plus would
not. This is a limitation of the current FrontRunner run-time
package which cannot be avoided. If you need more error checking
in the data entry process, use WAMPUM-D from Ward Mundy Software.
Its data bases and indexes are fully compatible with dLITE.

dLITE also supports the CTRL-U delete toggling function found
in dBASE III. While a record is displayed in edit mode, you may
mark the record *DELETED* in the data base by pressing CTRL-U. You
may recall a deleted record (unDELETE) by pressing CTRL-U again.

In case you are curious: YES, you can tailor the data entry
screen to look exactly as you desire. More on that later!


3.3 ADDing new records

Highlighting the ADDREC option and pressing causes
dLITE to prompt whether to add a new record. Type Y to add a new
blank record to the data base, and a data entry form will appear
for you to complete.

Type in your entries using the function keys described in the
EDITing section above. When you have completed all the entries
(assuming you have not filled in the last field completely), then
press to SAVE your data.

9




If you have entered mode by mistake, you can press
to exit. The blank record is NOT deleted from the data
base; however, it is marked DELETED whether data has been entered
in the various fields or not. The significance of this is out-
lined below in the DELETing records section of the User's Guide.


3.4 PASTE records

Perhaps dLITE's most powerful and unique function is the
PASTE option. This permits you to pop-up dLITE from within
another application, such as a letter being written in your word
processor, select a record from the data base, and then "paste" a
name, address, and salutation into the letter.

If you would like to follow along, start up your favorite
word processor or editor and open a new document (if required).
Now press ALT-1 to pop-up dLITE. Highlight the PASTE option and
press . You will be prompted for the FULLNAME to find.
Type Mundy and press .

The data entry screen will appear. On the top line, you will
be asked whether to PASTE this record. Notice the default is N
for No. You must type Y to paste the information into your
document. At this juncture, you can move through the records in
the file by pressing or . The records will be
ordered alphabetically according to the lead index. For now, type
Y to PASTE the Mundy entry into your word processor or editor.

You may notice a slight flickering of the screen. When the
dLITE Main Menu reappears, press to return to your
document. At this point, you should see the following:

Ward Mundy
ATTN: dLITE Support
4160 Club Drive
Atlanta, GA 30319 USA

Dear Mr. WAMPUM:

As you build your own entries into the Mailing List Manager
application, the true simplicity and utility of dLITE should
become apparent.

In case you are curious: YES, you can tailor the PASTE
command to paste anything you want from your data base in any
format you desire. More on that later!

If you need to just write quick letters, then the existing
PASTE file specification should be perfect to meet your needs.


3.5 DELETing records

For those new to the world of dBASE, you need to know that
DELETING a record really doesn't delete it. It simply marks it as

10



*DELETED*. The beauty of this approach is that you can later
change your mind and *UNDELETE* a deleted record.

Deleting a record does have effects. First, deleted records
cannot be output with dLITE's OUTPUT menu option. Second,
deleted records are permanently erased when a dBASE-compatible
data base is packed (rebuilt). Prior to packing a file, however,
deleted records can be restored using the *UNDEL* option on
dLITE's menu.

To DELETE a record, highlight this option and press .
Then enter the FULLNAME of Mundy when prompted. The data entry
screen then will appear with the prompt DELETE this record? on the
top line. As with pasting records, the default answer is N for
NO. If you really do want to delete the record, type Y. Prior
to typing Y, you can or to move through the data
base. If the beginning or end of the file is reached, the DELETE
function is terminated and dLITE's Main Menu reappears.


3.6 UNDELeting records

dLITE's UNDELete function permits you to RECALL records
marked deleted as active records in the data base so long as they
are undeleted BEFORE the file is packed. Once the file has been
packed, deleted records are lost forever!

To UnDELETE a record, highlight this option and press
. Then enter the FULLNAME of Mundy when prompted. The
data entry screen then will appear with the prompt UnDELETE this
record? on the top line. As with deleting records, the default
answer is N for NO. If you really do want to undelete the record,
type Y. Prior to typing Y, you can or to move
through the data base. If the beginning or end of the file is
reached, the UnDELETE function is terminated and dLITE's Main
Menu reappears.

Once a record has been recalled with the UNDELETE function,
it is an active record in the data base once again. This means it
can be output with dLITE's OUTPUT function.


3.7 SELECTing records

The purpose of entering data into a data base typically is to
be able to output reports which SELECT (or narrow down) the data
to only a specific group of records based upon user-defined
criteria. dLITE provides this functionality through the SELECT
option.

When SELECT is chosen, a listing of the first 98 fields in
the data base will display. Then the user is prompted to Enter
dBASE Selection Criteria. In dBASE lingo, this is a filter. This
filter can be 78 characters long. If a longer filter is desired,
it can be stored in the OUTPUT file specification discussed below.



11



For those that have forgotten college Algebra and Boolean
logic, here is a brief refresher course. If you need more, visit
your local library.

Typically a dBASE filter consists of three parts:

(1) Field name

(2) Relational operator

(3) Value

The FIELD NAME is the exact name of the field from your data
base, i.e. it is one of the field names displayed at the top of
the screen.

The RELATIONAL OPERATOR is one of the following:

(1) = (EQUALS)

(2) <> (NOT EQUALS)

(3) > (GREATER THAN)

(4) < (LESS THAN)

(5) >= (AT LEAST)

(6) <= (AT MOST)

(7) $ (CONTAINED IN)

(8) .NOT. $ (NOT CONTAINED IN)

The VALUE is just that, the value to find for the field
specified by field name.

Here are some examples to get you started.


English: FIND ALL THE RECORDS IN ZIP CODE 30319.

Expression: ZIP="30319"

Comments: Notice that the zip code is in quotes since
ZIP is a character field.


English: FIND ALL THE ENTRIES WITH AUGUST 1988 CONTACT DATE

Expression: CONTACTDT >= CTOD("08/01/88") .AND.
CONTACTDT <= CTOD("08/31/88")

Comments: More than one expression can be joined with
.AND. This means BOTH expressions must be TRUE for a
record to be output. Notice that spacing doesn't
matter.

12



English: FIND ALL THE CODE1'S CONTAINING THE WORD "CLONE"

Expression: "CLONE"$UPPER(CODE1)

Comments: Since clone could be in upper, lower, or mixed
case, we want to find them all. By using the dBASE
function UPPER(), we can convert the CODE1 entries
temporarily to upper case and then search for entries
containing the word "CLONE." Since CODE1 is a
character field, the value must be enclosed in quotes.


English: FIND ALL THE ENTRIES WITH NO CONTACT DATE


Expression: DOW(CONTACTDT)=0

Comments: The easiest way to check for a blank date
field is to search for those where the day of the week
is 0. In dBASE, a 0 day of the week is a blank date.
The DOW() function returns a number corresponding to the
day of the week of a date field.


English: FIND ALL ENTRIES WHERE CATEGORY CONTAINS THE
WORD dBASE OR THE IDCODE IS dLITE

Expression: "dBASE"$CATEGORY .OR. "dLITE"$IDCODE

Comments: Here we are looking for terms which could
have appeared anywhere within the two fields. Thus, the
CONTAINS operator is better than EQUALS. Notice that
when two expressions are joined with .OR., a record will
qualify for output when EITHER expression is True.


3.7 OUTPUTing records

When the OUTPUT records option is chosen, the SELECT record
option will first appear if no selection criteria are active.
You can tell whether selection criteria are active by looking in
the lower right corner of the screen after the name of the current
data file. If selection criteria are in effect, the word *SEL*
will appear after the name of the file.

If you want to select all records, leave the selection
criteria field blank by pressing the key.

Once selection criteria have been entered or if all records
output has been chosen, then dLITE will process the request and
produce a listing of the active records which meet the defined
selection criteria. If no active records exist in the data base,
an error will be displayed indicating that the file is empty. If
no active records qualify for output, then a blank report will be
produced.




13



In case you are curious: YES, you can tailor the OUTPUT
command to output virtually any information you want from your
data base in any format you desire. This may be a simple list, a
more complex report, or a paste specification to paste multiple
records or even mailing labels into a word processing document.
You also can generate printed output. More on this later!


3.7 UTILITY Option

The UTILITY option provides the following functions:

(1) Changing the LEAD INDEX

(2) Reindexing

(3) Creating new dBASE III-compatible indexes

(4) Listing the File Structure of any dBASE III data base

Changing the LEAD INDEX determines the key by which records
are retrieved in EDIT, PASTE, DELETE, and UNDELETE modes. It also
defines the sort order for OUTPUT unless a different index is
specified in the OUTPUT file specification.

For example, if the LEAD INDEX is FULLNAME, then record
output is ordered alphabetically by full name (last name first).
It also means that all or part of an existing full name must be
entered to retrieve a record in EDIT, PASTE, DELETE, and UNDELETE
modes.

If the LEAD INDEX is ZIP, then record output is ordered by
zip code. Retrieval of data for EDIT, PASTE, DELETE, and
UNDELETE requires that you enter all or part of the zip code for
an existing record in the data base.

Selecting NATURAL ORDER means that record output will be in
the same order that the records were entered into the file. To
retrieve a record requires entry of a record number which is
assigned when each new record is added to the data base.

For those unfamiliar with dBASE indexes, a word of
explanation is in order. dBASE indexes take the place of the
sorting step which typically is used on larger computer systems to
order a file in a certain way. The advantages of indexes are
many. First, they are automatically updated whenever a new record
is added to a file or an existing record is changed. Thus, the
end-user need do nothing to assure that the data base is properly
sorted. Second, because indexes are always current, any output
can be produced in the order of any existing index without the
need to sort the data base. This saves a tremendous amount of
time with large data bases. Third, indexes permit retrieval of
information in many different ways almost instantaneously. Simply
change the lead index, and enter all or part of an existing key
value. dLITE supports up to 7 simultaneous indexes which can be
defined to meet the needs of virtually any application.


14



REINDEXing is a function which probably will not be necessary
unless you experience a power failure while you are actively
changing records in your data base. To protect against file
damage, dLITE automatically closes ALL data bases whenever you
return to dLITE's Main Menu. HINT: Return to the Main Menu
whenever you finish updating your file. Don't leave your computer
sitting on a data entry screen! A good clue that reindexing is
necessary is not being able to retrieve a record which you know is
in the file.

Because dLITE is a memory resident program which is inten-
tionally stingy in its use of memory, it is possible with very
large data bases with complex indexes that you may exhaust your
computer's memory allocated to dLITE. In such cases you will get
an error. These indexes can easily be rebuilt with WAMPUM-D, an
inexpensive, menu driven data base management system which is
dBASE III and dLITE-compatible.

CREATING A NEW INDEX allows you to build new dBASE III-
compatible indexes. By marking this option Y, you will be
prompted for the name of your new index file and then the index
expression. This expression may be the name of a field from your
data base or it may be any legal dBASE string expression. This is
explained more fully in the Developer's Version documentation.

LIST DB STRUCTURE permits you to list the field structure of
the data base file currently in use. Marking this option Y will
display a listing of the file structure with a pause at the end of
each screen. You may press SHIFT-PrtSc to print these screens.


3.8 FILE Select Option

dLITE allows you to work with virtually any dBASE III data
base with up to seven dBASE III-compatible indexes. With the
exception of MEMO fields, all dBASE field types are supported.
Before using additional data bases, you first must create at least
a data entry screen to display the contents of the file. The
MenuMaker screen generator program from Ward Mundy Software
allows you to quickly build dBASE III-compatible format files for
use with dLITE. With MenuMaker, you simply draw the screen the
way it should look, and MenuMaker writes the code for your dLITE
or WAMPUM application. Or you may create your own format files
manually using standard dBASE @ SAY and @ GET commands. Consult
any dBASE III reference book for detailed instructions. A sample
format file supporting the Mailing List Manager is included to
give you something to clone. Simply print the file MAILLIST.FMT.
It was generated using MenuMaker.


3.9 CLEAR dLITE

The CLEAR option allows you to remove dLITE from memory.
Two prerequisites are necessary before this will work reliably:

(1) dLITE must have been the last memory resident
program loaded into memory

15




(2) You must be at the DOS prompt when you select the
CLEAR option

If dLITE cannot be cleared from memory when you select this
option, an error will report this to you with an explanation why.

Generally, you will only need to clear dLITE from resident
memory for one of the following reasons:

(1) You need to run an extremely large program such as
WAMPUM which needs the memory reserved by dLITE

(2) You need to run another dBASE program or clone
which will be using the same data base used by dLITE


3.10 QUIT dLITE

QUITting dLITE means that the program remains memory
resident but disappears from view until you need it again. This
can be accomplished by highlighting QUIT and pressing . Or
you may simply type Q when dLITE's Main Menu is displayed. Or you
may press the ape key.

To pop-up the Mailing List Manager again, press the hot-key
assigned to this application, ALT-1.

In case you are curious, ALT-2 through ALT-0 are reserved for
use by you in building your own future dLITE applications.


3.11 Unexpected Errors

Because dLITE is squeezed into a small amount of memory, its
error handling capacity is somewhat limited. Typically, it will
report one critical error, wait for you to acknowledge the error,
and then execute a QUIT command automatically. It is up to you to
fix the error before popping up dLITE again.

With the Mailing List Manager, an error should not occur
unless your data base becomes so large that you run out of disk
space. Errors created by mistakes in creating the Mailing List
Manager application hopefully have been eliminated. All appli-
cation errors are reported and then are ignored.

If you get an error which appears strange or confusing,
please give us a call any weekday evening between 6 and 9 p.m.
EASTERN time. The number is 404/237-9420. Please note that the
phone number is provided to assist in detection of errors not to
provide free technical support to unregistered users. Tech support
will be provided on our Sky Valley BBS on or before 1/1/89. Call
404/746-5109 weekdays. You are welcome to explore all of the files
supporting the Mailing List Manager application. And we encourage
you to register your copy of dLITE and obtain the Developer's
Version and Documentation if you enjoy the program or continue
using dLITE after your 90 day evaluation license expires.

16



Chapter 4 Developing dLITE Applications


4.1 Overview

dLITE was designed to provide even novice computer users with
a powerful application development tool. Virtually everything in
dLITE's rich assortment of functions can be customized to meet
your individual needs. A partial list of tailorable options
follows:

(1) Screen colors and screen sizes

(2) Error tones to assist end-users

(3) Up to 10 dBASE-compatible data bases (.DBF)

(4) Up to 7 dBASE-compatible indexes per file (.NDX)

(5) dBASE-compatible data entry screens (.FMT)

(6) Virtually complete control of dBASE-like
environment through SET commands

(7) Customized PASTE file spec for each file
provides unlimited flexibility in extracting
data from .DBF files for use in other applications

(8) Customized OUTPUT file spec for each file
provides many options for tailoring output to
meet individual requirements. This output
could be a list, a complex report, or a PASTE
file spec to extract labels from an entire
data base. Printed output also is supported.


4.2 Developer's Version and Documentation

The dLITE Developer's Version and Documentation provides
virtually all the tools you will need to build custom file
management applications to meet your individual needs. Better
yet, the software and documentation are free (except for shipping
and handling expenses) when you register your copy of dLITE.

If quick development of complex data entry screens is a
priority, then you may also wish to consider MenuMaker. This
software allows you to simply draw a data entry screen the way it
should look in the finished application. Then MenuMaker will do
the hard work of writing the dBASE-compatible code for your dLITE
format file. The software also supports data entry screens for
all versions of WAMPUM.


4.3 A Word About WAMPUM

dLITE was intended to provide pop-up dBASE support for many
file management applications around the office and home. Because

17



it's light on memory, it obviously cannot do everything a full
blown data base management system can.

WAMPUM, on the other hand, was designed to be a complete
menu-driven, dBASE-compatible, data base management system. It
can be used to create applications where the integrity of the data
entry process is more critical. It provides virtually every tool
for which a professional developer would charge thousands of
dollars. But don't take our word for it. Here is what some of
the industry experts have said about WAMPUM:


"WAMPUM is impressive, a must for anyone who seeks dBASE
capabilities but can't justify the [$695] price of dBASE
III Plus or FoxBASE+ 2.1. WAMPUM might even be viewed
as what Ashton-Tate's RapidFile should have been, a
menu-driven version of dBASE. WAMPUM is more powerful
and much cheaper than both RapidFile and Alpha Three..."

Data Based Advisor, August 1988 review.



"For personal or recreational use, WAMPUM is a gift-
horse that you can afford to 'look in the mouth.' For
business here is an industrial-grade product full of
embellishments. Indeed, WAMPUM is close to dBASE III
Plus in performance."

Computer Shopper, September 1987 review.



"WAMPUM is comparable to dBASE III in features and power
but offers a menu-driven interface. It uses a dBASE III-
compatible file structure and offers network support,
multiple indexes, relational functions, printer tem-
plates, macros, and password protection."

PC World's Best of ShareWare, August 1988.


So when you register your copy of dLITE, why not order the latest
ShareWare version of WAMPUM and give it a try for 90 days as well.
The $5 cost for the 90-day license won't bust your budget!













18





WARD MUNDY SOFTWARE, 4160 CLUB DRIVE, ATLANTA, GA 30319



C U S T O M E R I N V O I C E




+---------------------------------------------------------------+
|Customer: |Order Date: |
| |---------------------------|
| |Shipped Dt: |
| |---------------------------|
| |Invoice No: |
| |---------------------------|
| | |
+---------------------------------------------------------------+

+---------------------------------------------------------------+
|QUANTITY |DESCRIPTION |UNIT PRICE| AMOUNT |
+---------------------------------------------------------------+
| | dLITE License Fee per PC | 25.00 | |
| | | | |
| | MenuMaker for dLITE/WAMPUM | 20.00 | |
| | | | |
| | dLITE Developer's Version & | | |
| | Developer's Guide | N/C* | |
| | | | |
| | WAMPUM ShareWare Disk | 5.00 | |
| | | | |
| | WAMPUM-D Single User License | 25.00 | |
| | | | |
| | WAMPUM-D Network License | 75.00 | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | Foreign Shipping Surcharge | 5.00 | |
| | | | |
| | Shipping & Handling Charges | 5.00 | 5.00 |
| | |----------|===========|
| | | TOTAL | |
+---------------------- Thank You! -----------------------------+

TERMS: Please make checks payable to Ward Mundy, 4160 Club Drive,
Atlanta, GA 30319. Checks in U.S. dollars drawn on
U.S. banks only please.

* Developer's Version and Documentation are free with registration
provided the correct shipping and handling fee accompanies order.



  3 Responses to “Category : Databases and related files
Archive   : DLITE10.ZIP
Filename : DLITE.DOC

  1. Very nice! Thank you for this wonderful archive. I wonder why I found it only now. Long live the BBS file archives!

  2. This is so awesome! 😀 I’d be cool if you could download an entire archive of this at once, though.

  3. But one thing that puzzles me is the “mtswslnkmcjklsdlsbdmMICROSOFT” string. There is an article about it here. It is definitely worth a read: http://www.os2museum.com/wp/mtswslnk/