Databeest, 1.89 - 06 June 2010

GENERAL
Databeest is a simple database program, that can handle text and sprites only.
But the way it manipulates data (indexing), makes huge databases
possible with a relatively small file size.
The program needs at least RiscOs 4.02 and at least 3Mb of free RAM.
There are currently three languages to work with: English, Dutch and
German. You can choose them from the iconbar menu.


***** FOR A GENERAL EXPLANATION, USE THE INTERACTIVE !HELP ! *******


Features not covered by !Help:

IMPORTING AND EXPORTING DATA
 Databeest can not (yet) import sound or files other than text and sprites.
 However, csv-files can be imported by dragging the file to the Databeest icon,
  or into a Databeest window. The program then leads you through all possibilities.
 Although Databeest can not directly print the data, export scripts enable you
  to export your data in any lay-out to any wordprocessor.
  Read 'Creating a script file' below, to find out how to do such.

CREATING A NEW WINDOW
 Use a template editor for creating a new window or for modifying an existing one.
 Of all the behaviour flags, only the 'moveable' should be ticked
 The titlebar must be indirected. Make it 18 bytes longer than necessary for 
  extra information from Databeest
 The icons for entering text (fields) should have button type 'writeable; drag'.
  The validation string should at least contain the flags 'KTDN'.
  (And remember: a buffer size N gives N-1 characters to enter...)
 The icons for entering a sprite must have both the text- and sprite-button ticked,
  as well as the indirected button, while the validationstring is: databeestsprite.
  Make the max. text length at least 15. 
 When the window is completed, renumber all the icons one after another,
  to determine the flow. Do the same with the accompaning 'buttons'.
  (Make sure that every text icon has an accompaning 'button'-icon  if needed, make
  this button icon invisible).
 Save the template as 'Templates' into a chosen directory, preferably within the
  Databeest databases directory, e.g. !Databeest.Databases.MyDir
 Run !Databeest and choose the new database from the iconbar menu.
  A dialogue box will open to enter some essential variables. When pressing OK
  the database is automatically loaded again and ready for entering the first record.
 Examine existing windows for practice.

CREATING A SCRIPT FILE FOR DATA EXPORT
 Choose 'Edit exportscript' from the Misc-menu
 The first line should begin with @, after which you type the name of the script
 The contents of a field should be entered by its relative number between <>
  e.g. the contents of the first field is: <1>
 To exclude a field which has no contents, use [ ], e.g. [Telephone: <13>]
  If field nr. 13 has no contents, then the word Telephone won't be printed either.
 If the export file needs a header, then enter this header immediately under the 
  scripts name, e.g.
  @Example script
  Header:First item,Second item,etc.
  <1>, <2>, etc.
 A second script should be typed immediately under the first one.
 A total number of 10 scripts is allowed for each database.
 Examine existing scripts for practice


                 For a printed dutch manual with many illustrations,
                 pay EUR 10,- on giro 2045994, Paul Sprangers, Tilburg
                 with the note: Databeest Manual


 Paul Sprangers
   Zuid-Oosterstraat 29
   5014 BB Tilburg
   The Netherlands
   tel:  (+31-(0)13) 53 68 444
   e-mail: paul@sprie.nl
