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Alpha 5 v4.5

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    #1

    Alpha 5 v4.5

    I just loaded the upgrade to v4.5 build 266 trying to get the new Xbasic help file, but I still have no help on "sys_open". How do I get the new A5 help files. I already bought all the books I could find on Alpha Five (both) and I still need all the help I can get.

    Rick Smith
    Tags: None
    #2
    RE: Alpha 5 v4.5

    Richard,

    Not sure what you mean by the Help File?? Do you mean the file that's available when clicking "Help" on the menu bar or the on line manual and xbasic help?

    If it's the former, it should be there as they're part of A5. If it's the latter, you need to reinstall the first portion and check the boxes for the manual and xbasic. I don't think you need to reinstall the whole application but should be able to only install the manual and Xbasic.

    kenn
    TYVM :) kenn

    Knowing what you can achieve will not become reality until you imagine and explore.

    Comment

      #3
      RE: Alpha 5 v4.5

      Rick,

      The command is discussed in the "What's New in 4.5" doc. I have just copied if from the pdf version and I fear that when I paste it in here it will not be pretty but here goes anyway.

      Bill

      ---------------
      Sys_open() and Sys_print() Functions (Build 266)

      The following new functions were added:
      Sys_open("filename")
      Sys_print("filename")

      These functions do the same as right clicking on a file in the Windows Explorer and choosing the Open or
      Print commands. Alpha Five will open or print the file using the application associated with the file's
      extension.

      For example, assuming that filename is "c:mydatainvoices.xls" and that on your computer, the ".xls" file

      extension is associated with Excel, then Alpha Five will open the file using Excel.

      The following Xbasic snippet could be attached to a button on form. When the use pressed the button,
      Alpha Five exports data to Excel, then open Excel, showing the file that was exported:

      Export.run("Export Orders")

      Sys_open("c:mydataorders.xls")

      The following Xbasic snippet opens a Web page:
      Sys_open("http://www.alphasoftware.com")

      The following Xbasic snippet opens the default e-mail client and fills in the address:
      Sys_open("mailto:[email protected]")

      ---------------
      (I cleaned it up a bit)
      Bill Hanigsberg

      Comment

        #4
        RE: Alpha 5 v4.5

        Bill,
        Thanks for hitting the point. I missed it by a mile.

        Oh well, anohter time.

        ~(:>}

        kenn
        TYVM :) kenn

        Knowing what you can achieve will not become reality until you imagine and explore.

        Comment

          #5
          RE: Alpha 5 v4.5

          Thanks guys, but I meant the built-in help (press F1 type help). It looks like the help file is missing some stuff.

          Comment

            #6
            RE: Alpha 5 v4.5

            You are correct, the A5 help file accessed with F1 is missing some things. Any functions added after version 4.0 (or 4.01?) are only listed in the readme files or other documentation.

            If you are interested in using Xbasic, I have a Help file I offered over a year ago to anyone who sent me a $5 or more "donation". Since this took hundreds of hours to compile I feel it is a bargain. I have also recently begun offering this as a bribe to anyone who submits a valid tip; however, since a number of people have paid for it, I don't feel it would be fair to give it away for free. The tip is a reasonable payment since it takes more than $5 of time to write out a good tip.

            I debated about posting this on the board again since I've done that so many times before that it's becoming embarassing. On the other hand, there may be some new users who aren't aware and might be interested. A number of current users have sent me comments like "I use it all the time..." so at least some are finding it useful.

            This help file has all the A5v4 Xbasic functions including the newer ones which Alpha only put in the readme files. Only Xbasic functions are listed since they are the things that I constantly had to look up; the more general instructions are not included.

            The thing that really makes this Help file more useful is the tremendous number of keywords and links. For example, searching on "delete" not only returns things like .delete, .delete_record(), and Is_deleted() but also things like Blank_put(), Is_marked(), Pack(), Relation_drop(), etc. - 23 hits in all. The actual text is mostly the same as what is in the A5 help files but you don't usually have to know the exact function you want in order to find it.

            Note: To use the file, it is best to put a shortcut to it on your task bar. It is not accessible by pressing F1 in Alpha.

            If you want to purchase it, send a check to me at:
            Cal Locklin
            6204 Five Mile
            Northville, MI 48167

            Include either your return address or your e-mail address so I can send it to you.

            Better yet, come up with a good tip and get a "free" copy!

            Comment

              #7
              RE: Alpha 5 v4.5

              I've noticed much the same in trying to locate "OnMouse". Seems like there isn't much help in the help files. To make matters worse, customer support will only tell you that you need to spend $2.00/minute to find out what is going on.

              Comment

                #8
                RE: Alpha 5 v4.5

                Down load help401.exe from:

                http://www.alphasoftware.com/products/a5v4/downloads.asp

                Xbasic.hlp and A_user.hlp are in there.

                Comment

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