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Data structure design in Alpha

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    Data structure design in Alpha

    I am in the process of converting a number of TeleMagic Databases into one robust Alpha5 database for my business. If you are familiar with TeleMagic you will no doubt be aware of their demise. After over ten years of development work on my custom application for the commercial real estate industry for my own use, I have been fortunate (or so I believe) to have come across Alpha5. I feel capable of developing and implementing my own newly, and better designed structure, but I need to get a kickstart (and design/programming support) with someone that is familiar with Alpha5.

    Before developing my application (which would truly be an enterprise-wide system) I need to understand some of the limitations of Alpha5. I will need to link/join many tables together to eliminate redundant data. With the number of complex relationships I will require I am having a great deal of difficulty mapping the new structure.

    Any recommendation on someone that can review my design structure/needs to make sure I set out on the right path? Any respurces that anyone knows would be helpful as well. Thanks.

    Todd Gold

    #2
    RE: Data structure design in Alpha

    Hi Todd

    All your Christmas wishes are about to come true now that you have got Alpha5 V5. The simple answer to your question is YES. The best thing about creating the sets is to keep them simple. The secret is to create sets for specific use. That means 2-3 tables for data input and all the tables in a set needed just for reporting. Have a good look at the Alpha sports example. Play with it so you know every thing it does and then go behind the scenes to see how it all fits together. Make a copy of it and keep it safe, then play with the scipts, change forms, experiment with field rules. I am sure you will have a happy new year. If you have a specific question there is always someone here very willing to help.

    Keith Hubert
    London.
    Regards
    Keith Hubert
    Alpha Guild Member
    London.
    KHDB Management Systems
    Skype = keith.hubert


    For your day-to-day Needs, you Need an Alpha Database!

    Comment


      #3
      RE: Data structure design in Alpha

      Any number of experienced people who frequent this board can help. You could write up a brief design document and post it as an attachment here. Or you could do a first try at a design using A5 and post that. Either way you will certainly receive responses.

      If you are looking for a paid consultant write me and I will give you some names (not mine!). There is also a developers list linked to the Alpha Software home page.

      Bill
      Bill Hanigsberg

      Comment


        #4
        RE: Data structure design in Alpha

        What Keith is saying, is that unlike say Access or 4D, you dont have to build all your table relationships into one massive set. Just build all your tables, then make sets to work for the input forms you will use - so for say, an invoice input form, you need only build a set with the tables needed by that form - I.e. you don't necessarily need to include in that set all the tables in your application, just enough for the forms & browses you will be working with at the time.

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          #5
          RE: Data structure design in Alpha

          You do NOT have to build all your tables into a big set in Access. You CAN define all your relationships in one place, but it's entirely optional.

          Access does just fine with Adhoc relationships.

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