Where is the documentation for web server?

[drgarytraub]

Is there a manual that can be downloaded????

[Steve Wood]

Re: Where is the documentation for web server?

Its in the normal Help file. See Contents > Web Publishing and items under Tutorial. I also have some related documentation on my website (below). See the For Developers section.

[drgarytraub]

Re: Where is the documentation for web server?

Thanks for your help Steve.

But is there not a printed manual somewhere?????

[Steve Wood]

Re: Where is the documentation for web server?

Nope. Couple of printable and/or purchasable 3rd party tutorials and book, the docs on my site, Peter Wayne's site, and others. Richard made a recent announcement of available books from Intellectual Business Products. Word is that Alpha is updating everything, and removed a bunch of stuff that used to be available, but considered out of date. I think all of that should be made available again, because the out-of-date status really did not matter.

[Peter.Greulich]

Re: Where is the documentation for web server?

Word is that Alpha is updating everything, and removed a bunch of stuff that used to be available, but considered out of date.

Steve, you're too kind. That statement was made by Alpha at least a year ago, and to date nothing has replaced or updated the old stuff.

I think all of that should be made available again, because the out-of-date status really did not matter.

Exactly right. They should take the old stuff and put it back on their web site. Then if they ever update it, they can replace the old with the new, one at a time. Most of that stuff was very helpful to many people. But Alpha is not listening.

[Steve Wood]

Re: Where is the documentation for web server?

You're right, too kind. I've brought up the subject several times with Alpha. The Help helps, but is not a replacement for those more targeted mini-manuals. Most of those secondary documents came from people like us, writing on a particular subject. Perhaps that needs to take another round.

I'll offer to create a library and host anything useful anyone writes about Alpha on my website.

I know how valuable documentation is. I must have fifty pages in my own "help doc" where I keep notes and code examples.

Gary - not what you asked for but what task are you trying to accomplish? I've written white paper-type documents on the WAS and would like to write another couple documents. What area are you interested in?

[drgarytraub]

Re: Where is the documentation for web server?

Steve,

"Too kind" is an understatement. Very kind of you to be so helfpul - The program is so vast at this point, not having printed materials is in my humble opinion, ridiculous. But to answer your question, i am lookoing for a printed manual that would give step by step instructions on implementing a web application. I just ordered the web app book for $75.00.

The info you and Peter have provided was a good start and very much appreciated, but I really do not understand the logic of having such a great, comprehensive package, marketed as easy and user friendly, and yet the documentaion is extremely difficult to use.

[peteconway]

Re: Where is the documentation for web server?

There is little in the $75 product that relates to the current version. In fact it's not good as the help in my view. The real problem (for this and other Alpha Print material) is it refers to functions and options (and screene) that either nolonger exist or are now are called something else.

[jweasl]

Re: Where is the documentation for web server?

try this - http://alphasoftware.com/AlphaFive/video/#tutor
watch the video on Web Based Contact Manager

most of the knowledge I have picked up so far has been from the videos they provide. I would like more documentation on the basic steps, but the videos do a decent job of that IMO.

[mazatec]

Re: Where is the documentation for web server?

You can download the following V7 docs still.

User Guide

Web Publishing Reference

Web Publishing Tutorial

Beau

[JerryBrightbill]

Re: Where is the documentation for web server?

The Building Web Application book has been updated to show V8 screen shots and current functions and options. This is true of all of the version 8 books. Obviously, if you have a Version 6 or Version 7 book, it will now be slightly outdated if you are using A5V8.

There are very few functions that have ever been removed or renamed in any new Alpha Five version. In nearly all cases, even deprecated functions still exist and will work, even if newer versions have been added.

There is little in the $75 product that relates to the current version. In fact it's not good as the help in my view. The real problem (for this and other Alpha Print material) is it refers to functions and options (and screene) that either nolonger exist or are now are called something else.

[Valerie Simpkins]

Re: Where is the documentation for web server?

There is little in the $75 product that relates to the current version. In fact it's not good as the help in my view. The real problem (for this and other Alpha Print material) is it refers to functions and options (and screene) that either nolonger exist or are now are called something else.

Hi Pete,
Are you referring to our (Intellectual Business Solutions, Inc.) - Building Web Applications, Level 1 Learning Guide? That learning guide was completed about 1.5 months ago and it fully references version 8 of Alpha Five. Below is a description of the content in the learning guide:

Building Web Applications, Level 1 - $75
This 400+ page learning guide is designed for users of the Alpha Five V8 software package who wish to learn the basics of creating a web-based database application. This course covers the basics of database designing for the Web so that users of the web application are provided with continuous access to real-time information stored in an Alpha Five. The guide includes 'hands-on' instruction on how to design HTML and Alpha Five web pages using the HTML Editor, and how to build grid, dialog, tabbed grid linker, maintenance, login, and navigation components. It also includes instruction on how to manipulate data and web page navigation, change page design and style, input Xbasic code to manipulate data in the database from the web, and incorporate images. Additionally, it covers how to set up and implement security as well as testing and publishing the application.

If you are referring to our product, we'd like to know what aspect of the learning guide you believe "refers to functions, options, and screenshots that no longer exist or are called something else."

[drgarytraub]

Re: Where is the documentation for web server?

By the way, I used the chmmagic program to convert the alpha chm to pdf. It is 7337 pages, but is much more usable, in my opinion than the chm file, and one can easily search it, scroll through any number of pages of it, or print out whatever numnber of pages one wants at one time. I am excited. It is so good that I think alpha should post a notice that if one wants a pdf, there are some free converters, if they are not willing to do the conversion themselves. There have been some good arguments in support of whether pdf is better than chm or vice versa, but why not have both - seems easy enough. But, chmmagic has made me happy. Thanks for the tip!!

Gary

[martinwcole]

Re: Where is the documentation for web server?

Gary, the problem I always had when converting from PDF to Word or vice versa was that you lose the functionality of the index. Does this program you mention give you a PDF with an index that takes you to the correct location, etc?

I am hoping that ALpha is training someone to take over Ed's job, or rewriting the CHM themselves. I certainly hope we don't have to start paying for the help!!

[drgarytraub]

Re: Where is the documentation for web server?

Martin,

Yes. The program works beautifully. I would email the pdf to you but it is 40 MB. If you can tell me a way to send it, I will.

Gary