I want to create a Simple Database on A Fileserver

[Tbaker]

Re: I want to create a Simple Database on A Fileserver

If you want to see the data in those tables you should created a form for each one. Then use the main menu to access those forms

Go to the control panel

Goto the forms tab

Right Click in the whitespace and selected new form

The genie will then ask you to supply a table that the form will reference. Select a table.

The next genie will ask whether you want a blank form - or a form with all the fields supplied on the form.

If you chose a blank form you will have to manualy enter labels and fields. (this is what most of us do)

If you select the second option, Alpha will create a default form with all the fields in the table placed columnwise down a form. (If there are more fields than can be placed on a single form, the genie will create tabs to show the data).

After you get your forms for each table done - then you can create a main menu form as outlined by Dave.

This is just a generic outline for you. Are there interaction between tables - does one table use something in another table (sets)?

Suggest you design a form for one of your tables. Then design you main menu with a button to open that form (Action scripting will do all the work).

After you get the hang of that, you can design the rest of the forms that your need and place additional buttons on the main menu form.

Remember, we are all here if you need us.

Tom Baker

[Mike Wilson]

Re: I want to create a Simple Database on A Fileserver

Bill,
The language of A5 is that a .dbf file is a table, not database. The entire collection of tables, forms, reports, etc is A database.

No. As Dave said, you will need one more table that is a dummy for the mainmenu form. I call mine "Dummy", Dave used "blanktbl", dooesn't matter. It needs one field, one record to exist and the main menu form will be based on that table.

A form can be created at anytime, with the stipulation that a form based upon a set of tables must have the set created first to select as the basis for that form. If no forms are going to be based upon a set, then make them in whatever order you choose. The system will produce a default form 'on-the-fly" and you can choose to use that each time, but most want more organization and details (see pic).

[billperrotta]

Re: I want to create a Simple Database on A Fileserver

Thanks I just figured out how to link forms to the tables a half hour ago.
The default settings worked for me with a little dragging and dropping and tweaking. Best of all the forms and tables work. But haven't got to the welcome screen creating part yet.

Thanks again,
Bill

[billperrotta]

Re: I want to create a Simple Database on A Fileserver

I have a print area problem when trying to print because the forms are cascading across like 4 pages.
And only the first page will print.
I also have forms where i shaded to the bottom of the screen
printing the shaded area.

[billperrotta]

Re: I want to create a Simple Database on A Fileserver

I also Don't know.
Do I need to create a set in order to make a main menu
form because It won't let me link to all the forms at once.

[billperrotta]

Re: I want to create a Simple Database on A Fileserver

I have those six forms I linked to the six tables which are functioning.
What do I do next to create a main menu form that will open
each of these forms with a button. When I try to create a form it asks me for what table or set I want to create it for and I don't have a clue what to pick because I want it to link all my forms.

Then after this I have complex printing configurations and ways
to make the database add certain properties from different forms and print them. This will definitely take a long time to do.
I will be happy though if I could just get a main menu form linking to the six other forms by the end of the day on wednesday. I only work Mon,wed and friday so I will continue this on wednesday.
And maybe a bonus goal of at least getting the 4 tabs of a single record to print correctly.

Thanks Again,
Bill

[Mike Wilson]

Re: I want to create a Simple Database on A Fileserver

Bill,
Go back and read posts #27 and posts #32 in this thread. You do not "link" forms. Forms are opened (called) and closed. This menu will be a form based upon a dummy table. That is the table you will be choosing.

[billperrotta]

Re: I want to create a Simple Database on A Fileserver

Ok figured out how to Make the Dummy table.
Created a Main Menu form and linked it.
Will design the background buttons and link the forms on wednesday.
The trickiest thing will be to set the print area for the forms.
So far I have no idea how to print all the multiple tabbed pages. Then the next thing is to get the forms to make calculations based on certain fields. And to print certain info from a combination of forms.

Thanks again,
Bill

[Doug Page]

Re: I want to create a Simple Database on A Fileserver

Bill,

Something to think about... Don't print forms - Print reports. Two different layouts to do 2 different things. If you are going to print something then read up about reports here:

http://support.alphasoftware.com/alp...ort_Topics.htm

[seaken64]

Re: I want to create a Simple Database on A Fileserver

"Alpha touts that any Netadmin can create a simple db with Alpha without programming.
If that is not true they are lying.
What I need to create is a simple Database that keeps track of resident names and the rooms they are assigned to."

Bill, when you said the above a couple of weeks ago I detected a fair amount of frustration and trepidation in your messages. Now it seems that you are well on your way to getting your new database and application up and running. How would you respond now to Alpha's claim that you can create a database application without programming?

Honestly, your ability to even articulate that your company has a Linux fileserver setup and it is mapped to the Z: drive puts you way ahead of where I was when I first tried Alpha (using Alpha Four v.2). I was able to use A4 to set up two databases that we still use to this day. But that was back when we called the .dbf files databases. When I had to move on to windows and A5 I had to change my terminology and I had to learn more about how things were done in the windows world.

I started with Access 2.0 and learned how to create "tables" and "relationships" and forms and reports. By the time I got to A5v5 it was a simple matter to move the tables over, re-create all my user forms and browses and then start building reports. The hardest part for me was getting my head around "sets". I struggled with how to use sets all the way up until A5v7.

In my case, I believe Alpha's claim is a valid one. I am not and have never been a "programmer". But I am turning out to be an entry-level "developer" thanks to Alpha Five. While one does not need to be a programmer one does have to be a good reader and have a fair amount of determination. I would not say it is "easy" to use A5 as compared to A4. I found A4 and the DOS environment much easier to understand and use. But I am now starting to forget my old DOS ways and have now firmly landed in the world of Windows.

Actually, if Alpha Five was a Linux program I would be focused more on Linux since I find it easier to move around in Linux as it is more akin to the CP/M and DOS systems I started with. But Alpha Five is such a fine program I decided to stay with it and am therefore stuck with Windows. (Damn! -grin)

Keep going in the direction you are going. Alpha Five is worth the effort and this forum is one of the best learning tools on the entire Internet. You're in the right place.

Sean

[mariusm]

Re: I want to create a Simple Database on A Fileserver

Bill,

As Doug said, don't print forms.
If you're printing more than one record at a time, then reports are the way to go.

If you're printing one record, then design & print a letter.

You design letters much like you design a form. Reports are a bit different but not complicated.

[billperrotta]

Re: I want to create a Simple Database on A Fileserver

I need to print combine and calculate information from Different Forms.
So I probably need it to be able to print a report. I have no idea where to begin though.The default forms I created work fine but if I can't print the info correctly the whole database is useless. Also It is frustrating to try to Design my text or add a background logo. I can use the toolbox and select insert text but it is hard to make the text appear any way other than the default way.
I can change the fontsize but it is not like MS Word where I can just insert a logo or bitmap. or maybe it is I just don't know how to do it. The old database Had a Background that Said Family project in big bubble letters. like a wallpaper.
How do I insert or get my text in the wallpaper where I can just type Some words like family project in the background wallpaper.

Thanks Again,
Bill

[Tom Henkel]

Re: I want to create a Simple Database on A Fileserver

To build reports is fairly simple as long as you know what it is you want to see on the report.

Fields from the table can be dragged/dropped onto the report where you like.

You can create calculated fields for summary or other needs (Click on "Report ->Calculated Fields") from the menu bar.

If you need information that is related from two or more tables, then you should create a set linking the tables together by a common field.

You then have information from multiple tables together for use in the report. If the "child" table is a one to many link, then you probably want to make a group using the parent table and then list the information from the child table in the detail section.

All fields, static text, table fields, calculated fields, can have whatever font or format you would like. Right click on the field, and select "properties" from there you can format to your heart's content.

Tom

[Mike Wilson]

Re: I want to create a Simple Database on A Fileserver

Bill,
You have to get to the mindset that forms and reports are windows to the tables where the data is stored. Forms are for entering and viewing data, reports are for printing. Just as a form is based on one table or a set of tables, a report is also based upon one table or a set of tables. A report does not have to be based upon the same set that the forms are based upon. In fact, you might very well have to generate a set exclusively for obtaining the information you want to print.

Reports have an object toolbar. Choose bitmap, place it in the report, and assign the logo file you wish to that bimap object. You will have to play a bit with sizing, but very doable.

[DaveM]

Re: I want to create a Simple Database on A Fileserver

Bill,

remember this?

You can do it. Don't let anyone dissuade you

it is amazing how much help you can get here