alpha five made easy, the basics and more for version 10 · 2011-05-07 · alpha five made easy the...
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ALPHA FIVE MADE EASYThe Basics and More for Version 10.5
Table of ContentsIntroduction Alpha Five - version 10.5 update ..........................................................................................ix
What’s in Alpha Five Made Easy? ixA message to the small business community ixAcknowledgments x
Getting Started........................................................................................................................xUsing Alpha Five with a remote database............................................................................xiiMaking the transition from Alpha Four to Alpha Five ........................................................xiiInstalling the ALPHA FIVE MADE EASY lesson files......................................................xii
Database files xiiiNaming convention xiiiRemember the Bonus Pages! xiii
Support ................................................................................................................................xiv
1 Databases and Tables Creating a new database .........................................................................................................3Understanding Tables and Fields ...........................................................................................4
Creating a new table 6Closing the database 9Opening multiple databases 9
Understanding the Alpha Five Control Panel.........................................................................9Taking a tour 10
Tables/Sets tab 10Layouts tabs 11Operations tab 11
Changing the table structure.................................................................................................11Warning message 12
Planning table design 12Naming your database and its objects ..................................................................................12
Using long names 12Avoiding spaces 13Reserved words 13Selecting names 13
Using a naming convention 13Opening an existing database ...............................................................................................14
File in list 14File not in list 14Edit list 14Sample Databases 14
2 Field Rules and Data Entry
Understanding Field Rules ...................................................................................................19Table level 19Form layout level 19
Creating table level field rules..............................................................................................19Understanding the menus 20
Viewing the field list 21Finding fields in a large table 21
Defining Field Rules ............................................................................................................21Understanding Field Rules settings 21Understanding the Field Types tab 22
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Extended field types 22Default descriptive name 23Field description 23
Defining Auto Increment fields 23Setting a Default Value 23Setting a Skip expression 24Logical statements 24
Changing the case of fields 24Understanding Masks 25
Conditional templates and masks 25Mask formatting symbols 26Pre-formatted masks 26Custom masks 27
Defining a default value 27Enter Date Field 28
Creating a calculation 28Understanding Functions and Expressions 28Memo fields 29Time fields 29Image and Image File Reference fields 29Saving and closing Field Rules 29Error messages 29
Field Rules errors utility 30Testing with the default browse 30Moving between Restructure Table and Field Rules 31
Defining a Lookup Table .....................................................................................................31Understanding Source and Fill 33
Display 33Width 33Condition 33
Choosing the type of lookup box 34Separate window 34Drop Down List Box 34
Creating a separate window lookup 35Adding and editing records 35Choosing the lookup form or browse 35
Temporary browse 35Custom browse 35
Defining the pop-up behavior 35Position 35
Creating a drop down list box lookup 36Entering, changing and deleting data ...................................................................................37
Opening the default browse 37Tables/Sets tab 37
Using the separate window lookup 37Entering dates 38Entering numbers 39Entering character fields 39Entering a date for the current year 39Using the drop down list box lookup 39
Resize drop down list box 39Add new entry 39Change existing entry 40
Using spell check 40
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Current record 40Edit user dictionary 40Using spell check in memo fields 41
Speed up your entries with Speed Typing 41All character and memo fields in table 41Specific fields in table 42
Canceling an entry 42Deleting records 42
One record 42Multiple records 42
Saving records in a database 43Changing data in a record 43Renewing Field Rules 43
Calculated fields 43Other fields 43
Restoring prior versions 43
3 Sets and Mapped Tables
Understanding Sets...............................................................................................................47Connecting the tables 47
Understanding One-to-One links 47Understanding One-to-Many links 47Relating table design and set design 47
Creating a Set .......................................................................................................................49Understanding links 49
columns 49Error messages 49
Creating a One-to-One Link 50Link characteristics 51
Understanding Referential Integrity 52Cascade changes/deletes 52Prevent changes 53Child records 53When to use Referential Integrity 53Set editor display 53
Creating a One-to-Many Link 53Completing the set 54Editing sets 55Creating calculated fields at the set level 55Creating Variables at the set level 56Linking on multiple fields 56Using the same table more than once in a set 57
Aliases 58Seeing Referential Integrity in action 58Using Field Rules with sets 59
Understanding Mapped Tables.............................................................................................59Field Rules 60Exporting 60Advanced users 60
Creating a Mapped Table 60Tables tab 60Records to include 61Fields tab 61
Understanding field properties 62Making fields updateable 62
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One at a time 63By default 63Global updates 63Update status 64
Viewing the mapped table 64Changing the display 64
Reposition column 64Combine multiple fields into a single column 64
Viewing the Xbasic 65Editing an existing Mapped Table 66Adding a computed column 67Exporting to Excel 67
4 Forms and Browses Overview ..............................................................................................................................70Understanding form design ..................................................................................................71
Creating a default form 71Stylesheet Gallery 72
Creating a Custom Form 73View Xbasic code 74The design Tools 74
Understanding the Top Menu 75Roll- Ups 77
Understanding the forms toolbar 79Design decision 81
Working with floating toolbars 81Anchors 83Stretch field height 85
Docking and undocking the floating toolbars 85Using Dynamic Guidelines 86Using the Right Click Menu 86
Properties 86No spell check 87Events 87
Using the Rulers Menu 87Vertical alignment and width of fields 87Horizontal alignment and height of fields 88Move group of fields 88
Understanding the Task Panes .............................................................................................88Using the views 89
More quick launch tricks 90Form controls to Super Controls—and back 91Restore default layout 91
Using the Toolbox 91Views 91Using the tools 92Text 94Text styles 94Frame 95Lines 95
Using the DragDrop List 95Drop Fields genie 96Controls across 96Controls down 96Group / Ungroup objects 96
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Right Click Menu 96Finding fields on the form 97Finding fields in the DragDrop list 98Sort order 98Collapsing tables 98
Using Browse Controls 98Open Form 98Print/Preview Layout 99Run an Operation 99Generic action 99Image 99Text 99
Using the Interactive Window 99Testing with the custom form 99
Test spell check 100Restoring to a prior version 100
Understanding the Properties Pane & Object Properties dialog.........................................101Using the Properties Pane 102
Selecting the object 102Object properties 103Builder button 103No spell check 103Dynamic properties 103Form properties 104
Using the Object Properties dialog 104Creating a tabbed form .......................................................................................................105
Set up 105Change background 105Graphic backdrop 106Resizing the form 106Form width and height 106Snap to Grid 107
Placing a title on the form 107Creating a text object 107Sizing the text object 108Changing the object properties 108Renaming an object 108Rotating the text 109Viewing the finished text object 109
Creating a Tabbed Object 109Changing the appearance of a Tabbed Object 110
Changing the page colors and names 110Transparent background 110Adding a new tab page 110Deleting a tab page 111Selected tab label 111Resizing a tabbed object 111Changing the order of tabbed pages 112
Understanding Browses......................................................................................................113Creating an Embedded Browse ..........................................................................................113
Understanding Embedded Browse properties 115Browse object 115Column properties 116
Customizing the browse properties 116
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Property Pane views 116Sizing the browse 117Adjusting the columns 118
Resizing columns 118Adding columns 118Removing columns 118Column order 119
Ordering the form’s records 119Smart Fields 120
Making a browse read-only 121Changing colors 121
Selected records 121Splitter color 121
Sorting by column title 121Testing the changes 122
Restrictions 122Browse splitter 122Column title sort 122Scroll bar navigator 123Selected color 123
Changing the column titles 123Using the Undo and Redo commands 123
Testing the Undo command 123Placing One–to–One fields on the form .............................................................................124
Moving objects 124Dynamic guidelines 124Snap to grid 124Micro moves 125Objects on tab pane 125Set position 125
Placing fields and their titles on the form 125Aligning objects 126Equalizing vertical spacing 126Adjusting field sizes 126Moving objects in small increments 127Equalizing horizontal spacing 127Adding more fields with titles 127Changing label names 127Ungrouping objects 128Copying attributes 128
Save, Save, Save! 128Copy all to selected 129Copy all to same type 129Copy some to some 129
Viewing the form edits 130Adding a record navigator ..................................................................................................131
Moving all objects on a tab pane 131Bubble Help 131Tick style 132Logical record number 132
Editing the navigator control 132Placing One-to-Many fields on a form...............................................................................133
Reviewing the set structure 133Adding another embedded browse 133
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Position and resize 133Adding dynamic references................................................................................................134
Creating a dynamic header 134Using fields as dynamic references 136Making the fields read only 136
Linking field 136Tweaking the layout 137How everything works so far 137
Dynamic header 137Dynamic fields 137Read Only fields 137
Entering data into the browse 137Saving form changes 138
Viewing more reference objects 138Creating form level field rules............................................................................................138
Understanding the difference between rules and properties 139Field Rules 139Field properties 139Crossover 139
Choosing the right option 139Table level rules 139Properties Pane & Field Properties 139Form level rules 139Case conversion 140Decimals & Width 140
Locating the rules and properties options 140Creating form level rules 142Understanding the form rules editor 142
Menus 142Edits 142The table rules! 142Single shot 142
Creating a form level lookup 143Display order 143
Formatting with Field Properties 144Understanding the Expression Builder...............................................................................145
Taking a tour 146The elements 146Select fields 147Select values 147Function Finder 148Calculated fields 148Variables 148System fields 148Object properties 149Library 149
Finding the right function 149Reference 149Function Finder 150Search 150Category 150Invalid or incomplete 151Getting A5 Help 151
Using the library 151
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Current or global 151Description 152Sample text 152Add to library 152Delete or rename 152Sort 152New entry 152Small edits 152Templates 153
Using the EB keyboard 153Show / no show 153Arithmetic operators 153Logical operators 154True & False 154Comparison operators 154
Using the toolbar 154Entering expressions 155
Functions 155Quotes around text 155
Creating calculated fields ...................................................................................................156Creating a character expression 156Using the ALLTRIM function 156
Result 157Spaces 157Add elements 157
Saving the expression 157Invalid expression 158
Using a calculated field 158Modifying calculated field objects 158
Transparent background 158Creating a simple mathematical calculation 159
Shortcut 159Field names 160Column names 160
Combining field types in an expression 160Match field types 160Convert date 160Syntax 161Adjust field 161
Editing calculated fields 161Refining the form ...............................................................................................................162
Using Rich Text objects 163Text vs. Rich Text 163Field vs. object 163Adjustments 164
Copying and pasting objects from another form 164Group objects 165Copy objects 165Position group 165
Changing the tab order 165Naming the form 166Creating Smart Fields 167
Calendar, Clock 167Calculator, E-mail and URL Fields 167
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Adding a header and a footer 169Note about screen resolution 169Header 169Footer 169Shorten form 169Keep form size 169
Using a Web form on the desktop ......................................................................................170Feature Pack 170
Understanding Stand-Alone Browses ................................................................................171Opening the Alpha Sports database 171
Alpha Sports control panel 171Copying a browse 172Modifying the appearance of a browse 172
Stylesheets 172Alternate row colors 172
Modifying the appearance of a column 173No properties pane 173
Creating conditional color 173Default color 174Conditional color 174Equation order 174Row colors 174
Changing the vertical slider bubble help 175Order records 175Key value 175Column sort 175
Reviewing browse properties. 176Putting a button, a smart field and an ellipsis in a browse .................................................176
Putting a button into a browse cell 176Button or hyperlink 177Expression 177
Adding a smart field to your browse 178Email smart button 178URL smart button 179
Showing longer field contents 179Ellipses 179
Using the Ad Hoc browse ..................................................................................................180Filter expression 180
5 Reports, Letters and Labels
Overview ............................................................................................................................184Learning Report basics .......................................................................................................185
Powerful editor 185Creating a Quick Report.....................................................................................................185
Trouble shooting 189Fields 189Change field order 189Move field 189Remove field 189Groups 189Order 189Summary 189Options 190Properties Pane 190
Testing the design of the report 190
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Understanding the preview tabs 191Navigation 191Unsaved edits 191Save edits 191
Understanding the preview toolbar 191Pages 191Print 191View 191
Saving reports as PDF, HTML, Rich & Plain Text and Excel files 192Save as formats 192 193Save first! 193Send email attachment 193Color it! 194Post it! 194Excel note 194
Using the panes 195Navigation 195Properties 195Toolbox 195DragDrop List 195
Using the toolbar 195Understanding the top menu 195
View 195Report 195
Examining the report editor sections..................................................................................196Active section 197
Understanding the Report section 197Header 197Footers 197
Understanding Group Section(s) 198Header 198Size to fit 198Footer 198Recap 199
Understanding the Detail Section 199Viewing report sections 200Adding and removing sections 200
Groups 201Restoring to a prior version 201
Aligning and moving objects .............................................................................................201Understanding the basics 201
Settings 202Align 2 objects 202Size 2 objects 202
Aligning a group of objects 202Moving a group of objects 203
Moving columns and rows 203Undoing a move 203Hiding a section 203Closing up the space 204
Customizing reports ...........................................................................................................204Password 205
Modifying the Report Header.............................................................................................205
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Creating a cover page 205Enlarge section 205Remove lines 206Insert page break 206
Analyzing a calculated field 206Type conversion 207Save for later 207
Using the DMY function 207Finishing the cover page 207
Change header color 207Align & center objects 207Move all objects 208Add characters 208
Modifying the Group Header .............................................................................................208Understanding the IF function 209
If statement 209Workspace Hints 210Date functions 210Library entry 210
Putting a border around a field 211Changing font for several objects at once 211Viewing the report so far 211
Modifying the Detail Section .............................................................................................212Resizing the fields 212
Move fields 212Move labels 213Move line rule 213
Replacing an existing field with a new field 213Create field 213Swap fields 213Add characters 214
Creating simple numeric calculations 214Amt due 214
Using a calculated field in an expression 214Balance due 214Make labels 215
Removing blank pages and overflow 215Refining height and position of objects 215
Labels 216Formatting field objects 216
Alignment 216Word wrap 216Width 216Decimals 216Number display 217
Coloring alternate rows 217RECNO() 217MRECNO() 217MOD 217Draw frame 218Frame genie 2182-color band 2181-color band 218
Modifying the Group Footer ..............................................................................................219
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Understanding summary fields 219Group properties 219Label 220
Examining a group summary field 220Writing a group summary expression 220
Result 221Using the Drop Fields genie to create a summary 221
Format numbers 222Editing a group summary label expression 222
ALLTRIM 222Creating a new group summary label expression 222
Make new field & label 223Fine tune 223
Putting a box around a field with a certain value 223Write style expression 223
Modifying the Report Footer..............................................................................................224Understanding grand total summary fields 225Using the Calculated Fields dialog 225
Reorder 225Quick design 226Name convention 226Caution 226Not valid 226Valid 226Drag Drop List 227Change fields 227Finish section 227
Modifying the page footer ..................................................................................................227Copying objects from one report to another 227
System fields 228Copy section 228Transfer note 228
Pasting the objects 228Delete objects 228Paste section 228
Refining your report 228Enhancing reports...............................................................................................................229
Creating a sub-report 229Size 230Filter 230Edit design 230Edit settings 230Save 230Placement 231
Improving PDF, HTML & Rich Text report formats 231Save settings 231Adobe Acrobat PDF File 231Dynamic HTML File 232Rich Text file 232Plain text file 232Excel 232
Watermarking a PDF report 233Viewing reports on forms 233
Add toolbar 234
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Design mode view 235Sizing 235Edit report 235Filter 235Print 235Edit supercontrol 235
Adding TOC, Bookmarks and Index 236Using Active Link tables in reports 236
Important things to know about reports ............................................................................236Creating a Custom Report 237
Blank report 237Understanding properties in reports 237Understanding regions 238
Shrink band 239Understanding how data fits on the page 239
Overflow 239Group display 239
Adding columns 239Troubleshooting 239
Adding or removing the detail section 240Adding headers & footers 240Adding and ordering groups 241Filtering and Ordering reports 242
Filter 242Order 243
Printing records 243Current record 243
Importing a layout 244Forms 244Browses 244
Creating Letters ..................................................................................................................245Genie 245
Important things to know about letters 247Filter 247
More on filtering records for layouts 248Creating Labels and Envelopes ..........................................................................................249
6 Operations Understanding Operations..................................................................................................255Examining the types of Operations 255
Acts on records: 255Changes fields and/or text 256Creates a new table 256
Understanding the Operations Toolbar 256Understanding the Top Menu 257
Importing overview ............................................................................................................258Ascii file 258Spreadsheet 258Remote (SQL) data 258
Importing Excel files with AlphaDAO. .............................................................................259Understanding the AlphaDAO Import Genie 259
Selected vs. all 260Understanding table overwrite 260Viewing the Excel file. 260Choosing the import method 260
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Establishing the connection 261Version type 261
Defining the selected object properties 262Choosing the columns to import 262Defining the default settings for all objects 262Running the import 263Viewing the table 263Running a saved operation 263Importing multiple Excel pages 263
Importing an ASCII text file ..............................................................................................264Automatic overwrite 266
Marking records .................................................................................................................267Using the CONTAINS function 268Marking and unmarking records manually 269
Creating an Update operation.............................................................................................269Defining a character string 269
Searching for and replacing a character string 271Removing the filter in the browse 272
Adding records to a table....................................................................................................272troubleshooting 274
Deleting records from the table 275Excluding records from the Append 276Using Logical operators 276
Marking duplicate records..................................................................................................277Using the Quick Sort 279
Copying an operation .........................................................................................................279Deleting duplicate records 279
Deleted records 280Putting the operations on a button......................................................................................280
7 Buttons, Hyperlinks and Bubbles
What’s ahead in this chapter ..............................................................................................285Printing a report..................................................................................................................285
Using Action Scripting 286Testing a button 287Enhancing the appearance of a button 287
Bitmap / Text options 287Quick pick 288Bubble Help 288
Adjusting button placement on the form 288Customizing a fly-over effect 289Understanding button events 289
Setting multiple actions for a button ..................................................................................291Reorder 293Sound 294
Editing the script 294Completing the operations 294
Commenting .......................................................................................................................295Temporarily stopping an action 295
Adding custom graphics for your buttons ..........................................................................296Embedded vs. reference 296
Putting the graphic on a button 297Password protecting a button .............................................................................................297
Remove button password 298Creating A-Z buttons for a directory ..................................................................................298
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How it works 298Button views 299Hyperlinks 299
Understanding the dialog 299Alphabet buttons 299Button appearance 300Button, Hover, Active, Disabled 300
Defining a horizontal button bar with all letters 300Stylesheet 300
Creating a vertical bar that uses a range 301Show more 302
Creating a hyperlink on a form...........................................................................................302Event 303
Using the button genie to get hyperlink code 303Converting Action Script code to Xbasic 303
Copying a hyperlink 304Creating a hyperlink on a report.........................................................................................305
Setting up the links 305Design homework 305
Making the field look like a hyperlink 305Choosing the linking layout 306
Matching criteria 306Using the hyperlink 307Viewing your changes in the report 307
Single page report 307Multi-page report 307
Showing more with bubble help.........................................................................................308Text only 308Text, fields & images 308Photos 308Open file 308
Creating user instructions 308Unformatted text 308Formatted text 308
Giving the user extra information 309Text and fields 309Time delay 309Fields and Images 309
Enlarging a photograph 310Linking to another file 310
Hyperlink opens file 310Viewing the Bubble Help 311
Time lag 311Photos 311Data entry 311
8 Finding, Sorting and Filtering Records
Overview ............................................................................................................................314Tools for finding, sorting and filtering records ..................................................................315
Sorting and filtering with sets 315Cross-level queries 315
Testing the results 315Finding records...................................................................................................................316
Browses 316Forms 316
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Find by Key 316Basics 316Sets 317Record selector 317Find By Key toolbar 317Roll-Ups 318Preferences 318Quick close 318
Find text 318Basics 318Sets 318
Find by Form 319Basics 319Sets 319
Drop Down Browse search 319Sets 320Basics 320Navigation behavior 321Unique 321Filter 321Columns 322Lookup 322Quick Filter 323Cascading DD Browse 323Edit DD Browse 324Browse tips 324
Sorting records ...................................................................................................................324Sort by column title 325
Sets 325Sort by Key 325
Sets 325Multi-field Sort 325
Sets 325Browses & forms 326
Understanding Indexes 326Trouble shooting 326Increasing performance 326Creating indexes 326Opening indexes 327
Sorting in reverse order 327Find by Key 327Reports 327Genies 327
Filtering records .................................................................................................................327Quick Filter 328
Sets 328Multi-field Quick Filter 329
Sets 329Multi-Select Filter 329
Sets 330Query Genie .......................................................................................................................330
Sets 330Filtering with “and” & “or” 331
Status Bar 332
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Viewing the expression 333Editing the expression 333Saving the query 334Editing the saved query 334
Query operations toolbar 334Attaching a layout to the query 334
Query by Form ...................................................................................................................335Sets 335Forms toolbar 335Toolbar 336More buttons 336
Using the QBF Helper 336Editing existing data 337
Add or replace 337Quick entry 337
Viewing the expression 337Setting the order criteria 338
Change order 338Record number 338
Saving a search 338Browse view 338
Beginning a new search 339Opening saved QBF queries 339
Select Index / Query 339Using sorts, indexes, filters and queries .............................................................................340
Active 340Saved 340
Using the primary index or query dialog 340Indexes/Query lists 340Saved queries 340Fields 341
Finding and editing saved queries 341Using saved queries to filter reports 341Putting the saved query on a button 341
Query by Expression ..........................................................................................................342Sets 342
Understanding Arguments..................................................................................................342Logic 342Databases 342
Using an Argument to filter a report 343Dialog box 343Help window 343Report defined 343
Creating the arguments 343Argument properties 344Pick lists 345
Creating the filter expression 346Understanding arguments in expressions 347
Argument function 347Viewing the completed expressions 348
Case 349Adding the full date 349Finishing the report design 349Viewing the report 350
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9 Data entry made easy Overview ............................................................................................................................352Understanding data entry options.......................................................................................353
Form or browse 353Field rules 353Data controls 354Capitalization 354
Using Field Rules to create pick lists .................................................................................354Drop down table lookups 354
Creating a Simple List 354Field values 355Columns 355Display 355Exceptions 355Reorder list 355Other field rules modifications 355
Creating a Cascading List 356List 356Form view 356
Understanding Data Controls .............................................................................................356You gotta know about Choices! 357
Learning how they work 357Answering “yes” or “no” 357
Check box & Two-state button 357Using short list controls 358
Radio & Multi-state buttons, List box 358Abbreviated entries 358
Using a spin control 358List box 358
Using longer list controls 358Combo box & List box 358
Using controls for lists with sub-categories 359Tree and Drop Down Tree controls 359
Using table records in controls 359Columns 359
Using the advanced controls 360Creating Data Controls .......................................................................................................360
Part 1: Creating the data control object on a form 361From within the field properties box 361From the toolbox 361
Part 2: Entering choices for each type 361Creating “Yes” and “No” responses 361
Control types 361Labels 362
Setting up lists 362Control types 362Enter values 362Alphabetizing 363
Setting up lists with sub-categories 363Control type 363
Showing table records 363Control types 363Record List controls 363Combo and list boxes 364
Data entry made faster 364
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10 Graphics in the database
Graphics bring your database to life…...............................................................................366Tomorrow is here with Alpha Five ....................................................................................367
Understanding the terms 367Images 367Icons 367
Understanding field and file types 367Field types 367File types 367
Using the graphic design features 368Basic controls 368Advanced controls 368
Static and dynamic control types 369Static 369Dynamic 369
Understanding the HTML Editor 369HTML Memo fields 369Full HTML Editor 369WYSIWYG & Source & Xbasic 370
Using image fields in forms and browses ..........................................................................370Sizing the file: JPG, BMP, etc. 370
Image fields 370HTML editors 370Pixels 370
Adding an image field to a form 371Appearance 371Enter / Change Record 371JPEG vs. JPG 371
Using an HTML Memo field 372Open a file 373Table & URL 373
Creating an HTML window on a form...............................................................................373Editing the HTML 375
WYSIWYG or Source 376Sizing the form 376
Adding Icons to browses ....................................................................................................377Adding the graphics to the database 377Creating the Icon column 378
Expression column 378Unbound file type 379
Adding a condition manually 380Editing images and/or conditions 381
Show code 381Conditions 381
Changing the <default> (genie) entries 381Conditions & images 382
Changing manual entries 382Change condition 382Change images 382
Getting more information from the Internet.......................................................................383Understanding the pre-defined templates 383Using the Yahoo Maps template 383
Type and mapping 383Preview web page 384
Connecting the forms 384
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Using Google Search 385Using Google Image Search 386Linking to a URL 386Creating a new template 386
Adding a clock and a calendar ...........................................................................................387Entering and changing dates with the calendar & clock 387
Date Field 387Short Time Field 387Time Field 388
Entering and changing dates by typing 388Using the Calendar and Clock Supercontrols 388
Change date/time with supercontrol 389
11 SQL and Alpha Five SQL Filter Builders ............................................................................................................392What is SQL? .....................................................................................................................393Using SQL databases with Alpha Five...............................................................................393
Understanding Active– and Passive–Link Tables 393Active-Link 394Passive-Link 394SQL to DBF 394
Using the built-in drivers 394Supported drivers 394
Creating a new database .....................................................................................................395Adding an Active-Link table to the database .....................................................................395
Single table 395Multiple tables 395
Understanding the Connection String 395Named 395Ad Hoc 396
Creating a new Named Connection String 396Passwords 396Multiple saved connections 397
Adding a single active-link table 397Columns 398Custom SQL statement 398Where Clause 398Arguments 398
Changing field definitions 398More options 399
Adding multiple tables 400Views & tables 400
Editing table definitions 401Update View tables 401Primary Key 401Additional options 402
Editing Field Rules 402Refreshing the table definitions 402Converting connection strings 402Moving from SQL to DBF 403
Using Active-Link tables....................................................................................................403Understanding queries 403
Client-side 403Server-side 404Automatic 404
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Who chooses? 404Using the client-side query genie 405
Saved queries 405Using the server-side query genie 405
Builders & Buttons 406Filter Builders 406Order tab 407Preview tab 408Run saved query 408Delete, rename, duplicate 408
Setting query preferences when adding/editing table 408User privilege 408
Understanding record locking ............................................................................................409Abandon changes 409Examine conflicts 409
Refreshing the view of the record updates 410Using Passive-Link tables ..................................................................................................411
Named Data Source 411Edit structure 412Queries 412
Reviewing the DataSource definition 412Editing the DataSource definition 413Refreshing the data 413Editing Field Rules 414Moving from SQL to DBF 414
More help references ..........................................................................................................414
12 Action Scripting, Xdialog, Custom Menus and Toolbars
Giving and receiving ..........................................................................................................419Action Scripting 419Custom menus and toolbars 419Wait Dialogs 419Xbasic 419Xdialog 419
Zoom, zoom with Action Scripting...................................................................................419Editing an event 421Enhancing your forms 422Copying an Action Script 422
Creating custom menus and toolbars..................................................................................423Changing the right click menu for a form 423
Set context 424Hot key 425Form settings 425Field menus 426Trouble shooting 426Print preview 426
Creating a custom toolbar 426More options 427Print preview 427
Creating a dialog box that shows script progress ...............................................................428Showing percentage of completion 430
Enhancing the directory......................................................................................................431Form elements 431
The basic elements 432Browse object properties 432
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Object names 432Column properties 432
Introducing Variables 433Naming convention 433Events 434
Placing the objects on the form 434Frame 434Combo Box 434Embedded Browse 435Browse column 435Alphabet bar 435
Adding the code 436Combo box On Change Event 436Form On Change event 436
Testing the form 437Troubleshooting 437
Object Names 437Variable 437Code 437
Creating a filtered dialog ....................................................................................................437List types 438
Creating and storing scripts 438Creating the client list 439
Script genie 439List view genie 440Preview 441
Creating the registrations section 443Linking field 443Arguments 443Filter / Where Clause 444
Adding a search box 445Argument 445Filter/Where Clause 446Trouble shooting 446
Running the script at the Code tab 447Applying the script to a form 447
Using a grid component as a desktop form ........................................................................448Web Projects Control Panel 448
Setting up the Grid Component with Xdialog 449Styles 451Custom backgrounds 451Preview 451
13 Handy Things to Know
Overview ............................................................................................................................455Compatibility with Windows Vista & Windows 7 ............................................................455Database maintenance ........................................................................................................455
Updating Indexes 455Alpha Five software updates 456Backing up the database 456
Creating backup settings 456Using One Step Backup 457Create backup schedule 458
Restoring the database 458Compacting the database 458
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E-mailing a database 459Getting rid of the $$$$$$$$$$$$ 459
Deleting temporary files 459Packing Tables 459Resetting Auto Increment values 460
Alpha Five file types ..........................................................................................................460Database 460
Script Library 460Tables 460
Data Dictionary 461Sets 461
Data dictionary 461Customizing your Alpha Five startup ................................................................................461
Creating a desktop icon 461Naming the title and start bars 461Creating a startup form 462Hiding the Control Panel 463
Showing the Control Panel 463What to do if you’re locked out 463
Database operations............................................................................................................464Defining data entry mode 464
System default 464Individual form or browse 464
Defining date entry defaults 465Date Years 465Month/Year 465
Importing and Exporting files 465Import 465Export 465
Transfer data to Excel or Word 465Microsoft Excel 465Microsoft Word 466Return to A5 466
Naming conventions 466ODBC connection 466Opening Alpha Five 466
Turning the welcome screen on and off 467Editing the Recent Database List 467
Setting up security 468Passwords 468Encryption 468Object Level Security 468
Turning XP Themes on or off 468Understanding Aliases 469
Image Files on multiple computers 469Tables .................................................................................................................................470
Sharing Tables 470Adding a Table 470Deleting a table 470
Effect on sets 470Dropping a table 471Moving or Copying a table 471Emptying the table 471Reusing a favorite table 471
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Creating a Template 471Records ...............................................................................................................................472
Deleting and undeleting records from a table 472Deleting a single record 472Deleting multiple records 472Undeleting records 472
Deleting duplicate records 473Copying records from one table to another 473Removing certain records from a table 474
Fields ..................................................................................................................................474Field widths 474
Table structure 475Layouts 475Changing decimals 475Trouble shooting 475Memo Fields 475
Field Rules..........................................................................................................................475Apply changes 475Restore prior 475
Layouts — Browses, Forms, Reports, Letters, Labels .......................................................476Restoring and managing layout and field rules backups 476
Restore prior version 476File structure 476Clean single layout 476Clean multiple files 476Recent edits 476
Sending and receiving layouts 477Sending 477Receiving 477
Print and/or send records with current layout 477Print button 477Quick print a browse 478
Viewing structure information 478Ungrouping the DragDrop list 478Copying a layout 478Deleting a layout 480Changing the form window style 480Customizing the form title bar 481
System menu 481Setting up a menu 481Finding the source of the layout 482Understanding the Trace Window 482
Warning message 482Trace events 482
Understanding Unbound fields 483Functions and Expressions .................................................................................................483
Help with Functions 483Expression Builder 483Genies 483Books 484
Entering text in expressions 484Error messages 484IF statements 484
Character 485
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ALPHA FIVE MADE EASYThe Basics and More for Version 10.5
Numeric 485Mixed field types 485Conditional color and attributes 485 Nested IF statements 485
ISBLANK AND ISNOTBLANK 485LOOKUP Function 486
Understanding Xbasic terminology....................................................................................486Scripts 486Code 486Code Editor 486Code tab on the Control Panel 486Interactive window 486Script Recorder 486Background Xbasic 487Action Scripting 487Events 487Genies 487Xdialog 487
Assuring successful script writing 487Commenting 487
Exploring the Alpha Five reference library........................................................................487Learning Functions and Expressions 487Learning Xbasic 488Learning Action Scripting 488Learning Xdialog 488Learning to write web applications 489
Help! ...................................................................................................................................489Alpha Software Website 489
The Alpha Community 489Message Board 490Add-Ins 490Books 490Videos 490Documentation and technical articles 491Technical Support 491Pro services 491Blog 491
Software updates 491Alpha Software, Inc. 491Tips and Tricks 491
Frances Peake 491
Full Index ..........................................................................................................................493
Bonus Pages!
14 Color and Style Locating color and pattern options.....................................................................................511Using object properties to select color and patterns...........................................................511
Choosing colors 512System colors tab 512More colors 513
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Custom palette 513Custom colors tab 514Recent colors tab 514
Selecting a fill style 514Solid & Transparent & Translucent 514Gradient Horizontal & Vertical 515Gradient Radial 515Pattern & Percent 515
Adding borders and shadows 516Using the properties pane to select color and pattern 516
Percentages 516Transparent button 517Conditional color 517
Understanding Styles and Stylesheets ................................................................................517Forms 517Browses 517Reports 518
Creating and applying stylesheets ......................................................................................518Background 519Field object 519Text object 519Button object 519
Saving the form and creating the stylesheet 519Applying a stylesheet to an existing form 520
Trouble shooting 520Updating stylesheets 520Deleting stylesheets 521Setting the default stylesheet 521
Understanding Styles..........................................................................................................521Using an object to create a new style 521Updating an existing style 522Choosing an existing style 523Managing styles 523
Embedded Browse 524Type In field 525New styles 525
Deleting styles 526
15 E-mail and Faxwith Alpha Five
Communicating with Alpha Five .......................................................................................528Templates 528E-mail clients 528E-mail Database 528Mass e-mails 528Fax 528
Creating an E-mail Template .............................................................................................528Choosing the e-mail client 529Mail Merge 529
Creating the message 530Insert command (Conditional) 530Spell check 531Preview message 532
Using an e-mail template 532Button runs template 532Personal note 534
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ALPHA FIVE MADE EASYThe Basics and More for Version 10.5
Editing a saved template 534Using a Smart Field to run a template 535
Understanding the E-mail client options ............................................................................535Alpha Five e-mail client 536Default e-mail client 536
Entering the settings 536Find your e-mail account settings 536Profiles 537Gmail 538Error messages 538
Testing send e-mail for both clients 538Single profile 538Multiple profiles 538
Reading e-mail with the A5 e-mail client 539Receive test 539Download messages 539
Understanding folders 539Creating a new folder 540Move a single message 540Move a group of similar messages 540Read e-mail button 541
Creating a smart button for e-mail fields. 541Default e-mail client 542Alpha Five e-mail client 542
Sending mass e-mails with AlphaMailer............................................................................543Requirements 543
Understanding how AlphaMailer works 544Tables 544List maintenance 544
Opening an account 544Instruction downloads 545
Reviewing the Alpha Five Mailer tabs 545Understanding the passwords 547
Alpha Mailer account User Name & Password 547Local Password 547
Finding your AlphaMailer account password 547Changing your AlphaMailer account password 548Setting up your account on another computer 548Setting up the tables 549Creating a list 549Exporting the data to AlphaMailer 551
Profiles 554Composing a new message 556
From e-mail address 556From display name 557
Personalizing the subject and/or message 557Green Box 557Syntax 557
Writing the e-mail 557Subject line 557Text or Html 557
Inserting hyperlinks 558Inserting an image 559Inserting an “unsubscribe” link 561
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Enlarging the window 561Saving your composition 561
Plain text message 562Click tracking 562Open tracking 563Embed images 563Do not send duplicates 563Other options 563Spam check 563Render 563Delivery test 564
Sending the mass mailing 564Hyperlink 565Administrator e-mail 565
Viewing the reports 565Stored data 566
Understanding bounces 567Mailing bounces 567All bounces 567
Editing an existing message 567Saved as file 567
Adding a logo and company info 567Upload Image 567
Updating Lists 568Looking at more features 568
Automated messages 568Website tracking 569
Viewing the fee schedule 569Contacting Support 569
Sending a Fax .....................................................................................................................569Windows Fax Service 569
Personal configuration info 570Fax configuration info 570Cover Pages 570Sending a Windows fax 571
Faxing an Alpha Five Report 571More about cover pages 571Busy line 572Changing a fax status 572Completed fax 572
16 Alpha Four to Alpha Five: The Transition
Frances M. Peake ...............................................................................................................577Overview ............................................................................................................................577Windows databases ............................................................................................................577
Standard elements 578Alpha Five terminology......................................................................................................578Opening an existing database .............................................................................................579
File in list 580File not in list 580
A quick tour around Alpha Five.........................................................................................581Viewing the Alpha Five Control Panel 581
The Tables/Sets tab 582Table and Set icons 583
The Layouts tabs 584
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ALPHA FIVE MADE EASYThe Basics and More for Version 10.5
The Operations tab 585Alpha Five file types ..........................................................................................................585
Database file types 586The Database 586The Script Library 586
Table file types 586Data Dictionary 586
Set file types 586Data Dictionary 586
Naming Alpha Five database objects 586Using long names 586Avoiding spaces 586Reserved words 587Selecting names 587
Creating an Alpha Five database and pulling your Alpha Four data into it .......................587Creating a new Alpha Five database 588
New folder 589Copying your Alpha Four files 589Adding tables to your Alpha Five database 591
Using the Conversion Tools ...............................................................................................592Shortcuts for moving calculations and expressions into Alpha Five 594
The 3- Step Plan .................................................................................................................597Strategies for developing, testing and making the final data conversion 597Emptying the Alpha Five table 597Appending current Alpha Four records 598
Indexes and their new role in Alpha Five...........................................................................600Required indexes are created automatically 600Sort and Find by Key 601
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