Short:    Powerful programmable database with GUI
Author:   gutmann@informatik.uni-freiburg.de
Uploader: gutmann@informatik.uni-freiburg.de
Type:     biz/dbase

   AMIGABASE V 2.5 (c) 1989-1997 Steffen Gutmann
   =============================================

   AmigaBase is a programmable hierarchical database.

   AmigaBase is shareware. This means that the program can be freely copied
   and distributed as long as no more than a nominal fee is charged to
   cover time and copying costs.

   All rights reserved.


   What does AmigaBase offer:
   --------------------------

      AmigaBase is not a relational database with SQL interface or something
      like this.  AmigaBase is a hierarchical programmable database.
      Nevertheless, or just because, AmigaBase is ideal for managing
      music cassettes, videos, addresses, etc.  Complex applications like
      a finance manager with automatic printing of transfer forms
      and writing client accounts is also no problem with AmigaBase.

      A project consists of one or several records.  A record is displayed
      by a rectangle with a colored border and a titlebar.  The record
      name is displayed in the title bar. A record can be placed beside or
      within annother one (to build a hierarchy).
      In records you can place variables which are used for entering data
      and for the display of record contents.
      Data is organized in datasets.  For each record you can allocate
      any number of datasets (only limited by available memory).
      The datasets can be ordered by a user-definable order.  With a filter
      a specific set of datasets can be selected.  The filter can be a very
      complex expression, nearly every function of the built-in database
      language can be used here.  A print menu allows a customized printing
      of record contents.  And last but not least it is quite easy to find
      a specific dataset by using AmigaBase search facility.

      AmigaBase offers two display modes: form and listing.
      In form display all records are displayed in several windows. In
      each record exactly one dataset is shown.
      In listing display all dataset of a specific record are displayed
      in a scrolling list inside a window.

      AmigaBase has two operating modes: working mode and installing mode.
      In working mode you enter data, start programs, etc.
      In installing mode you build your data structure. You can define
      new variables, change and delete them. Variables can be of type
      BOOLEAN, CHOICE (one item out of many items), INTEGER, REAL (floating
      point values),  STRING (single line text), DATE, TIME, or MEMO (multi
      line text).  An additional (pseudo) type called BUTTON enables to start
      AmigaBase programs.
      Furthermore, you can define, change and delete texts.  Texts are only
      used for decoration in records.
      You can also define, change and delete records and windows.
      You must give each variable, record and window a name.  This name
      must begin with an uppercase letter followed by up to nine letters,
      digits or underscores.  There are some reserved words which are
      mainly used in AmigaBase programs that cannot be used for names.

      A special feature of AmigaBase is the programming of it.  For each
      variable (except MEMO variables) you can write a program which
      is called whenever you change the contents of this variable or press
      RETURN while the cursor is on a BUTTON variable.
      If you want to have a view into programming AmigaBase, I recommend
      to have a look at the label print program of the cassette project
      (included in the distribution).

      A complete description of all functions and abilities of AmigaBase
      is found in the user manual of AmigaBase.  This document is only
      available by registration.