4. DATA INPUT
Input to databases comes by inputing from the keyboard
in the necessary cell of the table, like of input in
cells of popular Standard packages of "spreadsheets".
As against of the other programs, in which the data are
usually entered by the operator only in the specific forms into a one record
only,
with the subsequent preservation it in general
base, and at data input the operator does not see an anything except the empty form
and entered data in one of unique record only, in UNIDAT program the operator is
constant sees data on several just now entered records, that
more sure input provides it, lowers probability of errors as
input of specific data, and easy repeated input of an already entered
form.
Moreover the operator at any moment of input can "scroll" the table
in all parties to guide any information on an already entered data,
that it is required sometimes for specification of input of the current
information (and it is possible even to use the whole being available arsenal flexible
data selections or forms of account) and to continue input of the information from any place.
All it creates so-called "the friendly interface", work in which
usually the users very highly estimate. Also is easily carried out
updating already entered data in base.
For moving on fields of the table (the bases) current file are using
Keys of moving of the cursor.
Other convenient keys are further resulted Movings on base:
Ctrl - PgUp - Moving on the first record
Ctrl - PgDn - Moving on the last record
Ctrl - Home - Moving on the first field of a record
Ctrl - End - Moving on the latter a field of a record
The entrance in a field of the table for input in it of the
information comes true by pressing any alphanumeric key in a position of this field.
By an attribute entry in a field presence in it flash textual
cursor. After it it is possible to enter into current field the information
or to edit already being available in it. For end of work in a field and
exit from it with preservation (fixing of entered changes) it is necessary to
press Enter.
ATTENTION! While the user is "inside" any field (about
Than presence flash of the textual cursor in it) a movement testifies
between fields of the table is impossible. For transition to other field it
is necessary at first to leave the given field. At simple movings between
fields (scroll of the table) any difficulties do not arise, since at
it there is no necessity "to enter" in particular fields. As there are
no difficulties and at data input in fields, since pressing Enter after a put logically
completed unit of the information is usual and habitual for
the operators and is carried out "automatically".
If being inside a field to press a key ESC, there will be the
exit from the given field WITHOUT SAVEING of changes brought in in it,
i.e. restore of the previous meaning of this field.
After pressing Enter " the logic cursor " automatically moves
On the following field.
For creation a new (empty) records need press a key of moving
cursor "Arrow down", being on the last record of base (table).
And the program is arranged so, that if the "new" record already was created,
but is not filled, the creation of a new record will not take place.
It prevents creation more then one empty records at pressing on this key.
Some fields can are filled by "standard" meanings of data from
limited list of possible meanings.
If, being on such field ( But not "inside" it!), to press a key Enter,
will pop up small menu with the list possible for filling the current field.
By choosing from it the necessary item and by pressing Enter, the field will be
filled by it automatically.
Those fields, which require a choice from a plenty of standard
predetermined items, use in the filling connected qualifiers. For
operator the call by their nothing differs from described in the previous
paragraph.
That is the operator presses on Enter, and the program already "knows",
to deduce - whether on the screen the small pop-up menu or large qualifier.
The additional opportunities of work with qualifiers are described
In section " Work with qualifiers "
If, being in the menu with items for automatic filling
fields of base or in the qualifier, to press a key ESC, will take place
entrance in the given field with activization of the cursor in it,
thus enabling fillings this field in a "hand-operated" mode.
Some separate fields with the most probable meanings at
creation of new record can are filled " by default " automatically.
The operator needs only to modify them if necessary.
Other separate fields can be filled automatically, proceeding from
already filled fields.
For increase of reliability of operative preservation of entered in
hand-operated mode of the information and prevention of loss of just now entered
given in case of failure of power supply or failure of the computer is
stipulated Key F2 ("Save"). The action it is identical to teams "Save" of many
Other popular programs, for example to a similar key of built - in
Text editor of the program Norton Commander. This key is recommended
to press by the operator time from time during input of the new
informations for saving to disk of already entered data. NOTE: At
loading of a new file and also at exiting from the program saving
of all entered data is carried out automatically.
For deleting of a record from base (whole line from the table)
It is necessary, being on this line (record), to press a combination of keys Ctrl-Y.
Thus the program will ask confirmations of action.