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About Wordmongers Limited

WORDMONGERS LIMITED 1989

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The original Wordmongers 32K EPROM had a S/No label that covered the erasing window.

Downloads

Wordmongers zBASE
Database suite for Z88
Manual zbman1 v0.02 190888
zBASE v1

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A Microsoft Word version with thanks to Detlef Obermann,

OZvm snapshot

OZvm OZ4.5 B4 Slot0

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This application need 32K of either EPROM or Flash space.

Image ModifiedIntroduction

zBASE is a ROM based application package for the Cambridge Computer Z88 portable. It is a database that allows users store information easily.

Image ModifiedSelecting zBASE

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The same is true of the Help screen.

WORDMONGERS LIMITED

Wordmongers zBASE
Database suite for Z88
Manual zbman1 v0.02 190888
zBASE v1

Image ModifiedForeword

Congratulations on choosing zBASE. The Z88 Portable offers a wide range of built-in facilities. With the addition of zBASE, the Z88 comes of age.

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Complete application systems can now be written for the Z88 by people other than professional programmers.

Image ModifiedAcknowledgement & Thanks

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R.Beddard, Ian Braby, Mike Case, Tony Cox, G.C.Denney, John Dobson, R.C.Dorrance, Steve Drain, John Driver, Vic Gerhardi, C.M.Glover, S.P.Gray, F. W. Halliday, Gerald Hughes, B. P. James, Robin Jarvis, Charles Jenkins, N. A. Joseph, Dr Warren Kovach, Chris Lewis, Thomas Malinowski, M. Meijeraan, Francis Musgrave, M. Parker, Dr. L. Ratnasabapathy, C. M. Robinson, S.Fraas, K.G.Woolf, Roy Woodward, Matthew Soar, H.E.Shaw and John Hudson.

Image ModifiedzBASE Quick start guide

Getting familiar with a new piece of software is often tedious and sometimes daunting. To provide a Quick demonstration to those who are new to zBASE, this Quick start guide is a short tutorial aimed at providing a rapid introduction to the system.

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This guide is no substitute for reading the manual. Indeed, this guide will merely scratch the surface of zBASE capabilities. However, since zBASE needs liveware to make use of those capabilities, it is important to the authors that the liveware should feel some early reward for the effort of getting familiar with zBASE. Those rewards are plentiful in this guide.

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With the INDEX on display on the Z88, open the clear perspex cover labelled '1 2 3', and insert the zBASE Application ROM in slot 2. Close the perspex cover. (See the Fitting & Using the ROM.)

The menu bar should be moved on the APPLICATIONS INDEX until it is highlighting the zBASE application.

Press to run zBASE.

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When the } symbol, known as the curly prompt appears, type the word QUIT followed by . This action ends the use of zBASE. In version 1.2 you need to confirm the return to the APPLICATIONS INDEX, by pressing any key.

This is the only proper way to exit from zBASE. If the  key is used, and the zBASE suspended application is KILLed, open database files will not be properly closed and permanent damage will occur to the data files.

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The first real job is to create a data file. To do this, the file structure must be defined. This definition is done in PipeDream. Highlight the PipeDream application and press . This creates a new PipeDream suspended application.

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Type in the following lines, exactly as shown.

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Now press FS, followed by the file name, PHBOOK.DEF. Then move the cursor down 4 lines using the ò, to the question, 'Save plain text'. Enter a Y for YES and hit .

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That has created the definition file for a phone book database. Now return to zBASE by pressing W.

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Database open in 1: is PH.DBF
COMP STRING 15
PHONE STRING 17
NAME STRING 20
KEYFIELD STRING 5
62 bytes/rec

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Now create an INDEX file for easy searches.

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That will establish an index file for use later.

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Data input

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}APPEND BLANK
}LET 1:COMP$=" "
}LET 1:PHONE$="020-7833-1212"
}LET 1:NAME$="Insp Bond"
}LET 1:KEYFIELD$="Bond"
}APPEND BLANK
}LET 1:COMP$="Short Brothers"
}LET 1:PHONE$="01494 885555"
}LET 1:NAME$="Morris Short"
}LET 1:KEYFIELD$="Short"

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With at least a few records entered, a FIND process is required. This may be done directly at the curly prompt, or as for appending, by means of a command file as described in Indirect variables.

The zBASE command to use on an index file is 'FIND'.

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Note that only the first FOUR characters of any command need be used.

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Looking for matches in an UNINDEXED file.

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NB. The key used must be the one on the left of the keyboard. (No we don't know why either.)

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To close the file, enter
}USE

To re-open the file type
}USE PH.DBF INDEX PH.NDX 

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To check whether a file is open, type
}DISP STATUS

To check a file structure, enter
}DISP STRUCTURE

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To return to the Z88 APPLICATIONS INDEX, enter
}QUIT.

NB. IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THE QUIT COMMAND IS USED AS THE METHOD OF CLOSING zBASE. If zBASE is KILLed as a suspended application, loss of data will occur because the files will not be properly closed.

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zBASE programs - two startup examples.

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An alternative method of entering data is to write a command file that makes it all a bit easier.

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Type or load the program labelled PHENT.PRG96010404. Do not use  characters. The lines that start with an ASTERISK (*) are comment lines that are ignored by zBASE. They do not have to be typed in at all.

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[If zBASE was QUIT rather than left suspended, the database file with its index must be re-opened before running PHENT.PRG. If this is the case, see QSG9 above for guidance on re-opening the file.]

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A few more records should be entered to give the database something to get its teeth into.

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FINDing using a command file.

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This quick start guide has been designed to provide new users with an opportunity to get something out of zBASE quickly. It does not reveal the flexibility available in zBASE nor does it demonstrates the wide potential for this database management program. The rest of the manual does go much further into the commands and functions contained in zBASE. Please take some time to review the rest of the manual and so enjoy the further capabilities of your Z88/zBASE combination.

Image ModifiedzBASE Manual

The Quick Start Guide is designed to be a brief exposure to the major facilities of zBASE. Those new to database languages may find this a very useful starting point.

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Section C - 'Sample Programs and Glossary', contains some sample programs that can be written in the zBASE language with a brief Glossary that explains some of the terms used in the manual. Also shown is a series of zBASE programs that together form a Stock Check system,

Introduction

The Wordmongers zBASE suite is designed to provide general database management opportunities for the expanded Z88. The Z88 must have at least a 128K RAM expansion cartridge in slot 1.

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Alternately, regularly used sets of commands may be put together into a command file to save repeated entering of the same commands. Those familiar with the dBASE family of programs from Ashton-Tate will find that there are some marked similarities between zBASE and dBASE II. (See trademark notice)

Copyright & Trademark notices

See Copyright & Trademark notices

Disclaimer

See Disclaimer

Handling, ROM's & installing the software

zBASE will only run on an expanded Z88. This means that the Z88 must have at least a 128K RAM cartridge installed. If a single RAM is fitted, it must be in slot 1.

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To run zBASE, move the cursor to the zBASE application option in the INDEX and hit , or enter W. 

Manual conventions

See Manual conventions

Important basic concepts

zBASE is a command driven database language with over 40 commands and functions. This provides a powerful facility for programming the Z88 for data manipulation. To those familiar with dBASE II, the granddaddy database program, there should be a feeling of having seen it all before. Given that imitation is the most sincere form of flattery, these similarities are purely intentional. However, for a variety of reasons, not least of which is a 32K ROM space, not all dBASE II facilities are emulated. Equally, some have been altered in an attempt to improve and to provide a better fit with the Z88.

Certain elements of the zBASE system need to be explained early on. These elements relate to the use of variables and files.

Database areas

Data files may be opened in either of two areas. These areas are called PRIMARY and SECONDARY. These areas are labelled as 1: and 2: respectively.

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An introduction to databases

The following sections describe the building of a database file and its interrogation. It should be read through to the end. However, computer users are notorious for skipping manual pages. In this case, all the available commands with their syntax are explained in Section B and those wishing to learn by their mistakes are invited to use that section of the manual.

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How to create a data file

Having worked out the fields required in the database, the process of creating that file under zBASE starts with PipeDream.

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}DISPLAY STRUCTURE
Database open in 1: is VIDEO
REF_NUM STRING 3
TITLE STRING 20
TYPE STRING 3
TAPE_NO STRING 3
DURATION STRING 5
RATING STRING 1
42 bytes/rec

Indexing and Index files

Most databases contain information which is entered in a random fashion. There is no pattern to the way the data are organised. zBASE uses a system known as INDEXING as a means of holding a file so that it appears to be in a specific sorted order.

This is done by the creation of a second file, used in parallel with the database itself. This parallel file, or INDEX file as it is called here, holds only a small part of the database information. Specifically it contains the data from the selected field to be used as the KEY, plus the position in the database file where the full record is to be found.

e.g. if the VIDEO file were indexed on REF_NUM$, the index file record would hold the code field, say "001", the record number "1", plus a few bytes more used for housekeeping. Since the index file is much smaller than the main database file, searches can be carried much more quickly. When the required record is found in the index, zBASE can go to the full record in the main database very quickly too.

[On a database of 580 records from a phonebook, containing name, company, phone and a 5 character key field, the typical time for a search on that keyfield is 1 second.]

In the Stock control system contained in Section C, the usual method of finding a product is by its code. Therefore, the file will be indexed on the CODE$ field.

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When used in conjunction with an indexed file, the DISP and LIST commands are very powerful. The FIND command is used to arrive at the first occurrence of the required value, then the DISP or LIST command, with its condition, can be used to show all the records which match, from that point in the file to the end.

Entering data

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At curly prompt

APPEND BLANK

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Amending data (Changing values, deleting records)

At curly prompt

Amending data is the same operation as entering data. The same LET command is used and the new data overwrites the old.

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See also the PACK.PRG file.

Selection and control

One of the prime functions of a database language is not only to facilitate easy input and amending of data, but also easy retrieval of selected bits of the data.

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See also SCSIFIND.PRG.

Manipulating data files

Data is collected for a variety of reasons. Sometimes its like an antique collection with bits of information collected so long ago that there is no relevance to that data. However, assuming the data is to be used, it must be available in different forms. This is especially true on the Z88 when it will often be used as a temporary home for data to be transferred to another micro.

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This version of the command will create a new database file with the same structure as the current file. The new file will have no records.

Moving around a file

These commands position the record pointer to the selected record. If the record number is known, the 'GO record number' command is the fastest method of reaching a record.

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These commands position the pointer to the respective position at the top or bottom of the file. The record to which it is pointed is a live record and is not in front of the beginning of the file nor is it after the end. i.e. GO BOTTOM will go to the last record not to the end of file so EOF() will return FALSE.

ENVIRONMENTAL COMMANDS

-ESC- ON/OFF (v1.3 only)

The switch allows programs to ignore attempts to -ESC- and is activated by typing Set Esc=Off (deactivated by Set Esc=On) in interactive mode or by inserting it to a command line.

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It is a programmers tool to show what command line is being executed. It is most use when debugging command files. It makes a mess of the screen but displays each command line as it is executed.

Indirect variables

&memvar

In dBASE II, these are referred to as MACROS. These & characters mean that the variable which follows the & is evaluated before being executed. In any command line from the keyboard or a command file, in which an indirect variable is found, the &variable is first replaced by the value it represents. e.g.

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See section C for a program for printing address labels.

Z88 output facilities

The copy commands explained above provide an opportunity to output to PipeDream. The method described below permits all the screen output to also go to a file or the printer.

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• The maximum number of records permitted in a zBASE file is 65535.
• The maximum command line length is 255.
• The maximum string variable length is 255. (Memory or field).
• Maximum number of fields per record is 32.
• Max number of nesting of IF/ENDIF loops is 255.
• Max number of nested DO WHILE's is 32
• Max number of nested DO files is 16
• Max area for memory variables is 512 bytes
• Max length of variable name is 8 characters
• Numbers are significant to 9 digits.
• Max number of decimal places is 8.

Precedence of Operators

zBASE does not consider one type of operator any more important than another. All mathematical expressions are evaluated from left to right. The only exception to this rule is that the contents of brackets are evaluated first. Programmers will quickly notice that expressions with brackets are evaluated relatively slowly, and that sorting out the expression will make the program run faster.

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There will be one record in the VIDSTAR file for each star in the film. So if the film has three stars, the VIDSTAR file will have three records, where the REF_NUM is the same as the REF_NUM of the films record in the VIDEO file, and the STAR field holds the name of one of the three stars. An example will help: 

The data for the VIDSTAR file must be entered when the other details of the video are being entered. To alter the program VIDINP.PRG to do this, find the line in the program:

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Each record of this database will contain one line of the report, which will be loading into, and printed from, PipeDream. This means three databases have to be manipulated: 

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The REP file is open from start to finish in area 1, and the other two are opened and closed as necessary in area 2.

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The phone book from the Quick Start Guide might look like this in PipeDream. It is called PH.DAT and is stored as PLAIN TEXT.

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The QSG section has a structure of

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Editing command files and instantly testing them is 
extremely simple. It can be done by using nP to go into 
Pipedream, and nW to return to zBASE.

zBASE Pocket Ref. Guide

CONVENTIONS

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Lowercase	operator input, usually enclosed in < > brackets.
UPPERCASE	specific zBASE commands or command words.
[....]	Optional parts of commands.
<...>	Operator specified input.
<exp>...	An expression which can result in either a number or a string. e.g. 5+5, "FRED"+"BLOGGS", a$+"MUMMY".
<var> ...	A variable, can mean either mvar or fvar.
<mvar>...	A memory variable, not stored in a database, but in a large buffer in RAM. An mvar is defined as a string if its name ends with a '$', otherwise, it is defined as a number.
<fvar>...	A field variable, permanently stored in a database. Fields must start with either a 1: or 2: label, depending on the database they are to be taken from. If the label is missing the field will be taken as a mvar.
<cond>...	A condition which returns the result either TRUE or FALSE. e.g. 10=10 is TRUE, 10=6 is FALSE, "FRED"="BLOGGS" is FALSE. A single number 0 is evaluated as FALSE, any other number is TRUE.

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KEYWORDS

Only the first 4 characters of a keyword are significant.

zBASE commands

zBASE Functions

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zBASE Commands

Most of the zBASE commands may be used both in the interactive mode at the curly prompt, or in program files or command files. The main exceptions to this rule are that related pairs of commands such as IF/ENDIF and DO WHILE/ENDDO may not be used in the interactive mode.

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The file shown below, having been saved as PLAIN TEXT, will then be appended onto the end of the database.

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The DELIMITED clause means the fields are separated by commas and the records by CR (0Dh) LF (0Ah). This is a common format output by dBase and many spreadsheets.

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The following file would be appended to the database in use.

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If the PD and DELIMITED instructions are omitted the file is assumed to be a zBASE file.

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1. One line per field in database.
2. No blank lines, and no extra CR at the end of the last field.
3. All string field names end in $, followed by a comma and a number indicating the length of the field (1-255).
4. Numeric fields have just the name on the line, nothing else.

e.g. 

Any stray CRs, or text in the wrong place may cause strange results.

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If the MEMORY clause if used, the memory variables and their values are listed on screen. e.g.

If the STATUS clause is used the machines current status is displayed on screen.

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} ? WHERE("23","1234")
2
} ? WHERE("HELLO",UPPER("hello world"))
1
} ? WHERE("78","1234")
0

zBASE Programs

The programs listed in this manual are designed to be indications only of the potential of zBASE. They are for users to amend to suit their own purposes and are not intended as complete solutions. They have not been exhaustively tested.

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Wordmongers retains all copyright in them.

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MAIN.PRG

* MAIN.PRG - A menu program for database file * management.
* TITLE.PRG
doøwhileø1=1
øcls
øatø2,10øsayø"TheøWordmongersøzBASEøAddressøbook.øByøCøSalvidge."
øatø3,15øsayø"(c)øWordmongersøLtdø1988."
øatø5,10øsayø"(S)earchøforøanøentry.ø(E)nterønewøperson.ø(Q)uit."ø
øatø7,10øsayø"Yourøchoiceøplease"
øletøchoice$="ø"
ødoøwhileøwhere(choice$,"SEQ")=0
øøatø7,30øgetøchoice$
øøletøchoice$=upper(choice$)
øenddo
øiføchoice$="Q"
øøreturn
øendif
øiføchoice$="S"
øødoøfindum.prg
øendif
øiføchoice$="E"
øødoønewun.prg
øendif
enddo

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Here is a list of the files required to run the system. The files can be obtained by sending a blank 32k eprom to us or downloading the zip file. 

REP.DEF

* REP.DEF
LINES,115

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* SCSUPP.DEF
SUPP$,3
NAME$,25
ADD1$,25
ADD2$,25
ADD3$,25
ADD4$,25
PHONE$,15
CONTACT$,25