CompuServe Thread

Amiga Vendor Forum · Precision Software

SBPro4 questions…

7 messages in this thread

#40213From: Jim JoslinJun 4, 1992 8:52 PM

Pat, Here's a question for you … I have a "client" database containing more than 1200 records. I set up a "SELECT WHERE LastName LIKE "[J*]"" for example and the next command issued is a "REQUEST" type 20 to present the user with a list of customers matching the wildcard they entered (in this case "J*"). It seems to me that SBP could access the index to produce this list for the requester rather than doing what seems to be a sequential scan of the entire database (which is over 300K and growing). It takes better than a minute to select the records that match. Is there another way to do this which takes a bit less time? Also, I saw where someone had asked about scrolling transaction lines on a form. I seem to have missed the response(s) to the question though. Is there any way this information could be re-presented here? I could certainly make use of it. Thanks much, Jim Joslin

#40308From: Neil RobinsonJun 7, 1992 4:26 PM

Jim, First off, the request type you should be using in that case is type 24 (I think this is available, I don't have the docs for the Amiga version yet). The request type 24 presents a picklist to the user using the current filter. Also, the reason it takes so long is that your query is not optimized (I would guess). If you are using something like the following, then it is *not* optimized: SELECT WHERE LastName LIKE UserAnswer$ To optimize it, do the following: z$ = "SELECT WHERE LastName LIKE " + UserAnswer$ EXECUTE z$ This results in the value of UserAnswer$ being evaluated *before* it is passed to the filter system, which will make it dramatically faster than passing it a variable. Also, obviously make sure that you have an index on the LastName field. As for scrolling transaction lines, it is a complex procedure best described by the OCTS Advanced Workbook for Superbase 4. Although the book is primarily intended for the IBM/Windows audience, much of what it has to offer is applicable to the Amiga version. Ciao, Neil

#40314From: Jim JoslinJun 8, 1992 1:23 AM

Neil, Thanks for the information. I'll give it a try and see what happens. In regards to the OCTS Advanced Workbook for Superbase 4… where am I mostlikely to find it. Or, who is the publisher? I suppose I can get it from them.. Thanks again, Jim

#40324From: Neil RobinsonJun 8, 1992 5:22 PM

Jim, Here is the address of the people who wrote it, someone is handling it in the US, but I haven't a clue who. I ordered it direct. Oxford Computer Training Services Wolsey Hall 66 Banbury Road Oxford OX2 6PR United Kingdom Good Luck!

#40334From: Jim JoslinJun 8, 1992 11:36 PM

Thanks for the info Neil. I changed my programs to build a command string and execute it and the access time decreased dramatically. This kind of help almost makes Compu$erve worthwhile :-> Thanks again. Jim

#40395From: Neil RobinsonJun 10, 1992 6:03 PM

Jim, Glad to be of assistance. For more info on Superbase 4, you can also scan the messages in the SPCFORUM section 16. That is the forum for the Windows version and I am a sysop there. Ciao, Neil

#40426From: Peter DuckerJun 11, 1992 1:36 PM

Jim This book (Cat# 9672) is also available from here in the UK from: Computer Manuals 50 James Road Tyseley Birmingham B11 2BA UK Tel: 021-7066000 Fax: 021-7063301 Price 39.50 Pounds Sterling – They take VISA, AMEX, etc… They also carry a LARGE range of other computer books. Regards Peter – via Whap!