A relational database is created and queried through the use of an outliner-style text editor which permits automatic generation of data entry forms for the creation of records. Data entry and editing are simplified and errors are minimized because changes in the outline are automatically reflected in the data entry forms and thus the automatically updated records. Data retrieval is driven through the manipulation of the outline to allow simple and complex queries without utilizing a database programming language. A specialized global field is utilized in which identical field names may be repetitively inserted into several databases. In the data entry mode, a global value can be set and that value is automatically inserted into each database record containing that global field as they are created so that relations are made automatically within the various databases. In the data retrieval mode, the global field can be used to control the display of the outline to truncate the outline to only those categories and fields containing data for a specific global field value, thereby to display only relevant outline portions. A field mapper allows the operator to immediately see the changes in the outline and direct old fields to new names or positions and indicate new fields which are to be inserted into the existing records, all prior to execution of the changed outline in terms of data entry. The query mode features a continually displayed outline in an Outline Window.
A method and apparatus of corresponding the order of fields from a first data set to the order of fields in a second data set is provided by displaying the fields from a first record in the first data set on a display. Then, a first field name from the second data set is displayed to correspond with a first field from the first record in the first data set. The position on the display of the first field name from the second data set is then rearranged to correspond with a second field from the first record in the first data set.
A method for automating the production of worksheet files of the type used by electronic spreadsheet programs. The spreadsheet program has an associated filed format specification that defines the format in which the spreadsheet program stores and receives data in a worksheet file. The spreadsheet program is capable of processing the worksheet files to produce an output spreadsheet. The method of the invention comprises receiving pattern data specifying positions for one or more variable data items to appear on the output spreadsheet, receiving variable data specifying the variable data items, and merging the pattern and variable data to produce merge data specifying the variable data items and their positions. The merged data is then output into the worksheet filed in said format, such that the spreadsheet program can then use the worksheet file to produce the output spreadsheet having the variable data items at the specified positions.
A support method of and apparatus for making/editing a formatted document including a plurality types of formatted documents having a mutual relation therebetween. An input device inputs beforehand a relation between document forms before a formatted document is made, the inputted relation is stored in a storage device, and a relation between formatted documents is automatically generated by referring to the relation stored in the storage device.
A change definition language (CDL) serves as an extension of (and in the general format of) the structured query language known as SQL. The change definition language allows all important alterations to be described, as changes to an existing definition, for example, and may be used by all phases of the development cycle. The CDL statements do not make the changes directly in the catalog, but instead work through SQL and another intermediate mechanism such as DB2 ALTER tailored to make changes using SQL. The changes expressed in CDL may be migrated to downstream phases and fed back to earlier phases by use of a batch of change statements expressed in CDL.
Computerized tools for modeling database designs and specifying queries of the data contained therein. Once it is determined that an information system needs to be created, the Fact Compiler of the present invention is invoked to create it. After creating the information system, the user creates a fact-tree as a prelude to generating queries to the system. After creating the fact-tree, the user verifies that it is correct using the Tree Interpreter of the present invention. Once the fact tree has been verified, the Query Mapper of the present invention is used to generate information system queries.
