Keep Up uses data that is structured in the form of a database. A simplified (but incomplete) definition of a database is: a group of related files whose data can be linked, filtered, sorted, and controlled in a variety of ways.
Tables
The main files of a database are known as tables. Some of the tables used by Keep Up include a vehicle table, parts table, and maintenance schedule table (shown below). The vehicle table is linked to the other tables in the database. Tables are sorted and filtered in special ways so that when a given vehicle is selected, only the parts and tasks pertaining to that vehicle are displayed.
Records
Every table is composed of a series of records. Records are represented by the rows in a table. For example, the vehicle table contains a record for every vehicle; the parts table contains a record for every part; the maintenance schedule table below contains a record for every maintenance task.
Fields
Every record is composed of a series of fields. Fields are represented by the columns in a table. For example, every record in the maintenance schedule table contains fields for the the task, the task interval, comments you wish to make, etc.
Saving Data
When working with databases, you don't explicitly save your data as you do with other types of files and documents. Instead, you save as you work by posting changes to individual records as you enter data. When you close the program, your data will have already been saved.
