Controls

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The "magic" of a database is performed by a separate program known as a database engine. In order for Observer to communicate with its database engine, special controls are routinely used. Two database controls used in Observer are the Database Navigator and the Database Grid. Other controls found in Observer are also explained.

Database Grid


A database grid is used in Observer to display list information. Each row in the grid displays one record in a database. Each column in the grid displays one field. In order to make your work easier, you should know about a few characteristics of database grids.

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Moving off the last record by using the down arrow or by tabbing when in the last cell will create a new record. This means you don't always need to use the database navigator to create records. If you unintentionally create a new record, you can cancel the record by pressing the Esc key.

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If you move off a record that you have edited, your changes are automatically posted (saved in the database), so you don't always need to click the post button on the database navigator.

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Once you are working inside a database grid, the tab key takes you from cell to cell. You cannot use the tab key to move to another control in the window. To do that, you'll have to use the control's keyboard shortcut or your mouse.

Adding/Deleting Records


Use the + and - buttons to add and delete records. These buttons are part of the set of buttons available in the Database Navigator. Because of its simplicity, Observer doesn't use the other Navigator functions. See the discussion above for another way to add a record.

Arranging List Order   

You can use the up and down arrows that appear to the left of the grid to move an item higher or lower on the list.


Data Location


The data location is shown at the bottom of the main window. In addition to using the File menu, you can double-click the data location to open a dialog that will let you select a new location.