Introducing DatabasePak


DatabasePak is a high performance SQL widget toolkit for building Motif client/server applications on UNIX.¨ With DBPak developers can use well-known Motif programming techniques to build database applications that handle the most complex requirements.

Innovative Architecture

DatabasePak(TM) (DBPak(TM))offers an entirely new way to build Motif database applications. DBPak lets developers leverage the full capabilities of relational databases, without compromising performance or productivity. With DBPak's SQL widget toolkit architecture, Motif developers can develop complex client/server applications without having to learn the internals of database development. However, DBPak is not a 4GL; developers use C or C++ with standard Motif calling conventions.

Key Features

SQL Widget Toolkit

DatabasePak offers a rich set of SQL widgets highly optimized for database development. DBPak offers three types of SQL widgets: These widgets work closely together to generate SQL queries at runtime, pass the queries to a database server, and automatically format the results for the end user.

Customize Widget Behavior

DatabasePak widgets automatically manage common database functions like retrieving data from the database, determining how the information should be displayed on the interface, and updating the database with new or changed data. Developers may, however, override "automatic" functions by:

Data Presentation Widgets

Data Presentation widgets let end users view and update database information. They include widgets like Data Field and Option Menu. Data Presentation widgets ensure end users enter valid data by supporting picture statements and look up.

Data Management Widgets

Data Management widgets let the developer manipulate the database without having to learn either Oracle OCI or Sybase DBLib. This intermediate layer is the key to the unique architecture of DBPak.

Query Widgets

Query widgets coordinate communication between Database Access widgets and Data Presentation widgets. When database information changes, the Query widget determines which parts of the interface need to be refreshed, and coordinates the updates. Similarly, when the database should be brought up to date to reflect the end user's input, it is the Query widget which collects the changes from the Data Presentation widgets and builds an SQL statement to communicate the changes to the database.

Although the Query widget does not appear on the interface, it uses the standard Motif widget API, making it easy for Motif developers to understand and use.

Table Widget

DatabasePak's Table widget combines a special Query widget with powerful geometry management capabilities. The Table creates a scrollable table holding Data Presentation widgets. User input, database updates, keyboard traversal, and scrolling are all handled completely and automatically. However, each of the automatic features can also be controlled by the developer. For instance, Table columns can be set to be "frozen" instead of scrollable.

Dynamic SQL and Stored Procedures

Query widgets build SQL statements either dynamically or by accessing stored procedures. DatabasePak lets developers reuse stored procedures already written for either Sybase or Oracle. Using stored procedures, developers can leverage existing code and easily use existing data control models.

Transaction Control

Query widgets also offer full transaction control so that developers can control exactly when changes to data are committed to the database.

Control Buttons and Control Panel

Control Buttons are Motif Push Buttons and Arrow Buttons with built-in functions to search, navigate, update, insert, and delete records. The work together automatically, especially when they are used with the Control Panel widget.

Database Access Widgets

Every DatabasePak application depends on a Database Access widget to set up the connection between the application and the database server. Database Access widgets encapsulate all server-dependent code. Currently, DBPak offers Database Access widgets for Oracle and Sybase.

For developer convenience, DBPak also includes a Login widget which prompts the user for a database server name, user name, and password to pass on to the Database Access widget.

Schema Browser

The Schema Browser solves a common 3GL development problem--not being able to view the structure and contents of the database server. The Schema Browser connects to a database server and graphically displays the various databases, tables, column declarations and types, primary keys, and sample data.

DatabasePak Widgets

Data Presentation Widgets:

  • XiDBDataField
  • XiDBList
  • XiDBOptionMenu
  • XiDBRadioBox
  • Database Aware Motif Widgets:
    • XiDBText
    • XmDBTextField
    • XmDBScale
    • XmDBToggleButton
    • XmDBLabel

Data Management Widgets:

  • XiDBControlPanel
  • XiDBTable
  • XiDBQuery
  • Database Aware Motif Widgets:
    • XiDBArrowButton
    • XiDBPushButton
    • XiDBScrollBar

Database Access Widgets:

  • XiDBSybaseDataSrc
  • XiDBOracleDataSrc

Utility Widgets:

  • XiDBLogin
  • XiColumn

More SQL Widgets

DBPak also adds database awareness to some of the ICS EnhancementPak Business Edition widgets which are sold separately:
  • XiCombination-Box
  • XiPlotter
  • XiLinePlot
  • XIBarPlot
  • XiPieChartPlot

Development System Requirements

User Interfaces:  	Motif v1.2.x; X11R5
			Minimum		Recommended
Memory:			16 MB		24 MB
Graphics Display:	1024 x 768	1280 x 1024

Platforms

SunOS 4.1.x; Solaris 2.x; HP UX 9.0.x.

Supported Databases

Oracle 7.x; Sybase 4.x; Sybase 10.x.