I changed the Option command to Shift command because then, the function will work even when this field isn't locked. If it is not locked, hold down the command key and click on a word. If you want to add a word when this field isn't locked, then hold down the shift key and the command key, that way your wonderful function will work at any time.
I also changed the script so that if you click on an empty area in this field when it is locked, it will make it unlocked. I did this because when I was testing the new buttons, the script always locks the field again (which is desirable) but in writing this information I would forget that it was locked, then I would click in the field and it would say No match for keyword "".
Also I think that this stack defeats the original intention of Ted Nelson* with Hyper-Text. The "True HyperText in HyperCard: BUTTONS IN SCROLLING FIELDS! " idea is right on target. But the logging of the keyword and searching for it in only one field is wrong. It should find a reference any where it can.
May be it can create a main definition in an invisible field so it can search there first. Otherwise it can scan the entire stack for more information. Sometimes a little reading of an idea in another context can help in understanding it better. Also if we are not locked down to this format of keywords then we could use these functions in any stack! I think that's what he was thinking of.
So when you click on a word that has an asterisk, the script will put a Find command into the message box. Just hit return and it will find any reference to that word anywhere in the stack.
The button "Auto Create Ref" will scan the field "Body" for any new references. ( a word that was type in manually with an "*"). This is useful when you are writing something new and want to create reference cards automatically. When you type in this field, just put an "*" after the word whenever you want to create a reference. That way if you write a long text document HyperCard will create the reference cards automatically. (you still have to fill out the definitions though!) just type in the text and click on "Auto Create Ref" .
The Button "Scan text for Ref" will also scan the field body for any word that already has a reference card for it. It will then place a "*" after it.
That's exactly what I did after writing this. HyperCard put in all the asterisks in this field.
As you can probably tell, I am lazy.
So whatever I can get the computer to do for me the happier I am. I think HyperCard* should have had this capability built in. It would be great to make this happen in any stack, for any field. So I've started work on this task and here are some of my ideas.
Create a self installing script that would install itself into a stack (at the users request only, by clicking a button. I don't want a virus.) that would let the stack have these features.
Have all the functions operate with out any additional buttons. That way it will work in any stack.
When installed it would create an Invisible field in the background for the definitions of the linked words.
When the script was invoked, it would search the definition field first, but also would be able search the rest of the stack (upon request). Maybe there is more information for that word in reference to something else. Now that's Hyper-text.
I will work on this when I can and will send you what I come up with.
