Loadstar 128 #38/q38.d81/t.disk file 98

Text File | 1993-01-01 | 19.1 KB | 412 lines

                      D I S K   F I L E   1 2 8 / 9 8

                         64 Version by Ron Schahrer

                       128 Adaptation by Bill Crooks

                     Final 128 Version by Doreen Horne


    These are the latest fine tunings to my C128 expansion of Ron
Schahrer's DISK FILE C64. This program supersedes the 1997 version which
was published with graphic enhancements on LOADSTAR #36.

    There is very little left in my code of the original program by Ron
Schahrer (or the later adaption for the C128 by Bill Crooks) but I stayed
with the original file structure for portability ease for anyone who has
moved to a C128, enjoys its 80 column mode and wants to transfer their C64
data files. This version still uses a 16 character file name with a four
character ID for every name recorded.

    I have also kept the basic appearance of the original opening screen to
provide some continuity for those who have used and were comfortable with
the previous versions.

    I know DCMR is the database of choice for many who catalog their disk
files but it was not designed to cope with GEOS. Whilst I know there are
GEOS databases I doubt they could store 2100 file names. GEOS itself uses
TRUE ASCII values for file names, which turn up in ordinary database hard
copy as graphic characters.

    My DISK FILE programs have two options for text handling. The first
converts all input to upper case and it may be printed eventually entirely
in upper or lower case. The second retains lower case where it finds it but
converts upper case GEOS to our normal ASCII. Whilst the second option
makes for more 'true' looking GEOS files the first makes sorting and
finding of files a lot easier. Both options, if handled correctly by the
user, will eliminate the possiblity of graphic characters turning up in
hard copy.

    Because of its size, DISK FILE 128 consists of three separate modules.
For DCMR users who would like to convert their files, there is a stand
alone BASIC program which needs to be loaded and used on its own. The
PRINTER MODULE, which deals with the hard copy of the final catalog lists,
can be accessed from the main program and also be used as a stand alone
program should one wish to treat the final printing process as a separate
exercise. Both these modules will be explained in more detail.

    DISK FILE 128/98 explains itself on screen at every input and allows an
escape from any option before an irrevocable action is taken. However it
may be of interest to users of the C64 version to have the extras
explained, especially the fine tunings in the 1998 version.

    I enjoy the 'technicolor' of the C128 in 80 column mode and have made
it possible for users to choose their own screen and text colors any time
the database is at the Main Menu. The keys to use are recorded opposite
Option 6.

    Once DISK FILE 128/98 is LOADed it has to be decided whether one will
use one drive only or two. Usually, the Catalog disk is permanently in one
drive whilst, if cataloguing disk files, a directory read of each disk is
done in the other.

    Also, bearing in mind one's preferences for the final hard copy
appearance of eg. a GEOS catalog, one may choose to stay with only one case
or opt for both upper and lower cases.

The MAIN MENU Options
---------------------

 1. Create, adjust or view categories on Catalog disk.

    Although this is the first option in the Main Menu one doesn't really
need to worry about the Catalog disk until there is something to save.

    How one uses this section depends on what one is cataloguing and also
the number of items involved.

    I have GEOS files amongst others on a great many disks gathered from
the public domain and decided that they needed sorting into FONTS,
PICTURES, DRIVERS, ALBUMS, OTHERS and non-GEOS to make them findable when
necessary. After processing all my disks with DISK FILE 128/98 I now have
one Catalog disk solely for GEOS files divided into these separate
categories.

    My disk boxes are labelled from A to J and each contains 100 disks,
individually numbered A00/A99 etc. When first processing the disks with the
DISK FILE program, the 4th ID digit for each file name was, eg. A=ART,
B=BUSINESS, C=COPY, G=GEOS, D=DATABASE, etc. (thus J19D was a database on
disk #19 in box J).

    All the 4th ID digit 'G' items were subsequently transferred to a
separate file using Option (7) and this file was later edited using the
Bulk Edit option (9) to reflect in the 4th digit F=FONT, P=PICTURE, etc.
and option (7) was used again to establish on a separate Catalog disk my
GEOS itemised files.

    In case the reader is wondering, I also have a Catalog disk for the
non-GEOS files in my 10 boxes and it has category files named ART,
BUSINESS, etc.

    15 categories are permitted on a Catalog disk and each one may have up
to 2100 files, disk space permitting.

 2. Create, or add to, a record file

    This is where the database is created. The original version had only
two options - manual input of names or a YES/NO selection of files from a
disk directory with a fixed four digit ID. These two options are still
available but the ID and name of any file may be edited as the files are
presented. The original allowed a directory to be accepted in toto with a
fixed ID. This too is still available but one picks up a lot of subsidiary
files this way, although the option is useful for GEOS disks. Unwanted
extras can be edited out at a later stage.

    Whilst public domain disks do not as a rule have graphic characters in
their directories, some commercial disks do. The program edits all such
items out of the file before storing it. The only directory I found that
gave the program any trouble was one that had its link bytes edited to have
track 18 sector 4 read track 18 sector 4. The DISK FILE program is long
enough without writing special code to deal with that sort of quirk! I
labelled the disk and used option 3 of this section to get it into the
records.

    There are two further input options. The third speeds up input by
avoiding the 'directory read' query and is for labelled single program
disks particularly. It was also useful when cataloguing my magazines. The
ID 'R8CP' relates to an article about printers in RUN magazine, 1988,
December ($C).

    The last allows the user to input an ID which can then be used for
manual input of as many names as necessary until that ID needs to be
changed. By using an ID of '....' one can compile a long list of anything
sorted into alphabetical order.

    When using Option 2 all files are sorted into alphabetical order as
accepted/input and it is for this reason that every time Option 2 is
accessed from the Main Menu, with files already in memory, a check is made
to ensure that the sorting is in order before further input is allowed.

 3. Print records in memory - screen or hard copy.

    Viewing the records on screen really makes use of the C128's 80 column
mode. Now it is possible to view 3 columns of data in one go and one may
now also select the page from which viewing can be done, instead of always
starting from scratch as originally provided.

    The hard copy options are available by loading the PRINTER MODULE,
about which more later. Sufficient at this stage to say that one can move
freely between the MAIN PROGRAM and the PRINTER MODULE with all variables
and arrays intact. If the records in memory have not been saved to the
Catalog disk a reminder appears before one is allowed to load the PRINTER
MODULE. Just as a matter of interest, provided the records are not
overwritten by loading another file in the PRINTER MODULE one can return
eventually to the MAIN PROGRAM with the names 'unsaved' still intact.

 4. Sort the records in memory.

    It was always possible to sort the names into alphabetical order but it
is now also possible to sort the files into an order determined by any one
of the 4 IDs. This is useful when using the BULK EDIT OPTION (9) and the
partial SAVEs available at option 7.

    Records can be saved to any Category file in the order in which they
are when the SAVE option (7) is accessed.

 5. Search for/change ID.

    Now one has two options when selecting to CHANGE an ID. Either changing
all 4 characters of an ID or selecting only one in a position 1 to 4 to
change. Any changes requested will be made to all IDs that match throughout
the records.

    Also at this section one may now SEARCH for records relating to a
selected ID using wild cards in the ID. On screen is available a full list
of wild card patterns acceptable, eg. '***G' will produce a list of all
files in memory which have a 4th ID character of 'G' and J10* will produce
a list of all names which relate to disk (or magazine) J10.

    A single column hard copy list can be produced at the same time. Should
the user have requested the GEOS upper/lower case option a reminder will be
given to overtype the secondary address value with a value suitable to the
printer concerned.

    The printer commands were designed for use with the CBM 1250 printer
but as the program is written in BASIC this can be altered to suit other
printers. LIST 4300-4319. Once the user has substituted her/his own printer
commands, the whole program can be reSAVEd for customized future use.

 6. View directory/Format a disk.

    The directories of the drives in use may be viewed.

    Formatting a disk requires the full string 'yes' to be input if one
wishes to format a disk whilst using the program. This could become
necessary if one's file is too long to save on the Catalog disk in the
drive and one needs to create a new Catalog disk to continue file
processing.

 7. Save file (whole or partial).

    Here there are two major sub-sections. Firstly, saving ALL the records
in memory to:

    (a) a new, unopened file (even one not yet included in the prepared
Category file (Option 1).

    (b) Replacing data in the originating file with the data in memory (it
may have been added to or edited).

    (c) A new option - appending the data to an existing file (the user can
recall the whole file later for resorting). When using this sub-section to
append data to an already lengthy file the program appears to stall but it
is actually the drive which needs time to find the end of the file
requested before it can add to it.

    The second sub-section is saving selected records only. This ability
proved a real boon once included. A full explanation of the possibilities
here are explained on screen within the program. Sufficient to say that up
to 1000 records at a time can be selected by name or ID to save to a new
file or append to an existing one.

    When using any part of Option 7 a check of blocks free on the
destination disk is made to ensure that there is sufficient space to carry
out the designated operation. Also when adding to an existing file the
program checks the probable file total to ensure that 2100 names are not
exceeded.

 8. Load file/Clear records in memory/Change file format.

    If there are already records in memory, the user is asked whether these
are to be cleared or whether the file to be LOADed should be added to those
in memory.

    If the file is cleared one may request a change in the file format
(upper case, or upper/lower case). This change in file format may be
requested only when there are no records in memory.

    To proceed with LOADing the Catalog disk is accessed and one may then
select any one of the categories listed. The names of active files (those
which already contain data) may be requested. The actual number of records
in the file selected is read and added to anything already in memory.
LOADing proceeds if the total is below 2100.

    Files on Catalog disks created by DISK FILE C64 and the Bill Crooks
version for the C128 will be LOADed by this program but the user is advised
that they are in an 'old format' and cannot be used when the files need to
be reSAVEd. It is a bit tedious but if a user wants to make a Catalog disk
compatible with this DISK FILE 128/98 in one go, it would be necessary to
use Options (8) then (7) to transfer the files from one format to another.

    The observant user will note that there are no '.c' files in the old
format and that category files could be of any length. The '.c' files keep
a record of the number of names in the related category files and are
necessary for the various procedures now possible under Option (7).

 9. Bulk edit/quick delete, find or edit record details.

    (a) Quick delete using the ID. The same wild cards as before can be
used to find file names and the user may then decide when the name is
presented whether it is to be removed or not.

    (b) Find/edit using NAME. A name can be searched for and when presented
either it or the ID can be edited or the whole item removed.

    (c) A new option - Bulk edit file in memory. For this option on screen
information is available. Basically one may select a name or ID from which
the records are to be presented on screen and any name may then be edited
or removed. When on screen editing is requested a '?' appears to the left
of the first item on the screen. Only typing RETURN progresses down the
screen. Make such alterations as are required, type RETURN and then repeat
it until the last item on the screen has been 'done'. One can then page
further into the file, page backwards (no further than the original name/ID
specified) or quit.

    A note is kept of editing or files removed whilst using any of the sub-
sections of this Option. Before one may again use Options (2) or (7), the
file has to have deleted items removed by using Option (4) to tidy up the
records whilst they are resorted.

 0. Exit To BASIC.

    Using this Option to quit the program ensures that all files are closed
and that the user is made aware of any records in memory which have not
been saved to a Catalog disk. Also it clears the memory location which
records the transfer of the main program to the PRINTER MODULE and vice
versa.

    There are very few bytes left in memory after the main BASIC program
before what is left of BANK 0 is used for other purposes so there just is
no room to add a return to LOADSTAR. If it is wished to do so from either
the main program or either of the two special purpose modules then insert
Side 1 of the LOADSTAR disk into the preferred drive and type:
LOAD "HELLO CONNECT",(drive number)


PRINTER MODULE
--------------

    Like the main program the printer commands were programmed with a CBM
1250 in mind. LISTing line 0 of this module provides information about the
line numbers within the module where the commands can be found. They can be
altered to suit the user's printer and the module can then be reSAVEd for
further use.

    The PRINTER MODULE can be accessed from Option (3) of the main program
or it can be LOADed from BASIC in the first instance. Coming from the main
program there may already be records in memory for which hard copy is
required (these files are noted at Option (4) and may be seen at (3).

    This module is simple to use. Any file LOADed via Option (4) overwrites
anything already in memory, so be sure that if any names are brought from
the main program for printing before they are SAVEd to a Catalog disk that
a return is made via Option (6) or they will not be available to update the
Catalog disk (unless some retyping is done!) A warning is given before
leaving the main program but the user has the option to proceed to
printing.

    Options 1 and 2 enable the printing of the files in memory in either 3
columns or 5 (condensed print). When using these options the files in
memory are checked for lower case characters. If any are found the user is
reminded to furnish a secondary address for printer output. Failure to do
so will cause the upper/lower case GEOS file to be printed in upper case
and graphics.

    If no lower case characters are found the user may have the file
printed entirely in upper or lower case. Here again if lower case is
selected the user will be reminded to furnish a secondary address, but
failure to do so just causes all output to be printed in upper case.

    Depending upon the user's requirements a return can be made to the main
program with all files in memory, variables and arrays intact - or an exit
can be made to BASIC.


DCMR CONVERTER
--------------

    This is for those who wish to convert their data files from DCMR format
to that used by DISK FILE 128/98.

    The conversions may be made using two drives. If only one is available
then it will be necessary to swop source and destination disks when
prompted as the files in both formats will have the same names.

    It should be noted that one DCMR data disk will produce one DISK FILE
data disk (or even need a second one if the DCMR source disk has few free
blocks. DISK FILE data use more disk space than do DCMR data.)

    To start, the directory of the DCMR data disk is presented, file by
file, and the user can select which files are to be converted and
transferred. As the DISK FILE Catalog disk limits categories to 15, this is
the maximum that will be accepted for transfer at one time. Any more will
need to be done as a separate exercise when the first batch has been dealt
with and they will need a destination disk which has not already been used
by the DISK FILE 128/98 program as a Catalog disk.

    Before any conversions are transferred the destination disk is checked
to ensure that it does not already contain a CATEGORIES file. If it does a
new disk will have to be placed in the destination drive before the
conversions continue.

    Before converted files are transferred the destination disk is also
checked to ensure that it has sufficient blocks free to record the file
concerned.

    After the successful transfer of all nominated files, or as many as
there is space for, a CATEGORIES file is written on the DISK FILE data disk
and it is then ready for use with the DISK FILE 128/98 program.

    Eventually when all transfers are done the LOAD and SAVE options in the
DISK FILE 128/98 program can be used to organise the new data according to
the user's requirements.

    Due to the lack of any identifying information in the DCMR files the
conversion program will endeavour to convert any PRG file nominated when
the disk directory is presented. If a user is not certain about the
identity of any file, insert the disk containing this file into the drive
then type:

 GOTO 7000

 After answering the prompts, the file will be read and displayed on
screen. The user can then decide whether it is suitable for conversion or
not,


A FINAL NOTE
------------

    The DISK FILE 128/98 program and its modules are as user friendly as I
have been able to make them. It is a complex program but will I hope prove
a useful application for those who like to organise their collections, be
they disks, magazines, tapes, books or whatever, into catalog lists in
which they are easily locatable.

    The original DISK FILE C64 was released as freeware by its programmer.
Despite all the hours I have put into expanding it to use the many
interesting features of the C128 in 80 column mode and all that extra
memory, I have decided to consign my endeavours to the public domain.
However should anyone have any suggestions for other useful functions that
could be included, I would be very happy to hear them.

Doreen Horne
70 Fursden Road
CARINA, Q. 4152
AUSTRALIA

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