DATAFILE

  This is an interactive database utility.  The database works on the
principle of directory trees.  There are two types of options - directories
and files - that can be accessed within the program.  Options can be 
included and excluded while running the program.  This program works well
with VMS 5.0 and even with those versions of VMS used in the CROMAGNUM ERA.

  At the moment, the program has been set up as a problem / solution 
database.  With minor changes to the  program's handshaking banner and
PROBLEM.COM, DATAFILE can be used for other types of databases.  The
program has been fully documented within the program to help you make
any changes if necessary.  For easier applications, we have also set up
a symbol to run the command file.

  The program will also work to show what directories are within a directory
and you can jump through accordingly.  Just go to a directory and type
DATAFILE (if you have already used SET COMMAND).  DATAFILE will allow you
to jump between levels with a press of a button.  To get out, just CTRL-C
or set up another option in the screen to exit where you are instead of
poping to the previous directory.

  There are no special procedures for compiling or linking this program.
It should be noted, however, that with different versions of FORTRAN, the
/NOOPTIMIZE qualifier may be required to make this program work.  There
does not seem to be any pattern for which versions this will have to be
done. 

  DATAFILE will have to be modified for your location since their are 
multiple print scapes and editors.  Your location will only have to add
or delete those print scapes and editors that apply.  The editors enabled
within the program are:

                 1.  EDT
                 2.  EVE
                 3.  LSE

The print scapes available are (check to see if printer commands are
the same as they are at this site and modify as needed):

                 1.  PORTRAIT LASER     (LPS-40, LNO1, LNO3, etc.)
                 2.  LANDSCAPE LASER    (LPS-40, LNO1, LNO3, etc.)
                 3.  PRINTER            (Regular lp27)
                 4.  OFFICE PRINT       (Printer that resides in our office)

  DATAFILE uses two types of files.  These are extended as .DIR, directories,
and .IDX, normal editable files.  IDX was chosen since some file extensions
are not backed up on our systems to save time and tape space.  All file and
directory conventions will apply for the database.  For example, directory
structures cannot go over 7 subdirectories deep.

  The menu of DATAFILE is updated whenever a new option is added.  If the
new option is a file then there is a '*' in front of it.  Currently the
program is set up to display 3 options per line which is the maximum with
an 80 character screen (that will give you 55 options excluding exit and
create/delete).  If you wish more, then change the parameter LINE in the 
routine DISPMENU to a maximum of 5 and set the screen to a 132 character 
line (this will give you a maximum of 85 options excluding exit and 
create/delete).  More options can be squeezed out if lines are omitted after
the menu heading or if the menu heading itself is omitted, or the line after 
the real options or the line after the exit and create/delete options.

  DATAFILE resides on two different cluster systems at our site.  Two keep
our database the same on both systems, we allow changes to the database
on only one system and then periodically back the tree structures to the
other cluster.  To keep users from changing anything on the one system,
I have created some qualifiers that can be used with the DATAFILE command:

                 1.  READ_ONLY  -  This qualifier will only allow the 
                                   user to edit the files in a "no write"
                                   or "read only" state.  This allows the
                                   editors to still be used, without
                                   allowing any changes to the files.
                 2.  NODELETE   -  This qualifier will not allow the user
                                   to delete options from the menu.  The
                                   CREATE/DELETE option will be displayed
                                   accordingly with this qualifier or in
                                   conjunction with the NOCREATE qualifier.
                 3.  NOCREATE   -  This qualifier will not allow the user
                                   to create options for the menu.  The
                                   CREATE/DELETE option will be displayed
                                   accordingly with this qualifier or in
                                   conjunction with the NODELETE qualifier.
                 4.  NOBUFFER   -  Will suppress the appending of the
                                   BUFFER.LINE file after editting a file.
                                   NOBUFFER is automatic when the READ_ONLY
                                   qualifier is used.

These qualifiers can also be used for other purposes obviously.

  There is also a DEMONSTRATION included.  To make the demo work, DATAFILE
will have to be editted to reflect the directory it resides.  We have
placed it under:

                     DSK1:[UTILITIES.DATAFILE]



  Files within this area:

      BANNER.LINE  -  Referrenced by DATAFILE after an edit to break 
                      between information.

      DEMO.COM     -  Demonstration of DATAFILE.  Acts on [.DEMO].

      DATAFILE.CLD -  Command Definition file for program.

      DATAFILE.FOR -  Source for the database program.

      DATAFILE.OBJ -  Object file for the database.

      DATAFILE.EXE -  Executable for the database.

      WELCOME.MSG  -  Displays opening message to the database. Kind of
                      a handshake.  Set for 80 character screen, can be
                      modified to 132 with LINE_LEN parameter in
                      DATAFILE.FOR.  If there is no file, then no message
                      is displayed.

      [.DEMO]      -  Just part of the demonstration.  To add to the 
                      demonstration, we have used part of our own
                      PROBLEM / SOLUTION database.  Some of the solutions
                      to some of our problems may be of use or interest 
                      to you.


  If you have any problems, ideas or suggestions, just call me:

                     JONATHAN C. BAKER
                     CODE N23
                     NAVAL SURFACE WARFARE CENTER
                     DAHLGREN, VA    22448

                     (703)663-8705
                 or  (703)663-8706