
              
                
                  
                    
                      
                        
                          
                            
                              

                     PDT   (the Pro~Formance Data Tool)

                               Rob W. Smetana
                              
                            
                          
                        
                      
                    
                  
                
              

                        **  Version 3.2c (12/97)  **


            Copyright (C) 1987-1997, Rob W. Smetana and Pro~Formance.
                          All Rights Reserved Worldwide

          Pro~Formance Data Tool, PDT and Pro~Formance are trademarks of
                         Rob W. Smetana and Pro~Formance.

           NOTE Ŀ
                                                                      
           This is an EVALUATION copy of the commercial program       
           called PDT (the Pro~Formance Data Tool)  the 2-gigabyte  
           file editor.  There is NO PROGRAM like PDT  anywhere!    
           If you ever need to view, edit, compare, explore, figure   
           out or repair ANY file (especially fixed-format data files)
           you'll find you can't do without PDT  it's that good!    
                                                                      
           Although we add features to PDT regularly, EVALUATION      
           copies are frozen with the feature set of version 2.8.     
           This manual (and a What's.New file) describe ALL features, 
           including features available only to registered users.     
                                                                      
           When you register we send you the l-a-t-e-s-t version with 
           m-a-n-y new features.  We a-l-s-o send you the PDT Tool Kit
            a collection of utility programs which offer more help  
           in managing/converting/exploring/repairing data files. See 
           "Benefits to You of Registering" and "What's.New" for more.
                                                                      
           ALSO NOTE:  If your printer CAN'T print the lines and boxes
           in this manual, BEFORE you print this, read the section    
           below on using Translate.Exe.                              
         
             


         Thank you . . .
         

         Thank you for trying PDT.  PDT is the most powerful file editor
         available -- especially for those needing to view, edit, explore
         or repair binary, executable (.EXE or .COM) or fixed-format data
         files (dBASE files, or the thousands of data files created by
         programs written in C, Pascal, BASIC, etc.).

         We're confident that PDT will become as indispensable to you as
         it has to us.  PDT is so easy to use, anyone will find it of
         value.  And anyone who works with data files will find it a
         vital tool.  Need proof?  Read PDT_REV.Txt  a review of PDT
         written by the author of a competing product!  Or consider
         these comments from current PDT users who recently ordered the
         latest version of PDT:

         "This is the best product of this type I've ever seen." (E.M. Germany)

         "I use PDT every day.  It's probably the best program I have."
         (S.R. New Hampshire)

         "Your stuff is a life saver.  I use PDT every day."  (J.V. Oregon)

         "I've used PDT daily for over 2 years, even in Windows.  I can't
         believe what it can do.  And it's amazingly stable and reassuring
         -- I've never found a bug in it.  Thank you!"  (D.C. Los Angeles)

         "PDT has saved my career many times.  Thank God you wrote this
         program."  (K.D. Colorado)


         If you have suggestions, comments or questions, please don't
         hesitate to write or call us (9 - 5 Pacific time please):

         Rob W. Smetana   (415) 863 - 0530    Rob-Smetana@Worldnet.Att.Net

         Pro~Formance     132 Alpine Terrace  San Francisco, CA  94117


         Before you do anything else . . .
         

         1.  Look for a file called What's.New.

             If it's there, browse through or print it for recent
             improvements and changes which may not be mentioned
             in the manual.  To print What's.New, make sure your
             printer is on, then type:  copy what's.new prn <enter>

         2.  Be sure to read sections that describe the many types of
             data fields PDT supports and can help you view and edit.
             You "define" fields in data files by pressing F2 and telling
             PDT what type of field you're in.  Also see Appendix I.
                                                                       


         Printing this Manual;  Using Translate.Exe                    b
         

         As you've seen, this manual include high ASCII characters which
         we use for lines, boxes and shading.  Most newer printers can
         print these -- if you use an appropriate font.  But some printers
         CAN'T print these lines and boxes properly.  Instead, they'll
         print italic or other characters, or they'll print blank spaces.

         If your printer CAN'T print high ASCII characters, we offer
         two options:

         1. You could print this manual using our MULTI-PRINT program
            (MP), and save lots of paper in the process!  (MP usually
            conserves 50% to 85% of the paper you'd normally use)!

            MP can print 2 - 9 pages of text on EACH sheet of paper,
            printing, if you like, on both sides of the sheet.  And MP
            offers FIVE different ways to print text.  MP offers 2
            "portrait" options (2-Column Newspaper or Normal Portrait
            modes) and 3 "landscape" options (Booklets, Left-to-Right
            and Wide, 1-column modes).

            And, best of all, you can use ANY of these options on LaserJet,
            Epson or DeskJet printers!  And you can use Normal Portrait
            mode on ANY printer to print on both sides of the sheet if
            you like.

            If you frequently print "readme," "what's.new" or other text
            files (like on-disk manuals), please do yourself (and the
            Earth) a favor and use Multi-Print.  You'll enjoy the many,
            convenient ways you can print.  And you'll leave a few trees
            standing.


         2. Or, you can run TRANSLATE.EXE that we included.  It will
            translate the high ASCII characters to other characters ANY
            printer can print.  For example:

                      Ŀ            +--------+
                      This Box    will    |This Box|
                      Ĵ            |--------|
                                 become   |        |
                                  +--------+


            You can tell Translate.Exe to print our manuals, or send
            them to another disk file.  The next page has details.

                                                                       


         Using TRANSLATE.EXE                                           c
         

         For help running Translate, just type:  translate <enter>
         Translate will display the syntax to use to run it:

                   translate filename newfile <enter>

         "filename" would be:  PDT.Txt (or the name of any text file)

          "newfile" would be:  LPT1, LPT2 or LPT3 to print PDT.Txt.

                          or:  a file name to tell Translate to send
                               the translated output to a file.


         For example . . .
         


         translate pdt.txt lpt1           'prints PDT.Txt on the
                                          'printer hooked up to LPT1.

         translate pdt.txt new.txt        'this tells translate to
                                          'translate PDT.Txt and
                                          'send the output to a new
                                          'file called New.Txt,

          TIPS & NOTES Ŀ
                                                                      
          You can use Translate.Exe to translate ANY file -- not      
          just our manuals.                                           
                                                                      
          Translate does NOT check to see if "newfile" exists.  If    
          "newfile" does exist, Translate will OVERWRITE it.          
                                                                      
          Translate does NOT check to see if your printer is ready.   
          Nor will it tell you if your printer runs out of paper.     
         
           
                                                                       


         Getting Started                                               d
         

         This manual has 5 sections.  BEFORE you try to run PDT, PLEASE
         read Section I (Installing PDT), Section II (Running and
         Customizing PDT) and Section III (Examples).  Specifically . . .

         Before you can run PDT, you must install it properly.  Section
         I, Installing PDT, explains how to install PDT simply and safely.

         Read Section II, Running and Customizing PDT, to learn how
         to run PDT, get help and customize PDT to your liking.

         Finally, Section III has examples which demonstrate many of
         PDT's features.  If you follow these examples, the technical
         reference material later in this guide may be easier to
         understand.


         Terms and Abbreviations We Use
         

         Here is a summary of the terms and abbreviations we use here.


         This phrase:    Means you should:
           

         <cr>            Press the Enter or Return key on your keyboard.
         <Esc>           Press the Escape key on your keyboard.
         <F1>            Press Function Key F1 (or F2, F3, etc.).
         <Y>es or (Y)es  Press the key you see in brackets or parentheses.

         alt-[key]       HOLD DOWN the Alt key, then press another key.

         ctrl-[key]      HOLD DOWN the ctrl key, then press another key.
                         Sometimes "ctrl" is abbreviated "^" as in ^S.

         click Left      Click the LEFT button on your mouse.
         click Right     Click the RIGHT mouse button.

         ctrl-O;         Whenever we discuss an option, we'll show you
         File/Open File  the "hotkey" you'd press AND the menu option
                         you'd select to begin that option.  So, to open
                         a file, press ctrl-O, -or- pull down the File
                         menu and select the Open File option.

         "packed"        Many programs store numbers in "packed" form.
         numbers         For example, the number "10862" could be saved
                         to disk as an integer -- "n*" -- consuming 2
                         bytes of disk space instead of 5.  PDT supports
                         (lets you view and edit) many types of packed
                         fields:  Byte (tiny integer), Integer, Single
                         and Double precision (float), Binary, BCD,
                         Column Binary, etc.
                                                                       


         Introduction                                                  e
         

         Very simply, if you ever need to edit database, binary or
         EBCDIC files, or repair any file, you'll find you can't do
         without PDT.  Some people have called PDT their "career saver!"

          * With PDT you can view and edit ANY type of file:  dBASE
            or other data files, executable files (.Exe or .Com files),
            EBCDIC files, configuration files  ANY type of file.

          * You can view and edit ANY SIZE file  up to 2 gigabytes
             with no need for extra memory!

            And you can open up to 4 files at once.  View and compare
            different files.  Or work in different areas of the same
            file.  Since each file can be up to 2 gigabytes in size,
            you can work with up to 8 gigabytes of data at once!

          * With PDT, you can manage data files like you've never been
            able to before.  PDT's unique options help you manage dBASE
            or ANY fixed-length file  with automated features.

            - PDT detects dBASE ".DBF" files, formatting your "view" of
              them so fields are automatically laid out for you.

            - With other fixed-length data files (like those created by
              programs written in C, Pascal, BASIC, COBOL, etc.), PDT
              lets you easily and quickly "define their structure."

              Once you define a file's structure, PDT formats your
              "view" of these files in logical rows and columns and
              offers other features as well.

            - Once PDT knows the structure of a file, you'll be able to:

               Easily view and edit the file, tabbing quickly from
                 field to field.  You can even press a key to edit
                 fields  even fields stored in "packed" form.

               Mark blocks (either columns or records) and then:
                 Export them, Copy them, Erase or Fill them, etc.

               Expand or Shrink the width of fields.  And, if you
                 like, PDT will automatically update the dBASE header
                 and its own "structure files" to reflect the change.

            - And once you define a file's structure, you can SAVE this
              definition (in a "structure file").  Then, every time you
              open the file, PDT displays it logically  automatically!

              You can even create MASTER structure files.  These are
              handy with data files you get regularly  weekly (or
              monthly) sales, inventory, phone or other data.  Master
              structure files let you define the file structure once,
              and it will then be applied to EVERY file you open with
              the same extension (e.g., .DAT, .FON, etc.).             


         Introduction (continued)                                      f


          * PDT even works with EBCDIC files  like those found on,
            or downloaded from, large IBM computers.

           - PDT's dynamic EBCDIC-to-ASCII translation lets you view
             AND edit EBCDIC files in easy-to-understand ASCII mode.
             Changes you make to the file are saved to disk in EBCDIC.

           - PDT will even translate EBCDIC files to ASCII, or vice versa.

          * PDT can also help you:

            - Repair files  regardless of their type or size.

            - Determine file structures (record or field length, etc.).

            - Edit executable files to customize messages or options.

         * Finally, PDT makes editing all types of files safe and
           straight-forward.  Move around files using cursor (arrow)
           keys  as you would in any word processor or editor.  Pull-
           down menus, keyboard hotkeys and on-line help simplify and
           speed up operations.

           Please note, however, that while you may use PDT to edit text
           files with variable-length lines, PDT is not well-suited to
           editing these types of files.  Why?  Because PDT displays all
           characters in files rather than acting on them  as a text
           editor would when it encounters carriage returns or tabs.

         You should also know that PDT is VERY POWERFUL.  This power
         will serve your needs very well.  But until you learn how to
         use PDT, we urge you to make backup copies of files BEFORE you
         edit them in PDT (use PKZIP to create v-e-r-y small backups).
         As an example of these powers, we've said you can edit files
         of ANY SIZE  up to 2 gigabytes!

          * When you open a file, you'll be looking at what's on
            disk, NOT a copy of it in memory.

          * If you turn Edit mode ON and change something, that change is
            immediately saved to disk  unless you use PDT's Edit Field
            or Continuous Edit buffered editing options.

         This differs from, say, a word processor which loads files
         into memory.  In a word processor, you can edit a file, then
         decide NOT to save the changes to disk.  But try loading 2 or 3
         2-gigabyte files into your word processor.

         By not loading files into memory, PDT keeps memory requirements
         to a minimum and can help you can edit files of almost any size.
         It also means that whenever you press PgDn, for example, PDT
         must read the next "screen full" of data from disk.  It does
         this very quickly.  But you'll enjoy PDT more if you edit files
         on your local hard disk  not on slow floppy disks or drives
         on busy networks.                                        


                                                                       g


          PDT is a V-e-r-y Powerful Program! Ŀ
                                                                      
            We mentioned above, and we emphasize here that PDT is     
            very powerful.  You can easily and safely browse through  
            any file.  But if you turn edit mode ON (ctrl-E), any     
            change you make is IMMEDIATELY written to disk (unless    
            you use PDT's "buffered" editing options:  F6 Edit Field, 
            or Continuous Field Edit).                                
                                                                      
            We urge you to keep edit mode turned OFF until you need   
            to change something.                                      
                                                                      
            We also urge you to make backup copies of files BEFORE    
            you open them in PDT  especially while you're learning  
            how to use PDT.                                           
         
           


          Caution:  Editing Numeric Fields in EBCDIC Files Ŀ
                                                                      
            PDT offers three options to help you view, edit and       
            manage EBCDIC (Extended Binary Coded Decimal Information  
            Code) files.  These options let you:                      
                                                                      
             1.  Translate EBCDIC files to ASCII format (for easier   
                 viewing and editing).                                
                                                                      
             2.  Translate ASCII files to EBCDIC (to send them back   
                 to your large IBM computer).                         
                                                                      
             3.  Dynamically display EBCDIC files in ASCII mode.      
                 The file on disk is unchanged.  PDT simply displays  
                 it differently.                                      
                                                                      
            All three options rely on special character-by-character  
            translation routines, which are very accurate regardless  
            of which direction you're going.                          
                                                                      
            You CAN safely use either EBCDIC-to-ASCII option (1 and   
            3) to view AND edit any character (or text) fields in     
            EBCDIC files.                                             
                                                                      
            You CAN also edit numeric fields that are stored in       
            normal text or character form.                            
                                                                      
            But, you should NEVER edit PACKED numeric fields!  These  
            packed numeric fields should be translated on a field     
            basis rather than character-by-character.  Later versions 
            of PDT may include an EBCDIC numeric-field-translation    
            feature.  But only character-by-character translation is  
            offered in this PDT version.                              
         
             


                                                                       h

             PDT:  A Tale of Unsuccessful Demo-Version Distribution
         

         This is an EVALUATION copy of the retail program PDT -- the
         Pro~Formance Data Tool.  Evaluation copies are "frozen"  the
         feature set is frozen at version 2.8, but we continue to add
         features regularly.  These new features are available ONLY to
         registered users.

         Previous EVALUATION Versions
         

         Early EVALUATION copies of PDT had many of the features
         you'll find in this version (we've added many since then).
         And THOUSANDS of copies were in use around the world.

          * We got support calls from many of these unregistered users
            asking how to use this feature, or accomplish that task.

          * And we found companies where 20, 50, up to 100 copies were
            being used daily.

         Ŀ
         ******    Guess how many people registered?   1!    ******
         

         That's right.  Despite years of distribution and the immense,
         unique powers of PDT, only 1 person registered.

         We're sure you can understand that we simply can't give away
         software we've labored over for many years.

         So, from now on EVALUATION copies will be AT LEAST several
         generations BEHIND registered versions.  When you register,
         you'll receive the latest version with added features that can
         be of IMMENSE value.  For example, the option to expand or
         shrink columns or fields is phenomenal!  So to is the option to
         turn fixed-format data files into dBASE files.  Some of the
         options you'll enjoy when you register may be mentioned in
         PDT's menus and help system -- since we're adding them now.

         Further, EVALUATION copies WILL let you open any-size file,
         browse anywhere in it, and use all available options -- if your
         cursor is above 25,000 bytes.  Below 25,000 bytes, you can
         still browse around; but all editing options are turned off.

         In other words, EVALUATION copies let you try all available
         options.  But they won't be available in every situation.

         For details on what you'll receive when you register, see the
         section called "The Benefits to You of Registering."          


         License                                                       i
         

         PDT (The Pro~Formance Data Tool) is Copyright 1987-1997, Rob W.
         Smetana, and is protected by both United States copyright law
         and international treaty provisions.  PDT is NOT free software.
         Nor is it "public domain" software or "freeware."  This is a
         "user-supported" version of retail software.


         REGISTERED VERSIONS
         

         Registered users must treat this software like a copyrighted
         book.  You may use it on any number of computers/CPUs, pro-
         vided there is NO POSSIBILITY that it will be running on two
         or more computers at the same time.  Multi-user network ver-
         sions, and site licenses are available.  Call for details.

         You may make a "backup" copy of this software for the sole
         purpose of guarding against the loss of this software and
         protecting your investment.

         EVALUATION Copies
         

         You may try out EVALUATION copies to determine if this program
         satisfies your needs.  After using EVALUATION copies beyond the
         trial period (30 days or 20-25 sessions), you MUST register to
         continue using it -- or stop using it.  This is NOT free
         software.  Below we'll explains the benefits of registering.

          * PDT is copyrighted software that's distributed through both
            retail and other channels.  EVALUATION copies let you
            try it out before buying it.  We're adding new features
            right now to PDT.  See the next page for a summary of how
            you'll benefit when you register.

          * If you paid a "distributor" a $2-$6 fee for a disk that
            contained this EVALUATION copy:

            - You paid them for copying the disk and sending it to you.

            - You did NOT pay for the software.  NONE of the fees you
              pay these distributors go to program authors.  If you use
              PDT, you must pay for it.

                                                                       


         The Benefits to You of Registering PDT                        j
         

         When you register, we "say thanks" in m-a-n-y ways.

          * First, we send you the latest version of PDT, with m-a-n-y
            more features  like these:

            - EXPAND/SHRINK columns or fields (this is amazing!).

            - Turn fixed-format data files into dBASE files.

            - ADD-UP -or- SEQUENCE number fields, -or- COUNT values.

            - COMBINE files or change file SIZES.

            - CHANGE RECORD LENGTH by pressing a key.  This helps
              you explore or determine file structures.

            - SYNCHRONIZE scrolling of two file windows to easily com-
              pare different files or different parts of the same file.

            - Translate EBCDIC files to ASCII.  In EVALUATION copies you
              CAN view EBCDIC files in ASCII mode but not translate them
              permanently.

          * Second, in EVALUATION copies you CAN open ANY-SIZE file,
            browse anywhere in it, and use all available options -- if
            your cursor is above 25000 bytes.  Below 25000 bytes, you
            can still browse around; but all editing options are turned
            off.  In other words, EVALUATION copies let you try out all
            available options above 25000 bytes.  But editing options
            aren't available below that.  Remember, the purpose of
            EVALUATION copies is to help you "try out" all available
            options.  You can easily do that with this version.

          * Third, we'll send you a FREE copy of the PDT Tool Kit.
            These terrific BONUS UTILITIES help you create, modify,
            and convert data files, or repair damaged database files.

              Create.Exe  Create dBASE database files with any structure.

             DBF-DBF.Exe  Modify the structure of dBASE files, create
                          new ones, or save subsets of data.  Delete or
                          add fields, change field widths, etc.

             DBF-ASC.Exe  DBF-ASC.Exe reads dBASE files and creates
             ASC-DBF.Exe  comma-delimited ASCII files.  ASC-DBF.Exe
                          does the opposite:  it reads comma-delimited
                          ASCII files and saves dBASE files.

            FIX_TRIM.Exe  Turn variable-length records into fixed-length
                          records (to easily edit them), or do the reverse.

            Fix_DBF.Fld   These PDT structure files are INVALUABLE to view,
            Fix_DBF.Hdr   repair, or simply examine dBASE file structures.

            .... and MORE!                                            



         To Register (order a copy of) PDT                             k
         

         You may register in several different ways:

          * Call us with your VISA or MasterCard number:  (415) 863-0530.
            This can cut 2-3 weeks off delivery time since we needn't
            wait for your order to arrive by mail, and we needn't wait
            for checks to clear.

          * Complete To-Order.Txt or the form at the end of Catalog.Txt.

          * Or send your $139 registration fee plus $4 shipping &
            handling ($8 shipping outside the U.S. and Canada), along
            with your name, address and phone number to:

            Rob W. Smetana  132 Alpine Terrace  San Francisco, Ca  94117


         Disclaimer and Limited Warranty
         

         We've made every effort to ensure that PDT (the SOFTWARE) is
         error-free.  We warrant that it will perform substantially in
         accordance with the accompanying documentation for a period of
         ninety (90) days from the date you purchase the SOFTWARE.

         Rob W. Smetana and Pro~Formance DO NOT WARRANT THAT THE SOFT-
         WARE IS ERROR FREE.  AND EXCEPT FOR THE EXPRESS LIMITED WAR-
         RANTY ABOVE, WE DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES WITH RESPECT TO THE
         SOFTWARE, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED
         TO IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A
         PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND NONINFRINGEMENT OF THIRD PARTY RIGHTS.

          * PDT is a VERY POWERFUL program.  You can view any file
            safely.  But when you turn Edit Mode ON, any changes you
            make are immediately saved to disk!  ALWAYS back up files
            BEFORE you make major changes to them -- especially while
            learning how to use PDT.

         IN NO EVENT SHALL ROB W. SMETANA, PRO~FORMANCE OR THEIR SUPPLIERS
         BE LIABLE FOR CONSEQUENTIAL, INCIDENTAL OR INDIRECT DAMAGES OF
         ANY KIND ARISING OUT OF THE DELIVERY, PERFORMANCE OR USE OF THE
         SOFTWARE, EVEN IF THEY'VE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF
         SUCH DAMAGES.  IN NO EVENT WILL ROB W. SMETANA'S LIABILITY
         FOR ANY CLAIM, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER THEORY OF
         LIABILITY, EXCEED THE LICENSE FEE PAID BY YOU OR YOUR COMPANY.
         IF YOUR STATE OR COUNTRY LIMITS THIS EXCLUSION OR OUR LIMITED
         WARRANTY, YOU may not LICENSE OR USE THIS PRODUCT!

         We reserve the right to revise or change any part of PDT or it's
         supporting materials at any time, without notice and without
         obligation to notify any person or entity of such changes.    


          

                                    Contents

          


            SECTION I:   Installing PDT

                Getting your free copy of the PDT Tool Kit ........ 1.1

                What PDT Needs to Run, Setting PDTDIR ............. 1.2

                Using INSTALL to install PDT ...................... 1.4


            SECTION II:   Running and Customizing PDT

                Customizing PDT; Getting Help ..................... 2.2

                PDT's Menus and "Hotkeys" ......................... 2.3

                Summary of PDT's "Hotkeys" ........................ 2.5


            SECTION III:  Examples 

                Sample_1.Dat ...................................... 3.1

                   Important Things about PDT ..................... 3.3
                   Moving Around in Files; Editing Files .......... 3.4
                   PDT's File Menu (What you'll see) .............. 3.5

                Sample_2.Dat ...................................... 3.7

                   EBCDIC Files; Structure Files .................. 3.7
                   Creating Your First Structure File ............. 3.8

                Sample_3.Dat ...................................... 3.10
                   The Many Types of Fields PDT Supports .......... 3.10
                   File Structures in Summary ..................... 3.11

            
            SECTION IV:   Command Reference

                The File Menu; Opening Files; the File Menu ....... 4.1
                    Closing, Creating, Deleting, Renaming Files ... 4.4
                    Combining (concatenating) Files ............... 4.4
                    Changing File Sizes ........................... 4.5
                    Translating Files: EBCDIC/ASCII-ASCII/EBCDIC... 4.5


                The Edit Menu; Editing Fields; Continuous Edit .... 4.6


                The Search Menu; Search & Replace ................. 4.7
                                                                       


          

                                    Contents

          

            SECTION IV:   Command Reference  (continued)

                The Block Menu; Marking Blocks .................... 4.8
                    Adding Up Columns ............................. 4.9
                    Adding Sequence Numbers to Columns ............ 4.10
                    Copying Blocks:  Overwrite or Insert .......... 4.11
                    Deleting Blocks; Filling Blocks ............... 4.11
                    Exporting Blocks .............................. 4.12
                    Inserting Spaces or Records ................... 4.12
                    Expanding/Shrinking Columns; Updating Headers . 4.13
                    Make dBASE  turning files into dBASE files .. 4.15


                The Define Menu; Specifying Header Lengths ........ 4.16
                    Specifying Record Lengths ..................... 4.18
                    F9 & F10:  Changing Records Lengths by 1 ...... 4.19
                    Forcing dBASE Structure ....................... 4.19
                    Displaying Field Names ........................ 4.20
                    Clear Structure ............................... 4.20
                    Defining Fields; Editing Field Structures ..... 4.21
                    Saving or Reading File Structures ............. 4.22


                The Options Menu; Jump ............................ 4.23
                    Synchronizing 2 or More Edit Windows .......... 4.23
                    Jump:  By Percent or Byte, or to a Record ..... 4.24
                    ASCII Chart ................................... 4.24
                    View EBCDIC files in ASCII Mode ............... 4.25
                    Text View Mode; Hex View Mode ................. 4.26
                    Calculator; Configure (Customize) PDT ......... 4.28

                The Help Menu ..................................... 4.29


            Appendix I:

                The Many "Types" of Fields PDT Supports ........... A.1.1

            Appendix II:

                Creating Structure Files Outside PDT .............. A.2.1

            APPENDIX III:

                Customizing PDT ................................... A.3.1

            Appendix IV:

                Helpful Tips ...................................... A.4.1

            Appendix V:

                Error Messages .................................... A.5.1 


                                    Notes
         

         We mention the following points elsewhere.  But we repeat them
         here for emphasis, and to ensure that you don't miss them.

          PRINTING using PDT Ŀ
                                                                      
           PDT has no explicit "print" option.  But you CAN print     
           files (or parts of them) in 2 ways:                        
                                                                      
            1.  Mark a block (ctrl-M or ctrl-B), press ctrl-P to      
                export that block to another file, then exit to DOS   
                and type:  "copy [filename]  prn  <cr>".              
                                                                      
            2.  Mark a block and press ctrl-P to export it.  But      
                type LPT1 or LPT2 instead of a file name.  When PDT   
                asks if you'd like to <O>verwrite or <A>ppend (Add)   
                to the file, select <A>ppend.                         
                                                                      
           If you mark columns (using ctrl-M) and then press ctrl-P,  
           PDT will ask if you'd like Carriage Returns/Line Feeds     
           added to the end of each line.  Answering <Y>es helps      
           ensure each record begins printing on a new line.          
                                                                      
           Note that it's up to you to ensure your printer and its    
           fonts can handle the line lengths you send.  And when      
           printing data files, it's often best to used fixed-spaced  
           (not proportionally-spaced) fonts to help columns line up. 
                                                                      
         
           


          WARNING:  Using Wildcards ("?") during Search & Replace Ŀ
                                                                      
           PDT offers both Search and Search & Replace options.  When 
           entering the phrase you'd like to search for, you may use  
           question marks ("?") as "wild cards."  For example, search-
           ing for P?? would find PDT, pal, pIZ, Pad, etc.  This is   
           useful for doing "fuzzy searches"  "I know it has 5      
           letters beginning with 'ABC' so I'll search for "ABC??".   
                                                                      
           BUT, and this is very important, use EXTREME CAUTION when  
           using "?" during Search & Replace.  For example, replacing 
           "???" with "ZAP" would overwrite the ENTIRE FILE with ZAP, 
           since "???" describes everything!  It's for this reason    
           that PDT will NOT accept search phrases consisting of      
           only "???".  And during Search & Replace, PDT will warn    
           you when your search phrase contains "?".                  
                                                                      
           We urge you to use "?" cautiously.  To be safe, you might  
           want to NOT use "?" during Search & Replace.  Instead, use 
           Search with wildcards, and if you find a match, manually   
           type in your replacement.                                  
                                                                      
         
             


         

         SECTION I:  Installing PDT

         Topics:     Installing PDT, Getting the PDT Tool Kit
                     Setting PDTDIR

         
         

         Installing PDT, Getting PDT's Tool Kit
         

         Installing PDT is easy.  But if you don't install it properly,
         you may find that, under early DOS versions, PDT can't run.

         You MUST run Install.Bat to install PDT.  Here's why.


         To run properly, PDT must be able to find many things.
         

         When PDT runs, it must be able to find:

          * Itself (PDT.Exe).

          * "Structure files" you create.

          * It's help files (PDT.Psl and PDT.Ref).

         By running Install you'll help ensure that everything is
         initialized properly and that PDT will be able to find
         everything when it's needed.  And, perhaps, most important,
         running Install helps ensure the PDT.DIR is created -- in
         which you'll store structure files.


         PDT must be able to find itself for three important reasons.
         

         First, you can customize (or configure) the way PDT runs.
         PDT stores your preferences in itself (inside PDT.Exe).
         Then, the next time you run it, PDT finds itself and reads
         the settings YOU chose.  Appendix III:  Customizing PDT
         explains how to customize PDT.

         Second, PDT's "structure files" are crucial to many of PDT's
         advanced features.  As long as you store structure files in
         PDT's special directory (PDT.DIR), these features are avail-
         able to you automatically.  Install creates PDT.DIR for you.

          * Structure files, which we'll explain in detail later, tell
            PDT how data files are constructed (record length, the type
            and length of each field, etc.).

                                                    continued . . .    


         Structure Files (continued)                                1.2


          * We recommend that you save structure files with the SAME
            NAME as your data files!   Then, whenever you open a data
            file, PDT can automatically find and read your structure file.

            But if you saved this structure file to the same drive/direc-
            tory containing your data file, you'd OVERWRITE (ie., destroy)
            your data!  That's why structure files must be saved in their
            own sub-directory.  NEVER copy data files to PDT.DIR.  Store
            ONLY PDT's structure files in PDT.DIR.

         Third, PDT offers extensive on-line help.  To provide this help,
         PDT must be able to find two files:  PDT.Psl and PDT.Ref. PDT
         will look for itself, and then look only on that same drive/
         directory for these help files.  If it can't find them, PDT
         will run, but help won't be available.

         Until you're thoroughly familiar with PDT's many options and
         how they work, we urge you to install PDT.Psl and PDT.Ref.
         Later, if you no longer need help, you can delete these files.


                                                                       


                                                                     1.3


         How Does PDT Find Itself?  SETTING PDTDIR
         

         PDT uses two methods to find itself (PDT.Exe), and PDT.DIR.

         When you run it, PDT asks DOS to tell it where PDT is.

         But older versions of DOS (1.x and 2.x) can't provide this
         information.  So if PDT can't find itself this way, it looks
         to see if you SET an "environment variable" (PDTDIR) telling
         us where we should find PDT.Exe.

         Therefore, if PDT tells you it can't find itself, just add
         the following line to your Autoexec.Bat file:

              SET PDTDIR=drive\directory

         Replace "drive\directory" with the drive and directory where
         you installed PDT.EXE.  For example:  set pdtdir=c:\pdt.

         Notice there are NO spaces except after SET.  This format
         is required by DOS.


         If you'd prefer not to edit your Autoexec.Bat file, you could
         run PDT using a batch file (e.g., runpdt.bat) like this:

              SET PDTDIR=drive\directory   (replace "drive\directory")
              PDT                       
              SET PDTDIR=               

         The last line clears "PDTDIR=drive\directory" freeing up
         environment space memory.

         Be sure to place this batch file on a drive/directory that's in
         your PATH so DOS can find it.  Then, to run PDT, just type:

              runpdt <enter>


                                                                       


                                                                     1.4


                        Using INSTALL to Install PDT
         

         Disk Space Required
         

         You need less than 300k of disk space to install all of PDT's
         files.  That means you can install PDT on ANY size disk  on
         a floppy disk, or on your hard disk.

         FLOPPY DISK USERS:  If you install PDT on a floppy disk, do NOT
         "write-protect" that disk.  PDT needs to save options you select
         when you "customize" PDT.  And PDT must also save "structure files"
         which are key to many of PDT's advanced features.  If you write-
         protect the disk, PDT will be able to do neither of these.

         And floppy disk users (especially those using 360k disks) should
         keep data files on a DIFFERENT disk.  That way PDT will have
         room on its disk to store structure files and create temporary
         files.  And your data files can grow on the other disk.

         Decide Where You Want to Install PDT
         

         A good place to install PDT is on a drive/directory already
         mentioned in your PATH statement (like your TOOLS or UTILITY
         directory).  That way you can move around to different drives
         or directories and, when you type PDT <cr>, DOS will be able
         to find PDT.Exe and run it.  Type PATH <cr> to see what's on
         your PATH.

         Alternately, you could install PDT in it's own drive/directory,
         then add that drive/directory to your PATH statement.  But
         please note that Install does NOT update the PATH statement
         in your Autoexec.Bat file (because many people dislike having
         their Autoexec.Bat and Config.Sys files tampered with).

         So if you create a new directory for PDT, it'll be up to you to
         add that directory to your PATH statement.

         If you're unsure about any of this, call us:  (415) 863 - 0530.

         Also Note:
         

         If you've installed an earlier version PDT, Install WILL ask
         you if you want files replaced.  This gives YOU the option to
         replace files, or cancel the new installation.

         Perhaps the only file you may want not to replace is PDT.REF.
         This is a quick reference guide you may view from inside PDT.
         Since it's a simple ASCII text file, you can edit it and add
         your own tips and reminders, then review them while running
         PDT.  If you've edited PDT.REF, you probably won't want to
         overwrite it with a new version.                           


                                                                     1.5


         Using INSTALL
         

         Put the disk we sent you into drive A: or B: and log onto that
         disk.  You CAN'T run Install from another drive because when
         Install starts up, it looks for the files listed below ONLY on
         the "current" drive and directory  the one you're logged onto.
         If any file is missing, Install displays an error message.  If
         the main program file, PDT.Exe, is missing, Install will quit.

                PDT.Exe    This file is required.

                PDT.Psl    These are your on-line help files.  We
                PDT.Ref    strongly recommended that you install them.

            Sample_*.*     These are optional sample files.  We urge
                           you to install them and use them to follow
                           the examples in this manual.


         Run INSTALL
         

         Type:  INSTALL drive\directory <cr>.

         That's it!  Install will copy required files to "drive/
         directory."  And it will also create the requires "PDT.DIR"
         sub-directory and copy your first "structure files" to it.
         You'll use these "structure files" when you explore PDT's
         sample date files -- described later.

                                                                       


         

         SECTION II:  Running and Customizing PDT

         Topics:      Running PDT; PDT's Main Screen
                      Customizing PDT
                      Getting Help
                      Summary of Commands

         


         Running PDT
         

         You can run PDT in two ways:  PDT <cr> or PDT filename <cr>.
         Press ctrl-X to exit PDT.

         1.  PDT <cr>
         

         If you run PDT the first way (pdt <cr>), when it begins, it
         displays it's main screen which looks like this:

            File  Edit  Search  Block  Define  Options  Help(F1)


                         Ŀ
                             Pro~Formance Data Tool        
                          < 
                                                               
                                                                    
                                                                    
                          Registered to:  (your name appears here)  
                                                                    
                          Press alt-[key] for menus (alt-F = File)  
                         


         We'll explain how to open files in Section III:  Examples.


         2.  PDT Filename <cr>
         

         If you run PDT the second way (pdt filename <cr>) PDT will open
         and display the file you described in "filename."  

          * If the file you want to open isn't on the "current drive/
            directory," be sure to include the path in "filename."

          * For example, if you're on drive C: but want to open a file
            on drive B:, you'd type something like:  pdt b:myfile <cr>.
         
         If PDT can't find the file you told it to open, an error message
         will appear.  Press a key, then press ctrl-O to open a file.

                                                                       


                                                                     2.2


         Customizing PDT
         

         The first time you run PDT, we urge you to "customize" PDT
         to your liking.  Just press alt-O (Options) to pull down the
         Options menu.  Then press the down cursor key to highlight
         the option Configure.  Press <cr> to accept it.

         For details, see Appendix III:  Customizing PDT.


         Getting Help
         

         You can access PDT's extensive on-line help in several ways.

          * Begin most any option, then press F1 for help with that
            option.

          * Pull down any menu and get help with (or an explanation of)
            each option in that menu.  For example, press alt-F to pull
            down the File menu.  Then:

            - Click the RIGHT mouse button on an option.  (See, there
              IS a use for that right mouse button.)

            - Or press the Down/Up cursor keys to highlight an option,
              then press F1.

          * Press alt-H (or F1) to pull down the Help menu.

            - Press the Down/Up cursor keys to highlight a topic, then
              press either F1 or <cr>.  If you press F1, we'll display
              a few help screens then return to the Help menu.  If you
              press <cr>, we'll display the same screens, then exit the
              Help menu.

            - The last option in the Help menu is "Browse through
              PDT.Ref."   Since PDT.Ref is a standard ASCII file,
              you can edit it with any editor or word processor,
              add your own reminders and tips, then browse through
              them while you're running PDT.


          TIPS & NOTES Ŀ
                                                                      
           If you ask for help and PDT can't find the files PDT.Psl   
           or PDT.Ref, an error message will pop up.                  
                                                                      
           The error message will show you the drive/directory PDT is 
           looking on to find these files (which should be where you  
           installed PDT.Exe).  To correct the problem, copy PDT.PSL  
           and PDT.REF to the same "path" where PDT.EXE is stored.    
         
           
                                                                      


                                                                     2.3


         PDT's Menus and "Hotkeys"
         

         This section briefly describes PDT's hotkeys and how to use
         PDT's menus.  Section IV has a complete summary of each menu
         and all of PDT's options.


         Using PDT's Menus
         

         At the top of your screen is PDT's menu bar.  The first letter
         of each option will be highlighted:

            File  Edit  Search  Block  Define  Options  Help(F1)
            _     _     _       _      _       _        _

         
         To pull down a menu:
         

         Click Left on a menu topic, or press alt-KEY, where "KEY" is
         the first letter of an option.  For example:

           To pull down the:       Press:        Or click Left on:
                            
              File menu            alt-F               File
              Edit menu            alt-E               Edit
              Help menu            alt-H (or F1)       Help


         The FILE menu looks like this.

         FILE  edit  search  block  define  options  help  (F1)
         Ŀ
          Open file               (ctrl-O)  < Note the hotkeys
          Close active file       (ctrl-C)  <
         Ĵ
          Create a Directory                Ŀ
          Create a File                       
          Delete a File                       
          Rename a File                        These options have
          Copy a File to a new location         no hotkey
          Combine two or more files           
          Change File Size                    
         Ĵ   
          Translate File:  EBCDIC-to-ASCII    
          Translate File:  ASCII-to-EBCDIC  
         Ĵ
          Exit to DOS             (ctrl-X) 
         

         Notice that some options have "hotkeys," while infrequently-
         used options do not.  For example, press ctrl-O to open a file.
         Hotkeys are the fastest way to choose options.              


                                                                     2.4


         To select an option in a menu you pulled down, either:
         

          * Click Left on an option.

          * Or press the Up/Down cursor keys to move the highlight
            bar to an option.  Then press <cr> to accept it.

          * Or press the highlighted letter in the option you want.

            Normally, the first letter of each option is highlighted.
            But sometimes, two or more options begin with the same
            first letter.  For example, the File menu lets you Close
            a file, Create a file and Create a directory.  In these
            cases, we'll highlight a different letter for each option.


         To pull down a different menu:
         

          * Click Left on another menu topic (e.g., click Left on Help).

          * Or press the Right or Left cursor keys.


         To exit a menu without making a choice:
         

          * Move the mouse cursor outside the menu and click
            either the left or right mouse button.

          * Or press <Esc>.


         To get help with (or an explanation of) an option:
         

          * Click the Right mouse button on an option.

          * Or press Up or Down to highlight an option, then press F1.



                                                                       


                                                                     2.5


         PDT's Hotkeys
         

         PDT's frequently-used options have convenient, fast "hotkeys."
         Some infrequently-used options have no hotkey; select these
         options from a menu.  NOTE:  Pull down any menu.  Beside each
         option you'll see the hotkey for that option (if there is one).
         And for an explanation of any option, highlight it and press F1.

         Here's a summary of PDT's hotkeys.  Notice that most of them
         are easy-to-remember mnemonics (O = Open, C = Close, E = Edit,
         etc.).  And most are ctrl-[key] hotkeys:  Hold down ctrl, then
         press the key shown.  (ctrl is often abbreviated "^".)

         FILE                              BLOCK
             
         ctrl-O  Open a file               ctrl-B  mark a Block
         ctrl-C  Close a file's window     ctrl-M  Mark a column
                                           ctrl-U  Unmark blocks/columns
                                           ctrl-W  copy with overWrite
         SEARCH & REPLACE                  ctrl-I  copy with Insert
             ctrl-F  Fill a block
         ctrl-S  Search                    ctrl-P  exPort a marked block
         ctrl-R  Replace                      DEL  Delete a marked block
                                              INS  Insert spaces/records


         EDIT or VIEW OPTIONS              DEFINE STRUCTURE
             
         ctrl-E  turn Edit Mode on/off     ctrl-H  set Header length
         ctrl-T  turn Text view mode on    ctrl-L  set Record Length
         ctrl-V  turn Hex view mode on         F2  Define field structure
         ctrl-D  turn Display Field            F3  Edit field structure
                 Names on or off               F4  Save a structure file
             F6  Edit Field                    F5  Load a structure file
                                           F9/F10  Adjust record len. 1

         OTHER                             SWITCH WINDOWS
             
             F7  ASCII Chart               ctrl-PgDn/PgUp, or alt-#
             F8  Calculator                ("#" can be 1 - 4 and is the
         ctrl-J  Jump to another spot       number of the window you
         ctrl-X  Exit to DOS, quit PDT      want to switch to)
         ctrl-Y  Synchronize windows

         These options have no hotkey.  Select them from the menu shown.
         
         Create a Directory  (File)   Expand Column or Field   (Block)
         Create a File         "      Shrink Column or Field      "
         Delete a File         "
         Rename a File         "      Count                    (Search)
         Copy a File           "
         Combine Files         "      Read dBASE Header        (Define)
         Change File Size      "      Clear Structure             "
         Translate file:              Make file a dBASE file      "
           EBCDIC-to-ASCII     "
           ASCII-to-EBCDIC     "      Configure/Customize PDT  (Options) 


         

         SECTION III:  Examples

         Topics:       Example 1:  Opening Files; Browsing Through Them

                       Example 2:  EBCDIC files
                                   File Structures; Creating Them

                       Example 3:  Field Types

         

         BEFORE READING THIS, we strongly urge you to run PDT.  Then,
         as we describe things below, try them out  using the sample
         data files we included.  Many things we'll describe below are
         easier to understand if you can see them happening.

                             Ŀ
         Boxes like this one  Press .....  will explain what to do.
                             

         To begin, log onto the drive/directory where you installed
         PDT.Exe -and- the sample files Sample_1.Dat, Sample_2.Dat and
         Sample_3.Dat.  Logging onto PDT's path simplifies things.

         Run PDT by typing:  pdt <cr>.

         If you haven't yet customized PDT, or if you have a monitor
         which renders certain colors hard to see, press alt-O (Options),
         select the Configure option, then select the features you want.
         Note:  Most of the things you select in the Configure menu will
         NOT become effective until you exit PDT and re-start it.  Just
         press ctrl-X, then type pdt <cr> again.


         Example 1:  Viewing Sample_1.Dat
         

         Ŀ  Run PDT, then press ctrl-O (Open File).  A
          Press ctrl-O   "file menu" appears which looks like this:
         

         Press the Down   \PDTͻ
         cursor key to        ..           <DIR>      11-18-98 ...D.    
         highlight            PDT      DIR <DIR>      01-01-98 ...D.    
         Sample_1.Dat >     SAMPLE_1 DAT      1,769 01-01-98 ....A    
                              SAMPLE_2 DAT      1,769 01-01-98 ....A    
         Press <cr> to        SAMPLE_3 DAT      5,300 01-01-98          
         select it.       Ĵ alt-(drive letter) = Change Drives Ķ
                           A: B: C: D: E:                               
         Or click Left    Ķ
         on Sample_1.Dat  (^S)=Sort (.)=ParentDir (F1)=Help (Esc)=Cancel
         to select it.    ͼ

         NOTE:  PDT's file menu displays up to 1500 entries (maximum) on
         the current drive/directory (on the current "path").
                                                                       


                                                                     3.2


         Sample_1.Dat, like all files, exists on disk as a continuous
         stream of stuff  with NO structure.  It will look like this:

         SAMPLE_1.DATͻ
         13\^X  OO                FIRST_NAME  C    0       LAST_NAME  
                   ADDRESS  C   k          CITY  C   C            STAT
            ZIP    C    ,       Kim       Johnson       3300 South 18
               CO 31002 (714) 525-9933 Dennis    Avery         127 Ea
         George      WA 98322 (801) 566-9112 Andrew    Youngman, Sr. 
         ͼ


         Ŀ  Pull down the Define menu.  Highlight the
          Press alt-D   option "Read dBASE Header" and press <cr>.
           Your screen should now look like this.


          SAMPLE_1.DATͻ
          1 Kim       Johnson     3300 South 18th Street  Venice    
            Dennis    Avery        127 North Temple       George    
           Andrew    Youngman     945 Van Ness Street    Concord   
           Sam       Henderson   9800 Alpine Terrace     Clarion   
           Cory      Ruddman     4400 137th N. W.        Bellevue  
          ͼ


         That's much better!


         Sample_1.Dat is actually a dBASE file, but without the normal
         ".DBF" extension.  By selecting "Read dBASE Header" you "forced"
         PDT to read the dBASE file "header" and re-format the way it
         displays Sample_1.Dat.


         If Sample_1 had a ".DBF" extension, PDT would have recognized
         it as a dBASE file, and automatically formatted your view of it
         into logical rows and columns.


         Similarly, with non-dBASE files, as long as they have a fixed
         structure, you can use PDT's "define structure" options to tell
         PDT how files are organized.  Once you do this and save a
         "structure file," PDT will read that structure file each time
         you open the file and format your view of that file logically.
         Example 2 illustrates this process.

                                                                       


                                                                     3.3


         Example 1 illustrates important things about PDT
         

         As we mentioned earlier, files exist on disk as continuous
         streams of data.  How PDT displays files, and, therefore,
         your "view" of them depends on two things:

          * Whether files HAVE a fixed structure.

          * And whether PDT "knows" that structure.

         By "structure" we simply mean:

          * Whether lines or records all have the same fixed length,
            or whether they're variable-length.

          * Whether there's a "header" at the top of files we should
            read to determine the record structure (as with dBASE
            files), or should ignore (not display),

         If PDT knows the file's structure, it can take a continuous,
         chaotic stream of stuff and turn it into an orderly display
         of information that's easy to understand and edit.

         Some files have no structure.  Executable (.Exe or .Com) files
         have no lines in the traditional sense.  And text files often
         have lines of varying lengths.

          * For these types of files, changing the Record Length (by
            pressing ctrl-L) simply changes how wide a view PDT displays
            before it "wraps" the data around to the next row.

         But many data files have fixed-length records, with each record
         made up of fields (like Last_Name, First_Name, Address, Phone
         Number, etc.).

          * PDT automatically detects the structure of dBASE files,
            provided they have a".DBF" extension.

          * For non-dBASE files, you can easily tell PDT the file struc-
            ture.  And PDT can help you figure it out if you're unsure.
            Example 2 shows how easy it is to specify a file's structure.

          TIPS & NOTES Ŀ
                                                                      
           Our point here is that YOU can use several PDT options to  
           change your "view" of a file.  You can change the Record   
           length (ctrl-L) or the Header Length (ctrl-H) and PDT will 
           display the file in different ways.  Try it!               
                                                                      
           But the data on disk never changes.  It's still a continu- 
           ous stream of stuff.  The only thing that changes is how   
           PDT displays it.                                           
         
            
                                                                       

                                                                     3.4


         Moving Around in Files; Editing Files
         

         To move around, just press the cursor pad keys  as you would
         in your word processor.  As you move, watch the values change
         at the bottom of your screen.  To move around, press:

            Right / Left    to move 1 column right or left.
             Down / Up      to move 1 row/record down or up.
             PgDn / PgUp    to move 1 "screen" down or up
             Home / End     to move to the beginning or end of a row.
            ^Home / ^End    (^ = ctrl) to move to first or last record
                            in a file, staying in the same column.
           ^Right / ^Left   to scroll 1 full screen right or left.

         Press Tab or Shift-Tab to move right or left.  If your file
         has fields, and PDT knows the file structure, Tab or Shift-
         Tab will quickly move you to the next or the last field.  If
         your file has no fields, or you clear the field structure,
         Tab and Shift-Tab move 10 spaces right or left.
         
         Click Left on the scroll bar on the right edge of the file
         window to scroll down or up (the equivalent of PgDn/PgUp).
         
         If you open 2 or more files, PDT displays each in its own
         window.  The "active" window (the one the cursor is in,
         the one you can edit or move around in) is surrounded by a
         double-line box.  Other windows are surrounded by a single-
         line box.  For example:

              ͻ  Ŀ  Ŀ  Ŀ
              1 This   2        3        4      
              E  is                             
              Active                        
              ͼ      

         To switch to another window (ie., to "activate it"):

          * Click Left in a window (or on its scroll bar).

          * Or press alt-#, where "#" is the number of the window
            you want to activate.

          * Or press ctrl-PgDn (or ctrl-PgUp) to switch to the next
            (or last) window.


         Edit Mode MUST be ON to change anything in files.
         

          * Press ctrl-E to turn Edit mode ON.  "E" will appear at the
            window's left edge.  Otherwise, this area will be blank.

          * In the examples above, Edit Mode is ON in window #1, but
            OFF in windows 2 - 4.                                    


                                                                     3.5


         PDT's Edit Window
         

               File  Edit  Search  Block  Define  Options  Help  (F1)

        > SAMPLE_1.DATͻ
        > 1 Kim      Johnson    3300 South 18th Street  Venice    
       >   Dennis   Avery       127 North Temple       George    
              Andrew   Youngman    945 Van Ness Street    Sabastole 
              Sam      Henderson  9800 Alpine Terrace     Clarion   
              Cory     Ruddman    4400 137th N. W.        Bellevue  
              Bill     Williamson 3300 East Western Ave.  Syracuse  
              John     Elsworth   2323 Indian School Dr.  Warton    
             ͼ
         > Path: C:\PDT\               Row: 1     Col: 1    Depth: 258
           Size: 1,769   Header: 257   Record Size: 80  # Records: 23
         > Dec:    Hex:   Field: First_Name   Type:    Value:
         
         
          We'll explain these three lines on the next page.
       
       
        Near the top of the edit window, PDT shows us that we opened
         Sample_1.Dat in window 1.  The double-line box around it
         tells us this is the "active" window. "Active" means we can
         browse through it and edit it.
       
       
        Edit Mode is OFF (the spot beneath "1" is blank).  If we press
          ctrl-E, we'd see a blinking "E" there.


          The top line of edit windows shows the file name OR field names.

         Ŀ  If you press ctrl-D, PDT displays field names
          Press ctrl-D   on the top line (First_Name, Last_Name, etc.).
           This is handy to see which fields are coming
                           up, and which are behind you.

                           But for narrow fields, there may not be
                           enough room to display the full name above
                           the field.  So if you're not sure which
                           field your cursor is in, glance at "FIELD:"
                           at the bottom of your screen.


         Ŀ  TAB and SHIFT-TAB are fast ways to move to 
          Press TAB or   the next or last field.  And as you move right
          SHIFT-TAB      or left, at the bottom of your screen PDT dis-
           plays the name of the field you've moved
                           into  beside FIELD:.
                                                                       


                                                                     3.6


         The last 3 lines on your screen display information about:  the
         "active" file, your position in it, and the field and character
         your cursor is pointing at.

         If you open 2-4 edit windows, as you switch among them (by
         pressing alt-# or ctrl-PgDn), PDT changes this information to
         reflect the active window.  And it displays this information
         in different colors (on color monitors) which match the color
         of the box around the active edit window.

           /                                                           /
            Bill      Williamson    3300 East Western Ave.  Syracuse  
            John      Elsworth      2323 Indian School Dr.  Warton    
           ͼ
      > Path: C:\PDT\                Row: 1     Col: 1    Depth: 258
      > Size: 1,769   Header: 257    Record Size: 80  # Records: 23
      > Dec:    Hex:   Field: First_Name   Type:    Value:
      
      The first line shows the "Path" to the file ("C:\PDT" here).
       
        It also shows us where our cursor is in the file  "Row:" (or
        Record number), "Column:" and "Depth:" (or how many bytes into
        the file we are).
       
       
       The second line shows us:
           Size:         The file's total size in bytes (1,769 bytes).
           Header:       How long the file header is    (257 bytes here).
           Record Size:  What the record size is        (80 bytes/columns).
           # Rcrds:      And how many records there are in this file.
                         If we change Record Size (ctrl-L), the
                         number of records might change as well.
        
        The last line provides information about BOTH the character
          at the cursor, AND the field the cursor is in.

           * "Dec:" and "Hex:" show us the Decimal and Hexadecimal
              values of the ASCII character the cursor is on.

           * If PDT knows about the fields in a file (ie., you open a
             dBASE file, or a file for which you created a structure):

             "Field:" would show us both the number and name of the
             field the cursor is in (e.g., Field: 2  FIRST_NAME).

             "Type:" would be a symbol indicating what type of field it
             is (e.g., C = Character; we'll define "field types" later).

           * "Value:" shows us the value of that field.  This is
             especially useful when looking at numeric fields stored
             in "packed" form.  For example, a packed integer field
             might be stored as "n*" but "Value:" would show you it's
             really 10,862.
                                                                       


                                                                     3.7


         Example 2:  Sample_2.Dat;  PDT's Structure Files
         
         
         Ŀ  Select SAMPLE_2.DAT from the file menu.  Since
          Press ctrl-O   you already have Sample_1 open in window #1,
           PDT will ask if you'd like to open a (H)ori-
                           zontal or a (V)ertical window.  Press "H".

         Sample_2 is a MESS, right?  Could you easily edit it?   Actually,
         Sample_2 has the same data Sample_1 has!

         Ŀ  
          Press F5       Open (load) the "structure file" SAMPLE_2.STR.
           

         NOTE:  If you can't find or read SAMPLE_2.STR, do this:

          * Press ctrl-H and set the header length to 257.

          * Press ctrl-L and set the record length to 80.

          * Now press alt-O (Options) then select View EBCDIC in ASCII
            (be sure it reads ON).


         When you load Sample_2's structure file, your screen SHOULD be
         reformatted so you see exactly what you see in Sample_1.Dat:

           SAMPLE_2.DATͻ
           2 Kim      Johnson     3300 South 18th Street  Venice    
             Dennis   Avery        127 North Temple       George    
            Andrew   Youngman     945 Van Ness Street    Sabastole 
            Sam      Henderson   9800 Alpine Terrace     Clarion   
           ͼ

         Notice that loading the structure file dramatically changed our
         view of this data.  The data hasn't changed, but the way PDT
         displays it has.  As we said earlier, PDT offers many options
         to help you format and display data in logical ways.


         Sample_2 is stored on disk in EBCDIC format.  EBCDIC (or
         Extended Binary Coded Decimal Information Code) refers to
         the way information is often stored on large IBM computers.


         The structure file you loaded told PDT to display the EBCDIC
         file in ASCII mode  and it's now easier to understand and
         much safer to edit. The structure file also told PDT about
         the file's structure: Header Length, Record Length and Fields.

                                                                       


                                                                     3.8


         Now let's see how easy it is to create structure files.

         Ŀ  Pull down the Define menu and select Clear
          Press alt-D    Structure to clear the field structure.
           Fields should no longer be displayed in
                           contrasting colors.

         Creating a structure file has 3 simple steps:  1. Set the Header
         Length; 2. Set the Record Length; and, 3. Define each field.

         Ŀ  Set the Header Length.  When a window pops
          Press ctrl-H   up, enter 257  the same sized header that
           Sample_1 (a dBASE file) has.  Press <cr>.

         Ŀ  Set the Record Length.  When a window pops
          Press ctrl-L   up, enter 80.  Press <cr>.  Just for fun,
           press F9 and F10 a few times.  Be sure to
                           reset the record length to 80 when you're
                           done (press ctrl-L again, or F9 or F10).

         Ŀ  Finally, move the cursor to Row 1, Column 1.
          Press F2       Press F2.  When a window pops up (see below), 
           enter "C" in the "Type" column.  Then press
                           <cr> and type in "Deleted Record Flag" under
                           "Name."  BE SURE to press <cr> THEN <Esc>.

         Since Sample_2 has the same data as our dBASE Sample_1.Dat,
         we preserved the dBASE Deleted Record field.

         Ŀ  For EACH of the 7 fields in Sample_2:
          Now . . .      - Move your cursor to the start of the field.
           - Press F2, then enter "C," press <cr> and
                             type in one of these field names:

                             First Name, Last Name, Address, City,
                             State, Zip Code, Phone Number.

         BE SURE to press <cr> after you enter each field name.  THEN
         press <Esc>.  If you press <Esc> with your cursor still in
         the Name column, PDT assumes you want to CANCEL the action.

         As you enter the last field name, the window you're working 
         in will look something like this:
          Ŀ
          Col Type Name                  Types       Length
          Ĵ
            1  c   Deleted Record Flag   (c)haracter    ?  
            2  c   First Name            (t)iny Integer 1  <Ŀ
           12  c   Last Name             (i)nteger      2  
           26  c   Address               (l)ong Integer 4  Appendix I
           50  c   City                  (s)ingle MS    4    describes the
           62  c   State                 (j)ingle IEEE  4    many field
           65  c   Zip Code              (d)ouble MS    8    "types" PDT
           71  c   Phone Number          (k)ouble IEEE  8    supports
                     


                                                                     3.9


         Ŀ  SAVE the structure file you just created.
          Press F4       When PDT asks for a file name, BE SURE
           it reads SAMPLE_2.DAT  exactly the same
                           name as the data file!  This is important if
                           you want to automate many of PDT's features.

         Ŀ  
          Press ctrl-C   Now close the Sample_2 window.
         

         Ŀ
          Press ctrl-O   Immediately re-open Sample_2.Dat.
         

         The first time you opened Sample_2.Dat, all you saw was EBCDIC
         data.  This time, IF you followed the steps above exactly,
         Sample_2 should load in easy-to-understand ASCII format, in
         logical rows and columns.  And you didn't have to press F5 to
         read a structure file  it was all automatic because you saved
         the structure file with the SAME NAME as your data file.


          TIPS & NOTES Ŀ
                                                                      
           PDT's structure features greatly simplify working with     
           data files.  They also make editing files easier and safer.
                                                                      
           And most of the benefits of structure files are AUTOMATIC, 
           provided that you save structure files in PDT's special    
           directory, AND you save structure files with the SAME NAME 
           as your data files.  That's the only way PDT can automati- 
           cally link a structure file to a specific data file.       
                                                                      
           Some people work with many different data files which      
           share the same structure (e.g., monthly sales data).  So,  
           rather than save separate structure files for each data    
           file, they save generic files (MONTHLY.DAT) or "master"    
           structure files.  Then when they load any month's data     
           file, they can simply press F5 to load "Monthly.Dat."  Or  
           they let PDT load the master structure file automatically! 
         
           


          TIPS & NOTES Ŀ
                                                                      
           We created our structure file using PDT.  But structure    
           files are simple ASCII files you can create with ANY       
           editor or word processor.  For details, see Appendix II:   
           Creating Structure Files.                                  
         
            


                                                                    3.10


         Example 3:  Sample_3.Dat;  PDT's Many Field Types
         

         Ŀ  
          Press ctrl-C   Press ctrl-C 1 or 2 times to close all windows.
         
         Ŀ  Select SAMPLE_3.DAT from the file menu.
          Press ctrl-O   Sample_3.Dat should be easy to read.  If NOT,
           press ctrl-L and set the record length to 78.

         With Sample_3 you'll be able to see how easily and safely you
         can view -and- edit numeric fields stored in "packed" formats:
         Integers, Binary, BCD, etc.  READ the top part of Sample_3 
         for details on what we're trying to illustrate.  The data is at
         the bottom of the file.

         Ŀ  Read all information at the top of the file.
          Press F5       Now open (read) the structure file SAMPLE_3.STR.
           Press ctrl-End to move to the end of the file.

         NOTE:  If you can't find SAMPLE_3.STR, exit PDT, find it and
         copy it to PDT.DIR.  Then re-start PDT and start again.


         Field "Types"
         

         PDT supports many dBASE field types (e.g., Character, Date) and
         even more field types for non-dBASE files (e.g., Integer, BCD,
         Binary, Floating Point).  Appendix I lists all of these.  And
         if you press F2, a window will pop up listing the field types
         appropriate for the type of file you're in:  dBASE or non-dBASE.

         Ŀ  After loading the Sample_3 structure file,
          Press ctrl-PgDn  move to the end of the file.  Press Home
           to move to column 1.

         Ŀ  Press TAB to move from field to field.  As
          Press Tab        you do, watch "Field:" and "Value:" at the 
           bottom of your screen.  Compare the "values"
                             with each field as it actually exists on disk.

         Ŀ  Turn Edit mode ON (ctrl-E), then press
          Press ctrl-E then F6  F6 (Edit field).  Change the number,
           then press <cr>.  If you enter numbers
                                  too large for fields, PDT will tell you.

         Sample_3.Dat illustrates the "packed" numbers found in many
         data files.  It also shows you that trying to edit these in
         their native format can be difficult if not impossible.  But
         once you "define" field types, PDT can turn an impossible task
         into a safe, trivial one.  And if you're not sure what type of
         field you're looking at, with PDT you can "try out" different
         "types" until you find correct ones.  See Appendix I.         


                                                                    3.11


         File Structures  a Summary
         

         If PDT knows a file's structure, it offers power and convenience:

          * PDT can display rows and columns in logical, orderly ways.

          * PDT highlights fields in contrasting colors so you can
            easily see where one field ends and the next one begins.
            And you can TAB from field-to-field, which makes viewing
            and editing fields faster, easier and safer.

          * PDT can display field names both at the top of each file
            window and the bottom of your screen.

          * PDT can display the "value" of fields, even numeric fields
            stored in "packed" form.  And you may even edit these fields
            by pressing F6 (or selecting Continuous Edit).  PDT automa-
            tically saves what you enter in its "native" format!

          * PDT lets you expand or shrink the width of fields.  It will
            even update your structure files or dBASE "file headers" to
            reflect the changes.


         PDT automatically determines the structure of dBASE (.DBF)
         files.  If you're working with non-dBASE files, PDT's easy-to-
         use "define" features let you easily map out a file's structure.
         Just set the header length (if there is a header) and the record
         length, mark the beginning of each field by pressing F2 and choos-
         ing a field type, then save the structure file.  That's it!


         And if you prefer, you can create structure files with any
         editor or word processor.  Appendix II explains how.


         Finally, you can create MASTER structure files.  These are
         handy with data files you get regularly  weekly (or monthly)
         sales, inventory, phone or other data.  Master structure files
         let you define the file structure once, and it will be applied
         to EVERY file you open with the SAME EXTENSION (e.g., .DAT,
         .FON, etc.).

         Master structure files MUST have file names of 8 (and only 8)
         underscore characters, followed by the extension of your data
         files.  For example:  "________.DAT" will apply to every ".Dat"
         file you open.  And if you save a structure file with the SAME
         NAME as a data file, THAT structure file will take precedence
          giving YOU the flexibility to format your view of data the
         way you want it formatted.
                                                                       


         

         SECTION IV:  Command Reference

         Topics:      PDT's Menus and Options
                      Tips, Hints and Unique Features

         

         Section II of this manual describes how to run PDT, get help,
         select options, etc.  You should read that before reading this.

         This section describes each of PDT's menus and options.  Please
         pay particular attention to the Tips & Notes.


         The FILE Menu
         

           FILE  edit  search  block  define  options  help  (F1)
         Ŀ
          Open a file             (ctrl-O) 
          Close active window     (ctrl-C) 
         Ĵ
          Create a Directory               
          Create a File                    
          Delete a File                    
          Rename a File                    
          Copy a File to a new location    
          Combine two or more files        
          Change File Size                 
         Ĵ
          Translate File:  EBCDIC-to-ASCII 
          Translate File:  ASCII-to-EBCDIC 
         Ĵ
          Exit to DOS             (ctrl-X) 
         


         To Exit to DOS                               ctrl-X;  File/Exit
         

         Taking the last option first, press ctrl-X to quit PDT.  We'll
         close any files you've opened (so you needn't close them separ-
         ately).  And if you changed any structure file, PDT will ask if
         you want to save them.


         To Open a File                               ctrl-O;  File/Open
         

          * Press ctrl-O (Open).

          * Or pull down the file menu (alt-F), highlight the first
            option (Open a file), then press <cr>.

         You may open 1 - 4 windows at a time.  If you already have 4
         windows open and ask to open another one, PDT tells you it
         can't open any more.  Close a window THEN press ctrl-O to open
         another.                                                     
                                                                       

                                                                     4.2


         When you ask to open a file, PDT displays a "file menu" which
         lists up to 1500 files/directories (maximum) in the current
         directory.  The file menu might look like this:


        Current Directory>\PDTĿ
                         >    ..           <DIR>      11-18-98 ...D.    
            Directories >    PDT      DIR <DIR>      01-01-98 ...D.    
                         >    PDT      REF     10,000 01-01-98 ....A    
                  Files >    SAMPLE_1 DAT      1,769 01-01-98 ....A    
                         >    SAMPLE_2 DAT      1,769 01-01-98 ....A    
                         >    SAMPLE_3 DAT      5,300 01-01-98 ....A    
                                                                         
                           Ĵ alt-(drive letter) = Change Drives Ĵ
         Available Drives> A: B: C: D: E:                               
                           Ĵ
                  Options>(^S)=Sort (.)=ParentDir (F1)=Help (Esc)=Cancel
                           

         To Select a File:
         

          * Click Left on a file name.  Or, to scroll through the list
            of files, press Up or Down cursor keys, or click Left on the
            shaded, scroll bar on the right edge of the file menu.

          * Or press the first letter of the file you want to load. When
            PDT highlights the file you want, press <cr> to accept it.
            If two or more files begin with the same first letter, press
            the letter a few times until the file you want to open is
            highlighted.

          * Or press the cursor pad keys (Down, Up, PgDn, PgUp, End and
            Home) until the file you want is highlighted, then press
            <cr> to accept it.

         NOTE:  The file menu above shows two directories (indicated by
         "<DIR>").  Directory names are always sorted by name.


         To Sort File Names:
         

         To sort file names, press ctrl-S (shown as ^S above).  PDT will
         then ask you how you want the list sorted:

         Ŀ  Press:
          Sort Files by:                      (N) to sort by NAME
                                              (E) to sort by EXTENSION
          (N)ame (E)xt (S)ize (D)ate (A)ttr   (S) to sort by SIZE
           (D) to sort by DATE
                                                (A) to sort by ATTRIBUTE
                                                    (hidden, read only, etc.)
                                                                       

                                                                     
                                                                     4.3


         To Change Directories:
         

         The first time you ask to open a file, the "active directory"
         will be the directory you were in when you ran PDT.  In the
         example above, the top of the file menu shows we're in a dir-
         ectory called "\PDT."  In the "Change Drives" section of the
         file menu window, we'd also see that "C:" was highlighted,
         meaning we're on drive C:.


         To change directories:

          * Directories appear in the file menu with "<DIR>" beside
            their name.  To select a directory, highlight one and press
            <cr>.  Select "..   <DIR>" to move back one directory.

          * Press "." (the period) to move to the root directory, then
            select a new directory.



         To Change Drives:
         

          * Press alt-[drive letter].  For example, in the window above,
            PDT shows us we have 5 disk drives:  A - E.  For a directory
            of, say, drive A:, we'd press alt-A.

                                                                       


                                                                     4.4


         To Close a File                             ctrl-C;  File/Close
         

          * Press ctrl-C.

          * Or select Close from the File menu.


         If you have 2 or more files open, PDT will re-draw the other
         window(s) to fill the screen.


         File Options:  Create Files or Directories          File/Create
         

         To create a new file or directory, select Create File or Create
         Directory from the File menu.  Then just type in the name of
         the file or directory and press <cr>.  Files and directories you
         create are empty.  To add to files, open them then add data.


         File Options:  Rename, Delete, Copy            File/Rename/etc.
         

         To rename, delete or copy a file, select one of these options
         from the File menu.  PDT will display its normal file menu.
         Select a file.  If you asked to copy it or rename it, PDT will
         ask you to type in the new name.


         File Options:  Combine Files                       File/Combine
         

         This powerful option lets you combine (concatenate) 1-6 files
         in the smallest amount of disk space possible.

          * Select Combine File from the File menu.

          * PDT's normal file menu appears.  Beneath it, another window
            appears asking you to:

            - Select a main file.

            - Then select up to 5 more files to add to the main file.

            - Press <Esc> when you're done selecting files to add.  PDT
              then asks if you want to proceed.  Press <Y>es or <N>o.

          TIPS & NOTES Ŀ
                                                                      
          The "main" file WILL be altered.  Other files will be added 
          (concatenated) to the end of it.  These other files WON'T be
          altered.  To combine more than 6 files, repeat this process.
         
            


                                                                     4.5


         File Options:  Change File Size                File/Change Size
         

         This very powerful option lets you change a file's size to:

          * Expand files  to reserve space for data you plan to add.

          * Truncate files  which is a very fast way to delete dozens,
            hundreds or millions of records in one, simple operation.

         To change the size of a file, first open it in PDT (ctrl-O),
         then select Change File Size from the File menu.  PDT then asks
         you how many bytes the file should have; enter 0 - 999 million.

          TIPS & NOTES Ŀ
                                                                      
          You may be UNABLE to undo this, even using file-recovery    
          tools!  And setting the file size to 0 destroys the file.   
                                                                      
          When truncating a file, it might help to move the cursor to 
          the end of the last record you want to keep.  At the bottom 
          of the screen, notice the value of DEPTH: showing where you 
          are in the file. ADD 1 to the number you see, then enter it.
         
           


         Translating Files:  EBCDIC/ASCII                 File/Translate
         

         PDT offers two options to translate EBCDIC files to ASCII
         format, or vice versa.  This is especially handy if you've
         downloaded an EBCDIC file from, say, an IBM mainframe and want
         to view and edit it.  You can translate it to ASCII, edit it,
         then translate it from ASCII-to-EBCDIC and send it back.

         To do this:  Press alt-F (File Menu).  Select either "Translate:
         EBCDIC-to-ASCII" or "Translate: ASCII-to-EBCDIC."  Then, from
         PDT's file menu, choose a file and confirm that you really want
         to proceed.

         ALSO SEE:  Options - View EBCDIC in ASCII.  The "Translate" op-
         tions in the File menu re-writes the file  permanently changing
         it.  The "View EBCDIC in ASCII" option does NOT change the file.
         It simply tells PDT to display EBCDIC files in ASCII format.

          TIPS & NOTES Ŀ
                                                                      
          "Translate" can be used to "encrypt" files.  Either option  
          (used 1-3 times?) can help protect files from prying eyes.  
                                                                      
          NOTE:  While PDT DOES correctly translate EBCDIC characters 
          to ASCII and back again, this version does NOT translate the
          values of EBCDIC packed binary fields.                      
         
            


                                                                     4.6


         The EDIT Menu
         

           file  EDIT  search  block  define  options  help  (F1)
               Ŀ
                Edit is OFF            (ctrl-E) 
                Edit Field             (F6)     
                Continuous Field Edit           
               

         Edit Mode On/Off                            ctrl-E;  Edit/Edit
         

         Whenever you open a file, edit mode is normally OFF (Options/
         Configure lets you turn edit ON by default).  To edit files,
         you must turn Edit mode ON:  press ctrl-E, or select Edit
         from the Edit menu.  Do the same to turn Edit mode OFF.

         When Edit mode is ON, "E" will blink at the left of the file
         window.  If Edit mode is OFF, this area is blank.  With Edit
         mode ON, changes are immediately saved to disk  unless
         you use PDT's "buffered" edit options:  F6 or Continuous Edit.

                ͻ      ͻ
                E  Edit mode is ON           Edit mode is OFF 
                ͼ      ͼ


         Edit Field                                F6;  Edit/Edit Field
         

         Press F6 to edit fields you've defined, up to 72 columns wide.
         This option is especially useful to edit numeric fields stored
         in "packed" form (except in EBCDIC files).

         "Packed" refers to a way numeric data is stored in many files.
         For example, suppose you move the cursor to an Integer field
         and notice that its value (beside "Value:" at the bottom of
         the screen) is 8,562.  You want to change 8,562 to 10,562.

         Since 8,562 is an integer (2 bytes), it's stored as "r!".
         What would you enter for 10,862?  You don't have to know!
         Just press F6 and type in 10862.  When you press <cr>, PDT
         saves the appropriate value  "n*".


         Continuous Field Edit               Edit/Continuous Field Edit
         

         When you select Continuous Field Edit from the Edit menu, PDT
         scoops up the contents of the field you're in (72 columns max-
         imum), lets you edit it, then automatically advances to the
         next field when you press <cr> (<Esc> = cancel).  This not
         only simplifies editing (or adding) lots of data, it also
         offers safety: you'll edit in PDT's Edit Field window  and
         can press <Esc> to cancel.                                  
                                                                       

                                                                     4.7


         The SEARCH Menu
         

           file  edit  SEARCH  block  define  options  help  (F1)
                     Ŀ
                      Search     (ctrl-S) 
                      Replace    (ctrl-R) 
                      Count               
                     

         Press ctrl-S to search, ctrl-R to replace, or select Count to
         count things.  A window like this will then pop up.

         Ŀ
         alt- ^(D)irection  Yes(I)gnore Case  No(B)lock Only  (F7) ASCII
                                                                        
         Search for:  (F1 = Help)                                       
         
         Replace with:                                                  
         
         
         Enter a phrase to search for or count (1-72 characters) and press
         <cr>.  If you selected Replace, enter the replacement phrase and
         press <cr> again.  While entering either phrase, press:

          alt-D  to tell PDT which Direction to search:  Up (above where
                 your cursor is in the file) or Down (below the cursor).
                 The arrow beside (D)irection will point up or down.

          alt-I  to tell PDT to Ignore case.  If you say "Ignore case,"
                 we'll find the phrase regardless of how it's capitalized.

          alt-B  to say "search only the Block I marked."

             F7  to enter any ASCII character from 0 to 255.

         Press <cr> and PDT begins searching your file.  If you're search-
         ing and PDT finds a match, it appears in the top left corner of
         the edit window.  To continue searching, press ctrl-S, <cr>.  If
         counting (or replacing), PDT tells you how many items it has
         found (or replaced).  Press <Esc> to cancel any operation.

          WARNING!!! Ŀ
                                                                      
          "?" is a "wild card."  Use "?" anywhere in search phrases   
          to look for "something close to...".  But be EXTREMELY      
          CAREFUL when using "?" during a Replace.  Replacing "???"   
          with "ZAP" would overwrite the ENTIRE FILE with "ZAP"!      
                                                                      
          You can Search for or count things with Edit Mode either    
          on or off.  But Edit Mode must be ON to Replace things.     
                                                                      
          You can Replace something ONLY with something else of the   
          SAME LENGTH.  Files can't expand or contract during replace.
         
            


                                                                     4.8


         The BLOCK Menu
         

           file  edit  search  BLOCK  define  options  help  (F1)
                             Ŀ
                              Mark Block       (ctrl-B) 
                              Mark Column      (ctrl-M) 
                              Unmark Block     (ctrl-U) 
                              Add Column       (ctrl-A) 
                              Sequence # Col.  (ctrl-Q) 
                             Ĵ
                              Copy w/overWrite (ctrl-W) 
                              Copy w/Insert    (ctrl-I) 
                              Delete Block     (DEL)    
                              Fill             (ctrl-F) 
                              Export           (ctrl-P) 
                             Ĵ
                              Insert spaces    (INS)    
                             Ĵ
                              Expand Column or Field    
                              Shrink Column or Field    
                             Ĵ
                              Make dBASE                
                             


         Marking Blocks
         

         Many block options require that you first mark a block and then
         copy it, delete it or fill it, etc..  Other options don't require
         marked blocks (inserting spaces, shrinking columns, etc.).
                                                                          
         You can mark blocks in two different ways.

          * Press ctrl-B to mark continuous blocks of characters or records.

             - Press left/right cursor keys to expand the block left/right.

             - Press down/up cursor keys to mark the rest of the record
               you're on, and then move to the next/last record.

             - Press ctrl-B again to mark the end, or ctrl-U to unmark it.


          * Press ctrl-M to mark columns, fields or any rectangular area.

             - Press left/right cursor keys to expand the block left/right.

             - Press down/up cursor keys to move to the next/last record.

             - Press ctrl-M again to mark the end, or ctrl-U to unmark it.


                                                        continued . . .


         Marking Blocks (continued)                                  4.9


         Notice that the major difference here is what happens when you
         move the cursor up or down.   With ctrl-M, only the columns you
         included are marked.  With ctrl-B, entire records are marked.

         Also, you can mark or unmark blocks with Edit Mode OFF.  But to
         use block options that change files, Edit Mode must be ON.


         Once you mark a block, you may copy, fill, or export it, etc.
         As PDT works, it displays how much of the file is left to go.


         To ADD UP Columns                    ctrl-A;  Block/Add Column
         

         PDT's "add field" option is a hybrid:  you may use it to add a
         column you've marked, or add up a field across EVERY record.

         In other words, you can first press ctrl-M, mark a column, then
         press ctrl-A to add up what you marked.

         Or, you can move your cursor to a field and press ctrl-A.  PDT
         will add up that field from record #1 through the last record.
         In large files, this can take a while.  So if you press ctrl-A
         by mistake, press <Esc> to stop.


         Notes:
         

          * If the field you're in is a character field, PDT asks if you
            want to add up ASCII values (instead of numeric values).

             - If you say Yes  PDT will add up the ASCII values of
               the 1st character in the field for each record.  This is
               v-e-r-y handy to add up, for example, the field width
               variable in dBASE headers.  You can then compare the
               total with the "record length" variable stored in the
               first record of dBASE files  to see if something is
               corrupted.  Be sure to add 1 to field length total to
               account for the Deleted Record flag.

             - If you say No (don't add ASCII values)  PDT will deter-
               mine the value of numbers-only stored in the field.  In
               fields that have no numbers, totals will be 0!

          * Once PDT adds up values, it displays results in double
            precision form  with 8 decimal places.

          * This option is meant primarily to add up positive values.
            Negative values could be interpreted as "rollover errors"
            and may cause PDT to cancel the process.

                                                                     


                                                                    4.10


         To SEQUENCE NUMBER Columns              ctrl-Q;  Block/Sequence
         

         PDT's "sequence number" option is a fast, flexible way to add
         unique numbers to records  record numbers, part or inventory
         numbers, customer numbers, etc..

         Sequence numbers may be numeric or alphabetic, or a combination
         of the two.  For example, you could use customer numbers like
         "AAA-00-0000."  Starting on the far right, PDT would increment
         the last "0" from 0 - 9 before "rolling" left to the next char-
         acter.  When it got to "AAA" it would increment the letters:
         AAB, AAC, etc.  Since the letters started out upper case, they
         will stay that way.  Lower case letters would remain lower case.

          TIPS & NOTES Ŀ
                                                                      
          Notice that letters give you a greater range in the same    
          space than do numbers:  PDT can increment letters 26 times, 
          but numbers only 9 times, before it must move left to the   
          next character.  That means that in any given space, letters
          give you a much greater range of values than do numbers.    
                                                                      
           * A 3-digit alphabetic "number" ("AAA") offers over 17,000 
             possibilities.                                           
                                                                      
           * But a 3-digit numeric "number" ("000") offers only 1,000 
             possibilities.                                           
                                                                      
          Also note that PDT "increments" ONLY numbers 0 - 9 and let- 
          ters A - Z or a - z.  All other characters are considered   
          "formatting" characters and are NOT incremented.            
         
           


         To add sequence numbers to a column, first press ctrl-M and mark
         the column.  Then press ctrl-Q.  When you do, PDT asks you to enter
         a starting "seed" value.  You may enter as many characters as
         you marked using ctrl-M.  For example, if you mark a field
         or column 14 characters wide, you'll be able to enter a 14-
         character starting sequence number.  In the example below, we
         marked a column 6 characters wide.

                   Ŀ
                    Enter STARTING sequence number: 
                                                    
                    A-0000                          
                   
                                                                     


                                                                    4.11


         To COPY Blocks                    ctrl-W or ctrl-I;  Block/Copy
         

         After marking a block, move your cursor to another spot (switch
         windows if needed:  press alt-# or ctrl-PgDn).  Then press:

          * ctrl-W to OVERWRITE whatever is at that spot.

          * ctrl-I to INSERT the block at that spot.

          WARNING: Ŀ
                                                                      
          PDT won't allow copying columns with Insert with dBASE      
          files.  And you should not use it with files for which you  
          created a structure file.  INSTEAD, use Expand Column to    
          increase the column's width.  THEN use ctrl-W to copy with  
          Overwrite.  The reason for this is that Expand Column gives 
          you options to update both the dBASE header and the struc-  
          ture files.  Unless the dBASE header is updated, you could  
          destroy your file (or at least render it unreadable)!       
                                                                      
          Inserting Columns is a two step process.  PDT first copies  
          the column you marked to a temporary file, and then reads   
          it back in, inserting it where your cursor is.  PDT keeps   
          you informed of the progress of both operations.  This is   
          the only time PDT uses temporary files.  Also, sufficient   
          disk space must be available to save this temporary file.   
          If there's too little disk space, PDT will let you know.    
         
           


         To DELETE Blocks                             DEL;  Block/Delete
         

         To delete blocks, simply mark them and press DEL.

          TIPS & NOTES Ŀ
                                                                      
          If you open a dBASE file, mark a COLUMN, and then press DEL,
          PDT will urge you to use the "Shrink Column" option instead.
          Shrink Column lets you update the dBASE file header, but DEL
          does NOT.  If you shrink fields without updating the header,
          programs (like PDT) might tell you the file is corrupted.   
         
           


         To FILL Blocks                              ctrl-F;  Block/Fill
         

         PDT's Fill Block option is useful to erase areas, or fill them
         with any phrase or recurring pattern of characters.  To fill a
         block, first mark it, then press ctrl-F and tell PDT what to
         fill the block with.  Enter spaces to erase the area.

                                                        continued . . .


         Filling Blocks (continued)                                 4.12


         If you marked a column, PDT begins each row with the "phrase"
         you entered.  If your phrase is narrower than the column you
         marked, PDT fills the rest of the column with blank spaces. If
         you marked a continuous block, PDT repeats the "phrase" you
         entered to completely fill the block.


         To EXPORT Blocks                        ctrl-P;  Options/Export
         

         Export means to save the marked block to a file.  PDT will ask
         you for a file name.  If you marked a column, PDT will also ask
         you if you want each line saved with a Carriage Return/Line
         Feed (CR/LF) at the end.  If you tell PDT to export to a file
         that already exists, we'll ask you if you want to Overwrite it,
         or Append (add) new material to the end of the existing file.

          PRINTING using PDT Ŀ
                                                                      
          PDT has no explicit "print" option.  But you CAN print files
          (or parts of them) in 2 ways:  1.  Export a section of a    
          file, exit to DOS, and then type "copy [filename] prn <cr>";
          2.  Mark a block, press ctrl-P to export it, type LPT1 or   
          LPT2 instead of a file name, then tell PDT to <A>ppend it!  
         
           


         To INSERT Spaces or Records                  INS;  Block/Insert
         

         When you press INS, PDT asks how many spaces you want to add 
         beginning where the cursor is.  The default is the record size.
         PDT adds ASCII character 32 (Space).  To fill the area with a
         different character, use the FILL option once PDT has inserted
         the spaces (first press ctrl-B and mark the block).

         If you're working with a database file and want to add several
         blank records:

          * Move to column 1 (press Home) or the end of a record (End).

          * Note the Record Size at the bottom of your screen.

          * Press INS and enter a multiple of the record size.  For
            example, if the record size is 400 and you want to add 6
            blank records, tell PDT to add 2400 spaces.

          TIPS & NOTES Ŀ
                                                                      
          To widen or expand a column, use Expand Column not Insert.  
          Expand Column insert spaces into each record.  And PDT will 
          (if you like) update dBASE file headers and structure files.
          
            
                                                                       

                                                                    4.13

        
         EXPANDING columns or fields.                       Block/Expand
         SHRINKING columns or fields.                       Block/Shrink
         

         These very powerful options let you widen (or shrink) fields or
         columns.  And, if you like, PDT will also update the dBASE file
         header and structure files AUTOMATICALLY.  They work in similar
         ways, so we'll explain them together.

         Move the cursor to the column where you'd like to begin expanding
         or shrinking.  Be sure Edit Mode is on (press ctrl-E), then press
         alt-B to pull down the Block menu.  Select either Expand Column or
         Shrink Column.  PDT then displays one of these windows:

         ͹ Insert Columns ͻ ͹ Delete Columns ͻ
                                                                     
                   Begin at Column: 33           Begin at Column: 33 
                 Number of Columns: 1          Number of Columns: 1  
         ASCII # of fill character: 32                               
            Alter Structure? (Y/N): Y     Alter Structure? (Y/N): Y  
           Alter DBF Header? (Y/N): Y    Alter DBF Header? (Y/N): Y  
                                                                     
                  Begin? (Y/N):                  Begin? (Y/N):       
         ͼ ͼ

         In each window you must answer several questions:

           * You first enter the number of the column where you want to
             begin  "Begin at Column."  The number you'll see (33 in
             the example above) is where your cursor was when you began
             this operation.  Change this number to begin somewhere
             else, then press <cr>.


           * Next, enter how many columns you want to insert or delete.
             If you pressed ctrl-M and marked a column to delete, you'll
             see the number of columns you marked (rather than 1).


           * IF you're expanding a column, enter the ASCII number of the
             character we should fill with the area with.  "32" is Space;
             enter 0 - 255.  If you're not sure what number to enter,
             press F7 to choose a character from PDT's ASCII table.


           * Next, press <Y>es or <N> to tell PDT if you'd like to update
             the structure file, and, if appropriate, the header of the
             dBASE (DBF) file.  This can be CRITICAL!  See Tips & Notes.


           * Finally, press <Y>es to begin, or <N>o or <Esc> to quit.
                                                                       


                                                                    4.14


          TIPS & NOTES Ŀ
                                                                      
          If you change the width of fields in dBASE files and DON'T  
          update the header, other programs may be unable to read     
          the file.  This could render the file USELESS!  Be careful. 
                                                                      
          With dBASE files, PDT CANNOT:                               
                                                                      
           1. Change the first, "Deleted record" field.               
                                                                      
           2. Delete a field (shrink it to 0).  Use PDT Tool Kit      
              programs to delete dBASE fields.                        
                                                                      
           3. Delete columns across fields  since this effectively  
              deletes the fields in the middle.  To shrink two or     
              more fields, shrink them separately.                    
         
           


          TIPS & NOTES Ŀ
                                                                      
          EXPAND columns inserts blank columns to the LEFT of the     
          "Begin at Column" (which is usually where the cursor was    
          when you invoked this option).                              
                                                                      
          If this column is the LAST column of a field, inserting     
          blanks to the left will shift everything in the last column 
          to the right.  If this happens, just:                       
                                                                      
           1. Move right to the new end of the field.  Be sure you're 
              on the top row (press ctrl-Home).  Then mark a single   
              column from top-to-bottom by pressing:                  
                                                                      
                     ctrl-M  ctrl-End  ctrl-M  ctrl-Home              
                                                                      
           2. Now move left to where that column used to be (ie.,     
              the "Begin at Column").  Press ctrl-W to copy the       
              marked column to the column you're now in.              
                                                                      
           3. Immediately press ctrl-F and Fill the marked column     
              with one blank space (or any ASCII character).          
         
           

                                                                       


                                                                    4.15


         Make file a dBASE file                         Block/Make dBASE
         

         With this powerful option you can turn fixed-format ASCII files
         into dBASE files  which can then be easily read by the hundreds
         of dBASE-compatible programs available (including PDT).  To turn
         a data file into a dBASE file, open it in PDT then define every
         field  press F2 at the start of each field and type in a field
         name.  Field names MUST conform to dBASE restrictions:

          * They may be no longer than 10 characters and MUST be unique.

          * They must start with A-Z and contain ONLY A-Z, 0-9, and "_".
            ALL other characters, including spaces, are illegal.

         Once fields are defined, pull down PDT's Define menu and select
         "Make file a dBASE file."  PDT will then add a dBASE header to
         the top of the file.  With large files this can take a while!

         Please NOTE that:

          * All fields will be defined as (C)haracter fields.  There's no
            alternative to this since PDT's non-dBASE field options are
            "packed" numeric.  dBASE has NO "packed" numeric data type;
            so we must treat these as character fields.  Beware however,
            that "packed" fields may contain "control characters" (ASCII
            values less than 32).  Control codes (and other binary data)
            may cause dBASE-type programs to do unpredictable things.

          * The 1st field in dBASE files MUST be a 1-column wide "Deleted
            Record Field."  Normally blank, dBASE fills this field with
            "*" when you delete records.  If records don't begin with a
            1-byte "Deleted" field, you can create it in several ways:

            a. Use Expand Column to insert 1 blank at the beginning of
               every record.  This option ensures the deleted record
               field is blank for all records.  Now press F2 and make
               sure the 1st field is defined as beginning in column 2!

            b. If you have at least 1 blank space at the end of field
               #1, move its contents over 1, then use PDT's FILL option
               to fill column 1 with blanks.  Now press F2 and make
               sure the 1st field is defined as beginning in column 2!

          * "Headers" already in files will be treated as normal data in
            .DBFs.  But "headers" often contain binary data that dBASE
            would reject.  Delete headers using ctrl-B.

          * PDT does not add end-of-file markers (ASCII 26) to files.
            If programs you use require one, you could:

            - jump 1 byte beyond the end of the file (ctrl-End)
            - insert 1 space (press INS then tell PDT to add 1 space)
            - then press F7 and fill that blank space with chr(26)   


                                                                    4.16


         The DEFINE Menu
         

           file  edit  search  block  DEFINE  options  help  (F1)
                                    Ŀ
                                     Header length          (ctrl-H) 
                                     Record length          (ctrl-L) 
                                     Reduce rec. len 1      (F9)     
                                     Increase rec. len 1    (F10)    
                                     Read dBASE Header               
                                     Display Fields: OFF    (ctrl-D) 
                                     Clear Structure                 
                                    Ĵ
                                     Define Field           (F2)     
                                     Edit Field Structure   (F3)     
                                     Save Structure File    (F4)     
                                     Load Structure File    (F5)     
                                    


         Use options in this menu to define the structure of files.  There
         are usually 3 steps:  1.  Tell PDT how long file Headers are
         (if they exist); 2. Define Record Lengths; and, 3.  Press F2
         at the beginning of each field and define that field.

         This menu also has options affecting how PDT displays files
         (Read dBASE Header, Display Fields and Clear Structure).


         Header Length                            ctrl-H;  Define/Header
         

         Use this option to specify the top portion of a file you want
         PDT to treat as a "header" and not display.  To set the header
         length, press ctrl-H (or select Header Length from the Define
         menu), then enter the size of the header (0 - 999 million bytes).

         What's a Header?
         

         Many files, like dBASE ".DBF" files, begin with a header which
         tells programs (like PDT or dBASE) what's in the file:  how many
         fields it has, the length and type of each field, etc..  The
         header is NOT data.  So we set header lengths to tell PDT to
         skip them and begin displaying the file with the first record.

         PDT automatically recognizes dBASE files (by the .DBF extension),
         reads the header and displays records and fields appropriately.

         But if your file is not a dBASE file, AND it has a header, set
         the header length to help PDT properly display your data.
                                                                       


                                                                    4.17


          TIPS & NOTES Ŀ
                                                                      
          Setting the header length is usually the FIRST STEP in      
          defining the "structure" of a file.   If a file has a       
          header, it's much easier figuring out the rest of the       
          file structure if you tell PDT not to display the header.   
                                                                      
          Once you set the header, press F4 to save a structure file. 
          The next time you open this file, PDT will set the header   
          size automatically.                                         
         
           


          TIPS & NOTES Ŀ
                                                                      
          A fast way to set header lengths is to move the cursor to   
          the first character in a record, then press ctrl-H, ctrl-   
          Enter.  Everything above that point will be treated as a    
          header.                                                     
                                                                      
          This is handy when working in the middle or bottom of large 
          files.  Periodically setting a new header length lets you   
          press PgUp or ctrl-Home and move no higher than the first   
          record you want to work with.                               
         
           


          TIPS & NOTES Ŀ
                                                                      
          If you open a dBASE file and would like to see, edit or     
          repair the header:                                          
                                                                      
           * Press ctrl-H and enter "0" (zero) for Header Length.     
                                                                      
           * Press ctrl-Home then Home to be sure you're at the first 
             byte of the file.  You're now looking at the header.     
                                                                      
           * Press ctrl-L then type in 32 as the record length.       
             dBASE file headers consist of several 32-byte records.   
             There's one main record (date, number of records, etc.), 
             followed by one record for each field in the file.       
                                                                      
          NOTE:  Registered users receive Fix-DBF.Hdr and Fix-DBF.Fld.
          These are very handy PDT structure files which can help you 
          explore the header and field structure of dBASE files.      
                                                                      
          And these can be INVALUABLE if a dBASE file is ever damaged.
          They can help you isolate and fix the corrupted areas.      
         
           


                                                                       


                                                                    4.18


         Record Length                            ctrl-L;  Define/Record
         

         Set the Record Length to tell PDT how long each "logical line"
         is in a file.

         Some files have no logical record length.  Executable (.Exe or
         .Com) files have no lines in the traditional sense.  And text
         files often have lines of varying lengths.  For these types of
         files, changing the Record Length simply changes how wide a view
         PDT displays before it "wraps" the data around to the next row.

         But many database or data files have fixed-length records, with
         each record made up of fields.  For example, a Customer database
         might have fields for Last Name, First Name, Address, Phone, etc.
         The same amount of space is reserved for a given field for every
         customer (e.g., 20 spaces for Last Name).  So the total "record
         length" (or space reserved) is fixed for every customer.

         By telling PDT the correct record length, you help it display
         each record (each customer in our example) on a separate line.
         And the fields will fall into logical columns.

         Press ctrl-L (or select Record Length from the Define menu),
         then enter record length (1 to 9,999 bytes).

          TIPS & NOTES Ŀ
                                                                      
          Setting the record length is usually the 2nd step in defin- 
          ing the "structure" of a file.   Set the record length,     
          then press F2 at the beginning of each field and "define"   
          each field.  Finally, press F4 to save the structure file.  
                                                                      
          If you open a dBASE file (one with a ".DBF" extension), PDT 
          automatically determines the record length.  If your dBASE  
          files DON'T have a ".DBF" extension, use the Define-Read    
          Header option to tell PDT to read the dBASE file's header.  
                                                                      
          ALSO SEE:  Options-Configure.  If you open non-dBASE files, 
          PDT uses two approaches to determine an "appropriate" record
          length.  Tell PDT which one to use in the Configure menu.   
                                                                      
           1.  By default, PDT sets the record length to the first    
               Carriage Return (CR, Chr$(13)) or, if none, the first  
               Line Feed (LF, Chr$(10)) character it finds.  This is  
               very handy when working with fixed-length data files   
               with each record ending in, say, a CR/LF.              
                                                                      
           2.  But if you'd prefer that PDT set the record length     
               to the width of the edit window (normally 78 or 38),   
               tell PDT to use <W>indow size to set record length.    
               This is appropriate if you normally work with files    
               that have no structure (like .Exe or .Com files) or    
               non-fixed length files (like text files).              
         
            


                                                                    4.19


         Increasing/Reducing Record Length        F10/F9;  Define-F10/F9
         

         These two options are especially handy when trying to determine
         a file's structure.  Set the header length (ctrl-H), then press
         ctrl-L and "guess" the record length.  Now press F10 or F9 to
         increase or reduce the record length by one, respectively.  PDT
         will quickly re-draw the screen, and you'll often see your data
         "swing" into view.  Once the record length seems correct, press
         F4 and save a structure file.

         Try it!  Open any data file which is already formatted (defined).
         Press F9 and F10 and watch your "view" become distorted.  Now
         imagine that someone just sent you this file and you had to
         figure out its file structure.  Press F9 and F10 again to bring
         it back into the proper view.


         Read dBASE Header                      Define-Read dBASE Header
         

         This option tells PDT to read the header of dBASE files to
         determine the file's record and field structures.  There are
         two reasons why you might need to do this.

          1. If you open a dBASE file that does NOT have a ".DBF" exten-
             sion, PDT won't recognize it as a dBASE file.  It therefore
             won't read the dBASE header, and can't properly display
             records and fields.  Choose Read dBASE Header Structure
             to force PDT to process the dBASE header.

          2. If you change the header or record lengths of dBASE files,
             or edit or clear the structure, select Read dBASE Header to
             restore the original layout.

          TIPS & NOTES Ŀ
                                                                      
          To simplify working with dBASE files that don't have ".DBF" 
          extensions, load them, select Read dBASE Header, then       
          immediately press F4 (Save Structure File).                 
                                                                      
          As long as you save the structure file with the same name as
          your data file, PDT will load it whenever you open the file.
                                                                      
         
           

                                                                     


                                                                    4.20


         Display Field Names         ctrl-D;  Define/Display Field Names
         

         Press ctrl-D to tell PDT to display field names on the top line
         of a edit window (replacing the file name).  Press ctrl-D again
         to turn this feature OFF.

         This option helps you see which fields are coming up, and which
         are behind you.  But with narrow columns or fields, it's impos-
         sible to display the full field name.  If you're not sure what a
         field is, move the cursor to that field, then glance at "FIELD:"
         on the bottom line of your screen.


          TIPS & NOTES Ŀ
                                                                      
            ALSO SEE Appendix III:  Customizing PDT.  In PDT's        
            Configure menu you can turn this option ON by default.    
                                                                      
         
           


         Clear Structure                          Define/Clear Structure
         

         Select Clear Structure to clear the field structure for a file.
         The main use for this option is to turn off the contrasting
         colors PDT uses to display fields.  This sometimes makes it
         easier to browse or edit records.  To restore the structure,
         use Read dBASE Header (Define menu) or Read Structure (F5),
         depending on the type of file you're working with.

         When you select this option:

          * Header and record lengths won't change.

          * But since PDT no longer "knows" where and what each field
            is, it can no longer:

            - Display fields in contrasting colors.

            - Display field names at the top and bottom of your screen.

            - Display the correct values of fields as you change fields.

            - Offer you the F6 (Edit Field) option since there aren't
              any fields any more.

                                                                     


                                                                    4.21


         Define Field/Edit Structure    F2/F3;  Define/Field-Define/Edit
         

         We'll explain two options together since they work similarly.

         Defining fields is the LAST step in creating structure files
         (you'd first set the Header and Record lengths).  Why define
         fields?  Because once you do, PDT can then: 1.  Tell you which
         field you're in as you move the cursor;  2. Tell you the
         "value" of that field; and, 3.  Let you press F6 and edit
         fields, even fields stored in "packed" form.  To define fields:

          * First move your cursor to the FIRST column of a field.
            While not strictly required, this simplifies things 
            a lot!  Let's assume you move the cursor to column 1.

          * Press F2.  When you do, a window like this pops up.  Your
            cursor will be under the "TYP" (Type of field) column.

            Ŀ
              COL TYP NAME                  WIDTH  TYPES        LEN  
            Ĵ
                1  c                         81    (c)haracter    ?  
               81  c  __Past End!                  (i)nteger      2  
                                                        .            
            Ĵ
              (^A)dd   (^D)elete   (^T)runcate to End   (F1) = Help  
            

            As long as you begin by moving your cursor to the 1st charac-
            ter in a field, you should NEVER have to edit "COL"  the
            first column of the field.  The only time you'd normally edit
            "COL" is if you press ctrl-A and ADD a field.  Press Shift-Tab
            to move back to "COL" and type in a starting column number.

            PDT assumes fields are Character fields, so under "TYP" you
            will see "C" or "c."  To change field types, glance at the
            "TYPES" column.  There PDT will list the type of field you
            can choose for dBASE or non-dBASE files.  BE SURE to read
            Appendix I (The many "Types" of Fields PDT Supports).

          * After entering field Type, press <cr> and enter a field
            name.  While names are optional, entering them lets PDT
            display field names at both the top of edit windows and the
            bottom of your screen.  Note:  PDT places NO restrictions on
            field names.  This differs from, say, dBASE which capitalizes
            names and allows ONLY A-Z, 0-9 and "_" in field names.

         ALWAYS press <cr> after entering field names!  Then press <Esc>.
         If you press <Esc> while your cursor is still under "NAME," PDT
         assumes you want to cancel this action.  When you press <Esc>,
         PDT re-draws fields in contrasting colors.  To define the next
         field, move the cursor to its first column, press F2, then
         repeat the process.  Finally, press F4 and SAVE the structure
         file  to PDT's special subdirectory PDT.DIR.  If you save
         structure files with the SAME NAME as your data files, PDT auto-
         matically loads the structure file when you open the data file.  
                                                                     

                                                                    4.22


         Press F3 to EDIT field structures.  PDT's field window pops up.

          * PDT will position the cursor on the line defining the field
            you were in when you pressed F3.  For example, if you're in
            the 5th field and you press F3, PDT puts you on line #5.

          * Edit the field type, field name or starting column.  Press:

            - Tab or Shift-Tab to move between columns.
            - ctrl-A to ADD (insert) a field.
            - ctrl-D to DELETE the field definition your cursor is on.
            - ctrl-T to TRUNCATE the list, deleting EVERYTHING from the
              line your cursor is on to the end of the list.

         Remember, BE SURE to press <cr> after you edit something.  Then
         press <Esc>.  Otherwise <Esc> will mean "Cancel Editing."


         Saving Structure Files               F4;  Define/Save Structure
         

         Press F4 to save a structure file.  A window pops up and PDT
         suggests that you save the structure file with the SAME NAME as
         your data file.  Since PDT saves structure files only in PDT.DIR,
         there should be no chance of overwriting your data file.  To save
         a MASTER structure file, enter 8 (and only 8) underscore charac-
         ters ("_"), then a period and a file extension.  MASTER structure
         files will be loaded:  1) If we CAN'T find a structure file with
         the SAME name as the file you just loaded; and, 2) If you open
         ANY file with the same extension (.DAT, .MON, .FON, etc.).

         Perhaps the only times you'd want to save structure files that
         are not SAME NAME or MASTER structure files are to:

          * Create generic structures for data files with the same
            structure but different file extensions.

          * Create alternate views of the same data file.


         Loading Structure Files             F5;  Define/Load Structure
         

         Press F5 to load a structure file.  PDT will display its normal
         file menu listing the structure files saved in PDT.DIR.  Click
         Left on the one you want, or highlight it and press <cr>.

         You may never have to do this.  If you save structure files with
         the same name as your data files, PDT reads them automatically.
         The only time you normally have to press F5 are if you:

          * Save a structure file with a name different from a data file.

          * Edit the structure, and now want to restore the original.

          * Open dBASE (.DBF) files and prefer structures you created. 


                                                                    4.23


         The OPTIONS Menu
         

         file  edit  search  block  define  OPTIONS  help  (F1)
                                     Ŀ
                                      Synchronize windows    (ctrl-Y) 
                                      Jump                   (ctrl-J) 
                                      Get ASCII Character    (F7)     
                                      View EBCDIC in ASCII   OFF      
                                      Text view mode         (ctrl-T) 
                                      Hex view mode          (ctrl-V) 
                                      Calculator             (F8)     
                                     Ĵ
                                      Configure                       
                                      Registration                    
                                     


         Synchronize Edit Windows           ctrl-Y;  Options/Synchronize
         

         "Synchronize windows" means that if you open 2 or more files
         and then scroll through one file, the other windows will scroll
         as well.  Move right (or up or down) in one window, and PDT
         will also scroll other window(s) right (or up or down).

         This option is especially useful to compare different files, or
         different parts of the same file (open a file 2 or 3 times).

         To synchronize windows, open at least two files, then press
         ctrl-Y.  A small "s" will appear in the top left corner of
         your screen.  To "un-synchronize" windows, press ctrl-Y again.
         The small "s" will disappear.

          TIPS & NOTES Ŀ
                                                                      
          Before pressing ctrl-Y, you might want to "align" all files 
          so the top, left corner is at the same spot in each file.   
                                                                      
         
           

                                                                     


                                                                    4.24


         Jump                                      ctrl-J;  Options/Jump
         

         Press ctrl-J to jump to a different location in the active file.
         PDT then displays this menu:


                             Ŀ
                               Jump To  
                                                
                                  (P)ercent     
                                  (B)yte        
                                  (R)ecord      
                             

          * Press (P) to jump to a location, say, 75% into the file.
          * Press (B) to jump to an specific location (e.g., 9000 bytes).
          * Press (R) to jump to a specific record.

         Once you select an option, PDT will ask you to enter the
         percentage, byte or record to jump to.



         Get ASCII Character                      F7;  Options/Get ASCII
         

         When editing a file, or when entering a phrase to search for or
         replace, press F7 to enter ANY ASCII character:  from 0 - 255.

         PDT will display an ASCII chart.  To select a character:

          * Click Left on the character you want.

          * Or press the cursor pad keys until the character you want
            is highlighted.  As you move the cursor, PDT will display
            the Decimal and Hexadecimal numbers of the ASCII character
            that's highlighted.  Press <cr> to accept the highlighted
            character.

          * Press <Esc> to quit without selecting a character.


                                                                       


                                                                    4.25


         View EBCDIC in ASCII                        Options/View EBCDIC
         
         
         EBCDIC (or Extended Binary Coded Decimal Information Code) re-
         fers to the way information is stored on large IBM computers.
         On PCs, information is normally stored in ASCII format.

         If you open an EBCDIC file, select this option to ask PDT to
         display it in ASCII mode.  This lets you view and edit it in
         a format that's much easier to understand.

         NOTE:  Turning this option ON does NOT change the way the file
         is stored on disk.  It affects only how PDT displays it.  Any
         changes you make are saved to disk in EBCDIC format.  To
         actually covert the on-disk file from EBCDIC to ASCII, select
         the Translate:  EBCDIC-to-ASCII option from PDT's File menu.

         When you select this option, the menu will toggle between ON
         and OFF, as in "View EBCDIC in ASCII  ON."


          TIPS & NOTES Ŀ
                                                                      
          WARNING:  As we mentioned before, PDT does NOT translate    
          packed numeric fields in EBCDIC files!                      
                                                                      
           * You CAN use all of PDT's EBCDIC options with such files. 
                                                                      
           * But you should NEVER edit these packed numeric fields.   
                                                                      
           * You CAN safely edit the CHARACTER portions of EBCDIC     
             files.  These changes are saved (correctly) in EBCDIC.   
         
           


          TIPS & NOTES Ŀ
                                                                      
          ALSO SEE:  Options-Configure.  In PDT's Configure menu, you 
          can turn this option ON by default.  This is convenient if  
          you'll always work with EBCDIC files.                       
                                                                      
          ALSO SEE:  File-Translate.  PDT's File menu has two options 
          letting you translate EBCDIC files to ASCII, and back again.
                                                                      
          SAVE a STRUCTURE FILE:  If you open an EBCDIC file, and     
          turn this option ON, immediately save a structure file    
          even if you don't want to mark fields, set record size, etc.
          Then, whenever you open this file, PDT will read the struc- 
          ture file, and turn EBCDIC view mode on for you.            
         
           

                                                                       


                                                                    4.26


         Text View Mode                       ctrl-T;  Options/Text View
         

         Since PDT displays all characters in files (instead of acting
         on them), it's not well-suited for browsing through or editing
         text files with variable-length lines, all ending with a
         Carriage Return/Line Feed.

         But if you open a text file (with variable-length lines, each
         ending with a Carriage Return/Line Feed) press ctrl-T to view
         it as text.  PDT suspends all normal operations and re-displays
         the file from "roughly" where your cursor is.  By "roughly" we
         mean within a PgUp or PgDn of where you are.  Browse around,
         then press <Esc> to resume normal operations  again, roughly
         where you were when you pressed <Esc>.


         Hex View Mode                         ctrl-V;  Options/Hex View
         

         Press ctrl-V to view the current file in hexadecimal (hex)
         mode. You'll then be viewing the file as PC Tools, Norton
         Utilities, List and other programs often display them.

         Like PDT's Text View option, Hex View is "read only" -- you
         can quickly browse through files, but all other options are
         suspended.

         To use Hex View mode, you must first open a file in a FULL-
         WIDTH horizontal window!  There's so much stuff to display
         left-to-right that the "vertical" windows PDT offers are
         simply too narrow.  Now press ctrl-V.

         In Hex View mode, PDT shows, on each line, 16 bytes of data --
         first in hexadecimal, then in ASCII (see example).

            The 1st column shows the location in the file of the
              1st byte on that line (shown in 0-based hex format).
           
                   Location in the file of top-left byte
                         (shown in 1-based decimal format).
                  v
            ڴ   3423Ŀ
           >     D5E 41 53 43 49 49 20 68 65 72 65...ASCII here
                                      .                   .     
                                      .                   .     
                                      .                   .     
                  DAE 41 53 43 49 49 20 68 65 72 65...ASCII here
             
                        ^                              ^^        ^
                        
                         hexadecimal values of 16 bytes    ASCII
                                                         values of
                                                          16 bytes

                                                        continued . . .


         Hex View Mode (continued)                                  4.27


         When you press ctrl-V, PDT re-displays the file you were
         viewing -- starting with the character in the TOP, LEFT
         corner of the original view window.  When you press <Esc>,
         PDT re-displays the file starting with the byte that appeared
         in the top, left corner of the hex view window.


         In HEX view mode, we show your location in the file in 2 ways:

          * The TOP LINE shows the "depth" into the file of the character
            in the top, left corner.  This is shown in decimal form,
            and, like PDT's "Depth," is 1-based.  "1-based" means the
            first byte in files is counted as byte #1 (not byte #0).

          * The LEFT COLUMN shows, in 0-based hexadecimal form, the
            offset into the file of the 1st byte on each line.

         EACH LINE in the body of the view window shows 16 bytes of
         data, first in hexadecimal format, and then in ASCII format.

         Browse through files using cursor pad keys.  Notice how the
         Right/Left cursor keys work.  And also notice that you can
         press "F" to "filter" out control characters.

         Press:          To:
         ===========     ===========================================

         Home/End        Move to the end/beginning of the file

         Down/Up         Move down/up 1 line (16 bytes)

         Right/Left      Shift the entire screen 1 byte right or left.
                         This can help isolate groups of values.

         PgUp/PgDn       Move down/up 1 page

         F               "Filter out" control characters.

                         When you press "F," PDT will "filter out"
                         control characters from the ASCII column --
                         replacing them with periods (.).  "Control
                         characters" are ASCII characters 0 - 31.

                         This is handy if you want to press Print Screen
                         to copy the screen to your printer.  If you
                         don't filter (strip out) control characters,
                         your printer may ACT on them rather than print
                         them.  For example, ASCII 12 tells most
                         printers to eject the page (a form-feed).
                                                                     


                                                                    4.28


         Calculator                              F8;  Options/Calculator
         

         Press F8 to pop up PDT's calculator.  PDT will turn on
         NUMLOCK so you can enter numbers on the numeric keypad.

         One use for the calculator is to determine the Hexadecimal
         value of a Decimal number.  Just enter the decimal number,
         then press H to see its Hex equivalent.  But you can't do
         the reverse  you can't enter a Hex number and get it's
         decimal equivalent.

         PDT will display Hexadecimal values in contrasting colors.
         Just press a key to restore the decimal value and resume.


         Configure                                     Options/Configure
         

         Select this option to "customize" PDT to your liking.  See
         Appendix III for details.


         Registration                               Options/Registration
         

         This option simply displays the name of the registered user
         of the program you're using.

         When you order PDT from us, or when you run Install.Exe, your
         name, address and phone number are embedded in PDT.

         This option lets you (or us) quickly determine who licensed
         the copy you're using.


                                                                       


                                                                    4.29


         The HELP Menu
         

           file  edit  search  block  define  options  HELP  (F1)
                                      Ŀ
                                       Introduction & Features      
                                       Getting Help                 
                                       Using the Menus              
                                       Summary of Commands          
                                       Using a Mouse                
                                       Installing & Customizing PDT 
                                      Ĵ
                                       To Order, or To Get Support  
                                      Ĵ
                                       Browse through PDT.Ref       
                                      


         To get help, press F1 almost anytime.  Or pull down the Help
         menu, highlight an option, and then either:

          * Press F1.  PDT will display 1 or more help screens, and
            then return to the Help menu.  Just select another topic,
            or press <Esc> to exit the Help menu, or select a different
            menu.

          * Or press <cr>.  PDT will display the same screens it would
            have if you pressed F1.  But when you're done, it will exit
            the Help menu.

                                                                       

                                                                   A.1.1
         

         APPENDIX I:  PDT Supports Many Types of Fields

         
         
         If PDT knows the "type" of each field, it:

          * Displays the value of fields as you move from field-to-field.

          * Lets you press F6 (Edit Field) (or select Continuous Edit) to
            edit fields.  This option is especially useful when editing
            "packed" numeric fields (except in EBCDIC files).

            The discussion of the EDIT menu has details on Edit Field.

         Here's a summary of the many field types PDT supports.  Note
         that field-type symbols are UPPER CASE for dBASE files and
         lower case for non-dBASE files.

          dBASE Field Types      Non-dBASE Field Types 

         Use This  For This Type  Field    Use This  For This Type  Field
          Symbol     of Field     Width     Symbol     of Field     Width
                     

            C      Character        ?         c      Character        ?
            N      Numeric          ?         t      Tiny Integer     1
            L      Logical          1         i      Integer          2
            M      Memo            10         l      Long Integer     4
            D      Date             8         s      Single MS        4
            F      Floating Point   ?         j      Single IEEE      4
            G      General         10         d      Double MS        8
            P      Picture         10         k      Double IEEE      8
                                              $      Currency         8
                                              b      Binary Byte      1
                                              g      Binary Integer   2
                                              o      Column binary    2
                                              p      Packed BCD right/left ?
                                              a      Packed BCD left/right ?

          TIPS & NOTES Ŀ
                                                                      
           In the non-dBASE list, note the s/j and d/k pairs  indi- 
           cating Microsoft (MS) versus IEEE formats, respectively.   
         
           

         In the tables above, "Field Width" indicates how many characters
         or columns each field can have  and how many bytes PDT reads
         to determine and display field values.  "Character fields" (and
         dBASE numeric fields) are "?" wide  they vary in width.  But
         other fields have fixed widths.

         So, for example, while Integers range from -32768 to +32767 (or
         0 to 65535), they are stored in 2 bytes.  Suppose you declare
         field #1 as an INTEGER field, and then move, say, 3-4 columns
         right and define field #2.  PDT will ONLY read the first 2
         bytes of field #1  since it's an integer field.           


                                                                   A.1.2


         Some of the non-dBASE fields PDT supports might not be familiar.
         So we'll describe a few of them here.


         Binary Byte Fields and Binary Integer Fields
         

         Suppose a 1-byte field contained "0".  One could interpret this
         "0" as:  1) Character "0";  2) The number 0; 3) 48 ("0" is ASCII
         character 48) or 30 (hex); or 4) In binary form, as 00110000.

         Each "byte" (each character) in files can be represented, in
         binary form, as EIGHT 0s and 1s  called "bits."  A bit is
         either on (1) or off (0) -- which makes binary (or bit encoded)
         fields very useful for storing simple On/Off or True/False
         information.  And binary fields can be used to "pack" several
         bits of information into a single byte.  For example, suppose
         we ask people:  Which types of ICE CREAM do you like?

              1. Vanilla       2. Chocolate    3. Strawberry
              4. Mocha Fudge   5. Rocky Road   6. Chocolate Chip Mint

         Rather than store 6 possible responses (and consume 6 bytes of
         data space) for EACH respondent, ALL answers to this question can
         be stored in 1 byte!  Suppose you selected options 2, 5 and 6.
         Your "score" would be  (Note: bits are numbered RIGHT-to-LEFT!):

                     Bit #:    87654321  (sometimes numbered 76543210)
                               
            Your Responses:    00110010  1 off
                                2 ON
                                   3 & 4 off
                                  5 & 6 ON
                                 7 & 8 off


         Note that when saved to disk, this pattern of bits would be
         saved as "2".

         You would use PDT's Binary BYTE data type to read 1-byte
         (1-character) binary fields like this one.  PDT would show
         "values" as eight 0s and 1s.

         Use the Binary INTEGER data type to read 2-byte (2-character)
         binary fields.  PDT will shows their values as strings of
         sixteen 0s and 1s.

                                                                       


                                                                   A.1.3


         Column Binary Fields (a special case of 2-byte binary fields)
         

         Like Binary Integer fields, Column Binary fields are 2 bytes
         wide.  But, Column Binary fields differ from Binary Integer
         fields in 3 important ways:

          1. The bytes are reversed -- which PDT handles automatically!

          2. The "bits" are numbered LEFT-to-RIGHT (not right-to-left).

          3. The order in which successive #s appear is, to put it
             mildly, unusual.  Specifically:

                           Byte 1         |         Byte 2
          Bit #:   1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8 | 1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8
                   ======================  =======================
          Values:        &  -  0  1  2  3         4  5  6  7  8  9

             Notice that the value "1" appears in the 6th bit of byte
             #1 (00000100; in normal binary numbers "1" would appear as
             00000001).  The value "9" would be represented by the 8th
             bit in byte #2 on (all other bits off).  BUT, to represent
             the value "10," we jump back to byte #1 and turn on bit #5
             (all other bits off).

             NOTE:  According to IBM's "360/370 Column Binary - A Techni-
             cal Explanation," bits 1 and 2 of either byte may NEVER be
             on "... since there are no valid punches for those positions."


         Packed Decimal (or BCD) Fields
         

         Consider the number:  700533.  If stored in character form it
         would consume 6 bytes of space -- for every record in the file.
         BCD numbers, however, "pack" 2 digits into a single byte, cutting
         by 1/2 the space needed to store many numbers.  And BCD numbers
         can store HUGE or TINY (fractional) numbers that are far greater
         (or smaller) than the numeric data types offered by many program-
         ming languages  without the "rounding" or "truncation" errors
         of these other numeric formats.

         The key to BCD numbers is that all 256 ASCII characters (0-255)
         can be referred to by a TWO-digit HEXADECIMAL number.  "A," for
         example, is ASCII character 41 [hex]; "#" is 23 [hex], etc.  So,
         to "pack" any number, one simply reads every 2 digits of the
         number, and stores the ASCII character corresponding to those
         2 digits.  For example:  1) "70" is stored as "p" (ASCII char-
         acter 70 [hex]); 2) 700533 is stored as "35p" (ASCII characters
         33, 05 (5 means ASCII 5) and 70 [hex], in RIGHT-to-LEFT format!).

          * Some argue that "standard" BCD numbers are 10 bytes wide and
            are unpacked RIGHT-to-LEFT.

          * But we've found (and PDT therefore supports) BCD numbers from
            1 to 36 bytes,  in both LEFT-to-RIGHT and RIGHT-to-LEFT form.  

                                                                   A.2.1
         

         APPENDIX II:  Creating Structure Files Outside PDT

         

         Structure files define the structure of files:  record length,
         field type and length, etc..  If PDT knows a file's structure:

          * It displays records and fields in logical rows and columns.

          * It displays the "values" of fields, and lets you edit fields,
            even fields stored in "packed" form (except in EBCDIC files).

          * It can display field names both at the top of each file
            window, and at the bottom of your screen.

          * You can tab from field-to-field to easily view or edit fields.

          * You can turn on Continuous Field Edit and PDT automatically
            tabs from field-to-field, scoops up whatever is there, then
            presents it to you for editing  in safe, buffered mode.

         A structure file is a simple ASCII file that MUST be stored in
         PDT's special sub-directory:  PDT.DIR.  The easiest way to create
         or edit structure files is by using PDT.  But you may use any
         editor or word processor  structure files are easy to create.

         NOTE:  When PDT saves structure files, it adds a column indicat-
         ing the WIDTH of each field.  This can help you create "types,"
         "records" or "structures" in various programming languages.  You
         do NOT have to add the Width column to structure files.

         Here's what a structure file looks like.  This is part of the
         structure file we included with PDT:  SAMPLE_2.STR.

                 PDT.STRUCTURE   Do NOT move or change this line! 
                    257  <Header Size
                     80  <Record Size
                 EBCDIC  <Data Type
                      1 , C , Deleted Record Flag
                      2 , C , FIRST_NAME
                     12 , C , LAST_NAME
                     26 , C , ADDRESS

         Lines 1 - 4 are REQUIRED.  They MUST be in the order and format
         shown.  And there must be NO blank lines before them, or between
         any 2 lines in structure files.

          1.  The 1st line is PDT's "signature line."  PDT looks for
              this line to ensure that you don't overwrite your data
              files (since structure files are often saved with the
              same name as data files).

              If you try to edit an existing structure file, and PDT
              can't find this signature line, it may refuse to save the
              structure.
                                                        continued . . .
                                                                        

                                                                   A.2.2


          2.  The 2nd line defines how long the file "header" is.  If
              a file has no header, enter:  0 <Header Size.  In other
              words, this line MUST be there.

              "Headers" tell programs about a file's record and field
              structure.  Headers aren't data.  So by specifying a
              Header Size, you tell PDT not to display the first "###"
              bytes of a file.

              
          3.  Line #3 defines the logical record length of each line of
              data (excluding the header).  For example, if records are
              689 bytes long, enter:   689 <Record Size


          4.  Line #4 must read ASCII <Data Type or EBCDIC <Data Type.

              Enter EBCDIC only if your data file is in EBCDIC format.
              When you open this data file, PDT automatically turns on
              EBCDIC-to-ASCII view mode  letting you view the file
              in easier-to-understand (and edit) ASCII.  If your file
              is NOT in EBCDIC format, using EBCDIC here will result
              in screens-full of garbage.


          5.  Line 5 through the last line in structure files define
              each "field" in a record.  Each line has 3 sections:

              - Which column the field starts in.
              - What "type" of field it is (see Appendix I for details).
              - The name of the field.

              Notice you don't have to tell PDT how wide each field is.
              PDT calculates this based on the fields' starting columns.

              The field name is optional.  If you include it, PDT can
              show you which field you're in as you move around.

              These 3 sections MUST be separated by 2 (and only 2)
              commas.  And you MUST NOT use commas inside any section.
              For example, this line is illegal:

                            1,493, C, Comment Field

              Notice the 3 commas, not two, with the errant comma in
              "1,493."  This line should read:  1493, C, Comment Field

          TIPS & NOTES Ŀ
                                                                      
          PDT treats the first byte of files as byte #1.  In some pro-
          gramming languages, the first byte in files is numbered 0.  
          For example, a 250 byte header is in bytes 1-250, not 0-249.
         
            

                                                                   A.3.1
         

         APPENDIX III:   Customizing PDT 

         

         You may change (customize) many things that affect how PDT
         runs.  To customize PDT:

          * Pull down the Options menu by pressing alt-O.

          * Select the Configure option (press "F" <cr> or click Left
            on Configure).

          * Select the options you prefer, then press <Esc> when you're
            done.  For many choices to take effect, you must exit PDT
            (press ctrl-X) and re-start it.


         The Configuration menu looks like this.  Note the letters in
         parentheses near the left edge.  To select options, EITHER
         press the letter you see in parentheses, or click Left on a
         line.  In either case, the right side of the menu will change
         to reflect your choice.

               Ŀ
                 (S) Screen Rows: 25, 43, 50, Automatic : 25  
                                                              
                 (C) Color, Monochrome or Automatic     :  A  
                                                              
                 (E) Default to EBCDIC ON?    Y=Yes/N=No:  N  
                                                              
                 (D) Default to Edit ON?             Y/N:  N  
                                                              
                 (F) Default to Display Fields ON?   Y/N:  N  
                                                              
                 (A) Ask before File Change or Exit? Y/N:  Y  
                                                              
                 (R) Default Record Size C=<CR> W=Window:  C  
                                                              
                 (X) <Escape> means Exit or Chr(27)  C/E:  E  
                                                              
                 (O) File sort Order     (E, N, S, D, A):  E  
                   
               Click Left on option or press S/C/E/D/F/A/R/X/O
                 Most changes become effective next session.  
               

         Notice that two options ("Screen Rows" and "Color or Monochrome")
         have "Automatic" options.  If "A" appears to the right of these
         options, whenever you run it, PDT will detect the type of monitor
         you're using and will then automatically:

          - Display things in color (on color monitors), or in combina-
            tions of white and black (on monochrome or Hercules monitors).

          - Use the highest number of rows your monitor allows (25 - 50).


         We'll describe each option beginning on the next page.  
                                                                          

                                                                   A.3.2

         PDT is "Self-Modifying"
         

         Once you choose options in the Configuration menu, PDT saves
         your preferences to itself (ie., to PDT.EXE).  Many choices
         will NOT become effective until the NEXT TIME you run PDT.

         Because PDT changes itself, it's known as a "self-modifying"
         program.  Some virus-protection programs object to executable
         programs modifying themselves.  They do this to prevent viruses
         from infecting your programs.

          * Many virus-protection utilities will alert you when program
            files (EXE/COM files) are about to be modified.  Most will
            ask you if they should allow the modification to continue.

          * Answer "YES, allow modifications" when PDT runs.  PDT must
            be able to modify itself to save options you've selected.


         Press: To Select:                             PDT will display:
         
         
          (S)   Screen Rows: 25, 43, 50, Automatic       25, 43, 50,  A

                Discussed above:  How many screen rows, and, therefore
                how much information, PDT displays.


          (C)   Color, Monochrome or Automatic                C,  M,  A

                Discussed above:  Whether PDT displays things in color
                or black and white.  Users of laptop computers with
                monochrome screens might find it easier to read the
                screen if the "M"onochrome option is selected here.


          (E)   Default to EBCDIC View ON?      Y=Yes, N=No       Y,  N

                If you'll never work with EBCDIC files (described
                elsewhere), be sure this option is set to No.  PDT
                offers two ways to turn EBCDIC view mode on or off.

                - Here, you can set it permanently.  If you turn it ON
                  here, PDT will assume EVERY file you open is an EBCDIC
                  file.  It will dynamically translate files and display
                  them in ASCII.

                - The Options menu also has an EBCDIC view mode option.
                  Using that option, you can open 1-4 files, and then
                  selectively turn EBCDIC view ON or OFF for each file.

          TIPS & NOTES Ŀ
          As we've mentioned, this version of PDT correctly translates
          EBCDIC characters  but NOT packed numeric fields!         
         
            


                                                                   A.3.3


         Press: To Select:                             PDT will display:
         
         
          (D)   Default to Edit ON?             Y=Yes, N=No       Y,  N

                By default, when you open a file Edit Mode is
                OFF.  To have Edit Mode turned on every time you
                open file, set the default to ON (or Yes) here.

                WARNING:  When edit mode is ON, changes you make
                to files are immediately saved to disk.  So it's
                safest to leave this option set to OFF, and turn
                Edit mode ON only when needed (press ctrl-E).


          (F)   Default to Display Fields ON?   Y=Yes, N=No       Y,  N

                When working in data files, it's helpful to know which
                field the cursor is in.  PDT can show you the field
                names in two ways.

                First, on the bottom line of your screen PDT displays
                "Field: ".  As you move from field-to-field,
                "" changes to show the name of the field you're in.

                Second, if you turn Display Fields ON, PDT also displays
                field names at the top of the edit window.  Here we can
                display several field names at once, helping you see
                what's coming next, and what's behind the cursor.

                PDT gives you 2 ways to turn Display Fields ON.

                - If you'll always want it on, select Yes here.

                - Or you can open a file and press ctrl-D
                  (Display Fields) to toggle this on or off.


          (A)   Ask before File Change or Exit?   Y=Yes, N=No     Y,  N

                We've emphasized that PDT is very powerful, and that
                it immediately saves to disk the changes you make.

                But, when you're about to make major changes, (like
                deleting a block), PDT normally asks you if you want
                to proceed.

                If you want PDT to instantly do what you ask, select
                "No" for this option (Don't ask me).  Then, if you
                ask to delete a file or a block, it's gone.

                                                                       


                                                                   A.3.4


         Press: To Select:                             PDT will display:
         
         
          (R)   Default Record Size           C=<CR> W=Window     C,  W

                "Record size" refers to how long logical lines are in a
                file.  And this, in turn, affects your "view" of files
                 how PDT displays files before it "wraps" a line to
                the next row on your screen.

                - If you open dBASE files, or files for which you've
                  created a "structure file," PDT automatically
                  sets the record size based on the information
                  stored in the dBASE or structure file.

                  But if you open non-dBASE files (and you haven't
                  created a structure file), this option determines
                  how PDT sets the default record size.  This, in
                  turn, affects your "view" of the file.

                - If this option reads "W," PDT sets the record size
                  to the width of the window you're opening (78 for
                  full-width, horizontal screens).

                  If this option reads "C," PDT scans files you open
                  for the first Carriage Return (CR, Chr$(13) or
                  Line Feed (LF, Chr$(10)).  If PDT finds one of
                  these characters, it sets record size to that
                  length.  This is ideal if you work with fixed-
                  length data files, AND each record ends in a CR/LF.


          (X)   <Escape> Means Exit or Chr(27)                    C,  E

                This option lets you tell PDT whether pressing Escape
                should mean:  1) Exit to DOS; or 2) Enter ASCII char-
                acter 27  the Escape character  as a valid character.

                The latter option (Esc = 27) is useful when editing
                printer codes or other data where character 27 is valid.
                You could enter Chr(27) by pressing F7 (Ascii chart),
                selecting character 27, then pressing <cr>.  But tel-
                ling PDT that Escape is a valid character lets you
                simply press Escape to enter character 27  which is
                easier and faster than doing so via the ASCII chart.


          (O)   Default File SORT ORDER                   E, N, S, D, A

                When you select OPEN FILE, PDT displays a list of files
                in the current directory.  While viewing this list, you
                can press a key to change how files are sorted.  The
                option here lets you select the default sort order:

                    - (E)xtension      - (N)ame        - (S)ize
                    - (D)ate           - (A)ttribute                  

                                                                   A.4.1
         

         APPENDIX IV:  Tips; Salvaging Damaged Data Files

         
         
         Exploring or Determining File Structures
         

         To determine a file's structure, open it and move the cursor to
         row 1, column 1.  Now look for two or three types of patterns.

         First, look for a file header.  Its pattern often differs from
         the pattern of data records.  For example, in the example below
         notice the capitalized field names followed by symbols.  This
         is followed by a different pattern of names, addresses, etc.

         13\^X  OO               FIRST_NAME  C    0       LAST_NAME  ^
                   ADDRESS  C   k          CITY  C   C             STAT
            ZIP    C    ,           Kim       Johnson       3300 South 1
               CO 31002 (714) 525-9933    Dennis    Avery         127 Ea

         As a "rough guess" of the header's length, move the cursor to
         the space before the "K" in "Kim."  Press ctrl-H, ctrl-Enter.
         PDT will treat everything above that point as the header.

         Next, determine the record length.  Again, look for patterns.
         For example, notice the first names here:  Kim and Dennis.  For
         a "rough guess" of the record length, use PDT's "mark block"
         option.  Put your cursor on the "K" in Kim, press ctrl-B, then
         move down and right.  As you mark the block, in the lower left
         corner of the edit window, PDT shows you how many bytes you've
         marked.  When you reach the space before "Dennis" press ctrl-L
         and enter the number of bytes PDT says you've marked.

          * If your data doesn't leap into proper view, press F10 or F9
            to adjust record length up or down by 1.  This can cause the
            data to swing into view.  Press F4 to save a structure file.

          TIPS & NOTES Ŀ
                                                                      
          When determining Record Length, watch for DIAGONAL patterns.
          Diagonal patterns like those below indicate that this file  
          has fixed-length records, AND the record size isn't right.  
                                                                      
          ...........xxxxxxxxxxx-**********^^^^####!!!!!!@@@@@
          @@@@@...........xxxxxxxxxxx-**********^^^^####!!!!!!
          !!!!@@@@@...........xxxxxxxxxxx-**********^^^^####!!
         
           

         Salvaging Damaged Data Files
         

         Registered users receive the PDT Tool Kit.  It's on-disk manual
         includes a section on repairing damaged data files.  The Tool
         Kit also contains Fix_DBF.Hdr and Fix_DBF.Fld, two structure
         files which are handy to inspect or repair dBASE files. They
         let you examine the Header or the Field Structure, respectively.  

                                                                   A.5.1
         

         APPENDIX V:  Error Messages

         
         
         We try to prevent errors from disrupting your work.  For example,
         we check to see if there's enough room on the disk when you try
         to copy or expand files.  And, unless you tell us NOT to ask
         your permission before overwriting files, we'll tell you when
         you're about to do so.
         

         Most errors will likely be DOS errors like DISK or FILE errors:

          * You try to write to an unformatted disk.

          * You try to read from a floppy disk with the drive door open.

          * A disk is damaged and can't be read or written to.

          * You tell PDT to read the structure of a dBASE file, but
            it's not a dBASE file.


         In most cases, PDT will stop and tell you an error occurred.
         If you can, fix the error and try again.


         Other errors might be fatal  PDT will abort.  Frankly we've
         never seen this happen.  But it's possible.

         Ŀ
                                                                      
           If a FATAL error occurs, or if an error occurs repeatedly, 
           PLEASE let us know.  Describe exactly what you were doing, 
           what happened, and what error number or message appeared   
           (if any).  We'll be glad to fix any errors or bugs we can. 
                                                                      
           For a fast response to the problem, call:  (415) 863-0530. 
                                                                      
         
           
                                                                       

                                        To Order
          ==================================================================

          Because we offer so many programs, our order form has 2 pages.

           * THIS PAGE lists our programs and the per-copy cost of each.
             Please read CATALOG.Txt for a description of each program.

           * THE NEXT PAGE is the actual order form.

             - On the next page, fill in the name of each program you're
               ordering.  PLEASE BE CAREFUL here and use the names listed
               below.  If we're not sure which program you're ordering,
               we may have to return you're order.

             - If ordering by Visa or MasterCard, fill in the section
               for credit card orders.  BE SURE TO SIGN it.

            Program Name                                          Per Copy
            ==============================================================
            Multi-Print      $19 if ordered w/ ANY other program  $29/$19

            Font Pak "Pro"   Programmer's Fonts & Mouse Shapes      $49

            PDT              The Pro~Formance Data Tool            $139
            PDT Tool Kit     (FREE when you order PDT!)             $39

            inform-Z         Professional Forms Design/Database     $29

            Mail Call        With MC Express                        $29

            Pro~Scribe & PS Express                                 $29

            P~F Presents     Professional                           $79

            P-Screen Professional                                   $49
                "    Plus                                           $29

            Pro~Stamp        Stamp Collection Manager               $29

            Ram-Man          RAM-resident Text File Browser         $19

            Sparkle AND Menu Magic                                  $29

            The Survey Catalyst                                    $395

          =================================================================
          PACKAGE DISCOUNTS  Call about quantity discounts & site licenses.
          =================================================================
            THE WORKS!  One of each program (except The Catalyst)  $299
            inform-Z AND Mail Call                                  $59
            P-Screen Pro AND P~F Presents  (Pro versions of both)   $99
                                                                          

     ============================= TO  ORDER  =============================

     For FASTEST delivery of your programs, CALL with a Visa/MC card number.
     Our e-mail address is:  Rob-Smetana@Worldnet.Att.Net


     F __________________________________________   M    Rob W. Smetana
                                                         Pro~Formance
     R __________________________________________   A T  132 Alpine Terrace
                                                         San Francisco, CA
     O __________________________________________   I O      94117
                                                         (415) 863-0530
     M __________________________________________   L
                                                         Make checks payable
     Phone (     ) ______-________ Date ___/___/___      to:  Rob W. Smetana

     =======================================================================
                           For Visa or MasterCard Orders
     =======================================================================

     Credit Card Number:  ________________________________  Expires: ___|___

     Signature (Required for credit card orders): __________________________

     Be sure your name at the top matches how it appears on your credit card.

     ============================================================ pdt 3.2c =

     Name of Program or "Package"         # of Copies  Price/Copy    Total

     =======================================================================

     Multi-Print ($19 if ordered /w other pgm) _____  x  $19/$29 =  $_______

     _____________________________________  ________  x  ______  =  $_______

     _____________________________________  ________  x  ______  =  $_______

     =======================================================================

     Shipping & Handling: Total Number
     of Programs (and Copies)  ----->>   _____@ $4/copy (US/Canada) $ ______
                                         _____@ $8/copy (Elsewhere)
     =============================+=========================================
                                  |                     Subtotal  $ ________
      INTERNATIONAL ORDERS: : :   |
                                  |    CA. residents, add 8.5% tax $ _______
      * US funds only please.     +-----------------------+-----------------
      * Money order, check drawn a                        |
        US bank, or VISA/MasterCard                       |TOTAL  $ ________
     =====================================================+=================

     PLEASE tell us where you got your copy of our program? _______________
     This helps us learn the best way to get new programs to you.  And feel
     free to write comments and suggestions on the other side.   Thank you.
                                                                       
