| If you've ever wanted to develop your own database | | | | creating the data fields as well as the rules for each |
| programs but don't have prior programming | | | | field. When you've finished filling out the data dictionary |
| experience, there is a software program that will allow | | | | you have two choices: Create the application (set up |
| you to rapidly develop a custom database without | | | | the user interface) via the templates or allow the |
| writing any code. Now I know that there are internet | | | | Clarion program to create it for you using the wizard |
| marketers out there who sell programs that claim to | | | | feature. The more instructions you provide to the data |
| do this. These programs are very inexpensive which | | | | dictionary, the more complete your final application will |
| makes them appealing. Unfortunately, they don't do a | | | | be. Once you've completed the application part, you |
| whole lot. Clarion for Windows, now at version 7 (there | | | | have the option to compile all of the source code |
| is also a clarion.net in development and near | | | | (written for you) into an executable. Depending upon |
| completion) provides you with the tools to create | | | | the complexity of your database, this only takes a few |
| unbelievably sophisticated relational database | | | | seconds on a Pentium 3 or 4 with an adequate |
| programs. Once compiled, you can distribute the | | | | amount of RAM. |
| finished product to anyone without having to pay a | | | | Now you can test what you've created. Add some |
| royalty fee. And I can tell you firsthand that the finished | | | | records to make sure that everything works as |
| program is not only small, but fast. You won't be | | | | planned. If you forget to add a field, it's quite simple to |
| waiting around for the program to load. | | | | return to the data dictionary and enter the new field. |
| The Clarion program has been around since DOS and | | | | With one click of a button, the program integrates the |
| has retained the same fundamental approach to | | | | field into the dictionary and then you can place the field |
| design throughout all those years. I was amazed that I | | | | into your application. Recompile and review. That's all |
| could read a book written over 10 years ago for | | | | there is to it. |
| version 1.5 and still learn how to add even more | | | | You also have the ability to add your own code to |
| functionality to my programs. The essence of Clarion | | | | specific areas called "embed points", giving you the |
| is the template driven code generator which | | | | ultimate control over how your program functions. |
| automates the creation of your application. These | | | | Clarion is a language that is relatively easy to learn, but |
| templates enable you to create the various browse | | | | if you get stuck, there is a worldwide community of |
| and update forms. In addition, there are many 3rd party | | | | what I would call "Clarion Masters" who can help you. |
| companies that specialize in developing templates with | | | | Developing database applications is immensely |
| new features or ones that enhance what is already | | | | rewarding, especially when using Clarion. If you are |
| supplied by Clarion. | | | | serious about creating software databases and want |
| Your database development begins with what is called | | | | to rapidly create distributable applications, consider |
| a data dictionary. This is where you store all the tables | | | | Clarion as your first choice. |
| to a program. Within each table you have access to | | | | |