Build Applications Using SQL Statements

The primary focus of the AppMaker software has been to allow the developer to create feature rich software for their end users.  Each end user can modify their data views to group or sort based on their needs.  AppMaker saves these views and automatically applies them when the user next visits the screen.  We have been very careful to give users many options while still not allowing them to break the pre-set rules defined by the database administrator or database author.

• Multi-user data entry loaded with practical features.
• PDF reports built automatically.
• Drag & Drop to Excel.
• Custom Crystal Reports can be added.
• Build Form Letter applications.
• Build scheduling applications using the built in calendar. Schedule people or resources.
• Build image document management applications.
• Build office applications integrating Word/Excel.
• Complete company branding.
• Practical, fast, safe, secure, solid, and extendable.

AppMaker has other abilities that have been created with the database author in mind. These features are not revealed to the end users. We include a full-blown SQL Query Builder to assist with building your SQL Statements, or for less experienced developers, we include an application-building wizard.

How Do You Build an AppMaker Application?

It’s easy.  You first define your database tables (within MS Access), or use an existing database.  Then you log into the AppMaker software with a user name of “System” and enter a series of Main Catalog SQL Statements (i.e. SELECT * FROM MyTable).  You then group these statements and assign icons to give you a two level, Outlook style interface.  Next you define your secondary tables (Sub Catalogs – typically the “many side” of your “one-to-many” relationships) and attach them to the tab pages of the Main Catalogs (for example, if a record in your Main Catalog contains Order information, a tab page may contain Order Details).  The remaining tables needed are validation tables (Pick Catalogs) and are attached to any other field in your database that requires validation and/or selection.  All of the Pick Catalog values are suggested as you type.  In the end, you have a series of SQL statements that define your database to the AppMaker software.

You can go back and change your database at any time.  Adding new fields or tables is not a problem for AppMaker; just regenerate and your application will be updated.  There is no need to update any of your workstations since the software meta data is stored in your database.

After your database is constructed, you will want to apply various Cell Formats to your data fields.  Cell Formats include:

• Full feature text, numeric, and date masking.
• International numeric and date masks.
• Pop up calculators.
• Numeric spinner with maximum and minimum parameters.
• Embedded or linked images.
• Linked files.
• Rich text editor (internal data is HTML) for memo fields.
• Password formatting.
• A full featured color picker.
• OLE data (Word or Excel data stored in a memo field).

Security settings are also applied from within the AppMaker software.  Each catalog can be generated to support any of Add, Edit, or Delete.  As well, setting check boxes for Display Only, No Change, and Mandatory Input, can further refine individual data element edits.

This is, in essence, how to build your AppMaker database application.  You may not be interested in building a new application, just interested in using or extending the pre-built sample databases.  This is not a problem.  You are welcome to use the software however it best meets your needs.

Additional Features:

• Includes a scheduling tool that can optionally be used in your database.  Create date driven views (monthly, weekly, and daily; 7 in total).  You have the ability to schedule resources or people.  The schedule can be applied to any table that contains a date.  Further capabilities can be enabled if time and duration data is present.
• Includes a built in word processor (including spell checking and thesaurus) allowing you to edit memo fields and transparently store the data in web ready format (HTML) in your database.
• Filtering can be used with all view types; and, filtering values are saved and reapplied when revisiting the data view.
• Context sensitive help (bubble-help and context sensitive F1-key). You can create use own integrated help file, or supply help strings to be displayed on the application’s status bar.
• The application splash screen and “about box” is fully customizable using our built in editor. No programming is required.
• Any existing database (MS Access, SQL Server, MySQL, or any ADO data source) can be used.  AppMaker will automatically create edit screens based on the fields in the data source.  The order that the fields are listed in your SQL Statement is the order that the fields will appear in your edit screens.
• A database may be imported at any stage of its development.  Additions, changes or deletions of fields or tables may be made at any time in the development process.
• Edit screens are created in real-time; therefore, any new fields will automatically be inserted onto the edit screen without requiring re-development.
• Integration with Crystal Reports.  If you own Crystal Reports you can create your own reports and have them launched from within AppMaker.
• Extensive color formatting capabilities are provided and may be used to identify special needs data.  (Example, bold new items).

If you would like more information on West Heaven’s AppMaker, please leave a reply with any specific questions.