In SYNC 3:1 James Cripps found Thomas B. Woods’ ZX Data Finder to be “the most economical program dedicated to the task of data handling” that he had seen.
While ZX Data-Finder is admittedly an outstanding program, it is surpassed by the ZX Pro/File. This new program has all the outstanding features of the earlier one plus more. It can store up to 10,890 characters in 16K RAM, yet even when filled to capacity, a given file can be brought to the screen in less than a second, according to the author’s claim. Since I have no way of measuring such short time periods, I can only report my own experience of “instant” retrieval of any file I seek.
Not only is Pro/File fast as a result of using machine code, it is efficient. A common trait of data base programs is the presetting of file format and length. Pro/File accepts files of various sizes in the same program without wasting memory.
The program has three major sections: a main menu; an add/edit menu; and a file/search menu.
The MAIN MENU allows: a report on the number of bytes available; switching to the ADD/EDIT MENU and the FILE SEARCH MENU; an AUTO SEARCH option to modify the MAIN MENU to display files (or portions of files) in an orderly fashion; a PRINT FORMAT option to modify the MAIN MENU and control the format of displayed listings; a report on the current status of such format; a SAVE function.
The ADD/EDIT MENU provides for: the symbol to designate the beginning of a file; a blinking cursor to indicate the line to receive input; typing in data; deletion of individual lines or files; closing the file.
The FILE SEARCH MENU features: the command itself; display of the file on the screen; copying the displayed file to the printer; returning the display to the first file matching the COMMAND; switching back to the ADD/EDIT MENU and to the MAIN MENU. How is data in memory retrieved? After entering a SEARCH command, the FILE SEARCH MENU is displayed, and it leads you through the process.
The program is designed to relate to the Memotech Centronics interface. However, it will work with the TS2040 printer by a minor program modification.
The manual that accompanies the program could serve as a model for all who write documentation. It is understandable, well-organized, and nicely printed and bound. It has four major parts: 1) the use of the program itself; 2) an explanation of how the program works in technical, but clear detail; 3) modifications to the program; 4) two appendices: a) a complete listing of the Basic used (with all variables listed separately), and b) a complete listing of the MC used with a well-written introduction to MC for the novice.
The author has reason for being so open about the details of how his program works. He desires to provide not only an excellent product, but also educational benefits through the manual. His hope that users will re-work and refine his programs as well as tailor them for other applications is demonstrated by his willingness to share all his work through true documentation. In the belief that the ZX Pro/File will generate a user interest of its own, Mr. Woods has announced a quarterly newsletter entitled Pro/File Updates to serve as a medium of exchange for “unusual and particularly useful applications” of this powerful, but friendly new program.