Figure 1-1 Data Flask
Figure 1-1 Data Flask
| Introductory Tutorial | |
| Documents, Dialogs, Toolbars, Menus | |
| Spreadsheet Document (Dfg File) | |
| Data Reading and Writing | |
| Formulas, Macros, Automation (Dfb File) | |
| Command Line and History | |
| Error Messages | |
| Registered Version Tools and Features | |
| Tutorials and Samples |
Data Flask is a spreadsheet program designed to support data authoring and migration. Data sources can range from simple text files, to remote SQL servers.
Once loaded into Data Flask, information can be viewed and modified using a common editing and automation interface. Like a traditional spreadsheet program, data imported into a Data Flask document (.dfg file) is an independent, disconnected copy of the data from the data source. Data is exported back to the data source with the explicit use of the Write Data command.
Unlike a traditional spreadsheet, Data Flask retains metadata (external), including column type, primary key identifiers, indexes and data link information. Boolean data types can appear as a checkbox, date columns have a calendar button, binary columns have a [hexadecimal] aware editor.
Data flask supports links to fully featured databases through the OleDb Agent. The Desktop Agent supports Ansi and Unicode text files through file, ftp and http (read-only). Agents are .exa files responsible for importing and exporting data. Data flask comes standard with the Desktop and OleDb agent. Look for new Agents to be added either by Interscape, or a third party.
Non-data columns can be added, allowing you to work with temporary, or formulaic columns that will not be introduced into external data.
Document features familiar to database users include Copy, Sort, Group, Join, and Filter. Updating is supported in the Join feature. These features are independent of the external database the documents may link to.
Data Flask integrates Visual Basic Script, using it for formulas, in a command line, and script macros. The script editor supports context aware language and object lists (Intellisense) to aid coding. As you modify the Data Flask document, script is written to the command line so that it may be re-used in the command line, or copied into the script editor. For security, vbscript formulas are not active when Data Flask is first installed, and formulas are kept in a separate .dfb document.
Miscellaneous features include toolbar and keyboard hotkey customization, external automation support, and the ability to run as a tray icon.
Do the Crash Course tutorial to familiarize yourself with the program. Browse through the contents of this help file. Experiment with the remaining tutorials.
Data
Flask Copyright © 2006 Interscape
Corporation