Neblog

Questions frequently arise in forums about how FlashBASIC works. So I thought I’d summarize it here.

First, a primer on compilation and object code in general

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A question came up in comp.databases.pick that asked how we could use a pre-defined set of values in a D3 query. For example: SORT CUSTOMERS WITH STATE "AZ" "CA" "NM" "OR" … but getting the state codes dynamically. Sure, we can do that, using shell variables.

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A recent forum posting said the D3 Reference Manual is "confused" about which %functions are for Unix and which are for Windows. I have a lot of comments on this topic but with just a couple minor exceptions I disagree with the statement that the doc is really "confused" anymore.

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Even after years many Pick people aren’t quite sure how atb7 or 8 work, they just put something one place, then the other, and if it works they leave it until they find out it doesn’t work for some new purpose. Here is how they work.

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The following is some great information posted to the Raining Data web forum by Robert Burke, their new Technical Support Director. I’ve posted it here verbatim for your benefit.

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Steven Dorst asked about setting D3 time from the host OS. Here are some notes about setting the OS or MV time from either environment.

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Over the years there seems to be continuing confusion on how the D3 OSFI works, and confusion with the similarly named FSI. In this first tip on this topic, I’ll provide a couple hints about how to use slashes and drive references, and some examples for use.

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I was just installing Norton AntiVirus 2006 from Symantec, and as I was setting up the Exclusion list of files to not scan I figured I’d share my list with you.

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