"MaBase" is a database management software for iPad and Android tablets. It uses the SQL typology and allows:
- to create one or many databases
- to create within each database one or more files
- to create files in these files, to document them, to correct them
- to select cards on a search criterion
- to edit this selection in the form of listings or tables
- to export these listings or tables by e-mail or other method according to the possibilities offered by each system
- to import a file from a desktop
- to export a local file in different formats
Remember the following principles:
each database can hold an unlimited number of files
each file can contain an unlimited number of records
each form can contain an unlimited number of fields (here called "fields")
each field can contain an unlimited number of characters
The only limitation is the memory available on the device used.
To begin...
The first thing to do is to create the database that you want to document and use. To do this, touch the "Manage Databases" button, and use the "Create a Database" function. Provide the name of the database to create.
>>> This name should only contain lowercase unaccented letters, or numbers.
The second thing to do is to create the first file you want to use. To do this, touch the button "Create a file in the Database". Then follow the instructions in the operating manual of the "CREATE A FILE" module (button "User's Guide").
Once this first file was saved, we could go back to the main menu (with the "Home" button) and open the newly created file with the drop-down menu of the "Access a file from the Base" button.
>>> When accessing the file for the first time, it is obviously an empty form that opens in the input module. You can then follow the instructions of the user manual of this module (button "User's Guide").
About the location of the databases
The databases created by "MaBase" are saved in different places depending on the system:
on iPad (iOS) tablets, they are saved in the "Documents" folder located in the application itself. This folder can be accessed with the "iTunes" software.
Warning: on iPad, if you remove the MaBase software, the databases will be lost. Do not delete the software before an update.
On Android systems, the Databases are saved in the "Documents" folder of the tablet, accessible by the "My Documents" application (virtual address: "storage / emulated / 0 / Documents"). They are therefore stored outside the software.
Other functions
- The "Try" button
The "Try" button is used to test the software with an integrated database called "Exemple". This database contains three files:
• a "CONTACTS" file which gives the example of a small address book and associated functions
• a file "LISTE_DEP" which gives the list of French departments with card in the first 5 cards.
• and a RDN file concerning the typology of some Republican money moneys in Rome, with a thumbnail in the first 5 records.
>>> This typological file comes from the "Dictionnaire des monnaies découvertes en Gaule méditerranéenne (530-27 av. notre ère)" published by Michel Feugère and Michel Py.
These files can be consulted freely and in particular, in the illustration field of the "RDN" file, the link with photographs available on the Internet.
>>> These sample files can not be modified or deleted.
- Setting the language
The language in which the software works is adjustable with the button with a green arrow, located at the top left.
This button opens a drop-down menu allowing you to choose between French, English and Spanish.
>>> Note that the names of databases, files, and file topics are not translated.
- Help button
In the various modules of "MyBase", it is possible to obtain an identification of the functions of the main buttons by touching the "Help" lamp to light it, and then touching the button on which information is desired.
- Button "Instructions for use"
This button opens this help.
- "Web" button
Opens the internal browser for My Base.
- "Notes" button
Opens a page of notes used to record remarks you want to keep. These notes are independent of the databases. They are stored:
• On iPad: in the software folder itself.
Warning: on iPad, if you remove the Mabase software, the notes will be lost. Do not remove the software before an update.
• On Android: in the "Documents" folder of the tablet. In this configuration, the notes are independent of the software.
- "Update" button
>>> On Android only.
Updates the sample files and help pages of the built-in manual. This operation is only necessary after an update of the software.
- "Quit" button
Quit the MaBase software.