InfoQube IM - Community

Submitted by jimspoon on 2017/09/07 08:06

Sometimes I want to make a quick outline on a particular subject that I don't want to put in my "main" database - rather I want to create a new database in a folder containing files about that specific subject. In the past I have used Ecco for this purpose, but as I have lost familiarity with Ecco, I asked myself, why not use IQ?

So, with my main database open, I clicked on File > New > New Blank IQBase. I gave the new file a name and clicked Save button. I did not expect what happened next - my main database was closed, and the new file was opened in its place. I did not want my main database file to be closed. I thought that the File > New would open a second IQ window with the new database ready for data entry, but leaving open a window containing my main database. Seems like that's the way it ought to be.

Then I went down to the recent files list, and clicked on the name of my main database. Then I saw a splash screen - evidently re-opening the main database that was closed requires starting a whole new instance of IQ?

One other suggestion. It would be good if there were an option to open a new blank file, but opening immediately to a grid (grid source a Yes/No field like Inbox), so that I could outlining immediately without needing to create a new field and a new grid. Perhaps this could be a "quick outline" file option in addition the existing two options, "New Blank IQBase" and "New IQBase (with sample data)".

Comments

Jim,

Not disputing anything you said, but you of course can set up your own quick outline template. I've done this and use it quite a bit. One of the advantages is that you can set it up exactly to your preferences them save each outline to the appropriate folder.

Sorry if I"m stating the obvious.

I do find myself gravitating to having a separate database for each topic.

Wayne

Thanks Wayne! I've never created an infoqube database template before. If I click File > Open, and click the file type drop down box, I see the "Infoqube templates (.SNTemplate)" option. But how does one create a template? If click File > save As, I don't see "Infoqube Templates (.SNTemplate)" in the drop down option. I suppose one could just rename an sndb file to sntemplate?

Maybe I'm missing something but I just create a regular database named Template-1 etc. I set it up with the fields and grids I like to use. When I start a new database I open this pseudo-template file then immediately save it to the file name I want to use for that database.

During routine work, if I come up with something I want to use on all future databases, I open the "template" file, make the changes, and save the revised file so the changes will be automatically included in future databases.

I don't know if making it a formal template files makes any difference (couldn't find anything in the help file).

Wayne

You're correct here Wayne, template files are identical to regular files, so you can have a set of .sndb files and use them as template.

In v103, renaming them as .SNTemplate will have them shown under the File > New menu

Pierre_Admin

IQ Designer

Hi Jim and Wayne,

Thanks for this report

In v103

New: File > New: Now shows a list of template files. Looks up in the current folder and in the AppFiles folder
Fixed: File > New: Closed the current IQBase before opening the new one
Fixed: File > Save as: Added SNTemplate file type

Pierre_Admin

IQ Designer

Wow! Super cool !!

While you're at it, how about queries that operate across IQ databases?

[quote=jimspoon]

While you're at it, how about queries that operate across IQ databases?

[/quote]

A long shot... Sorry but more urgent things on my plate for now. More likely and I could work on it if there is interest, is a standalone multi-database search tool. I see it as a single Live-Search like UI

I use a single IQBase (as it is generally recommended...)

Pierre_Admin

IQ Designer

I wasn't really serious about the request, that's why I added the emojis!

But ... I can see possibilities. Single limited-purpose databases, located in the file system in the same locations as the other files related to that limited purpose. All files (including an iq database) related to that limited purpose in the same location. Also it would make it easier to share IQ content with others, the small IQ database could be sent to others, perhaps along with a "read-only" or limited version of IQ. The small database could be used almost as a "document". But if one uses IQ in this way it would also be good to have a way to work with multiple databases at the same time.

Reminds me of how the folks in the Ecco group used to wish for a cross-file query utiity, as a way to get around the 65K item limit in Ecco. Of course with IQ we have no such limitation.

Just continuing to think out loud - about how to integrate IQ content with other files related to a project or limited purpose - one could perhaps put a LNK file in a project folder that would open one's single IQ database, but open to a grid that is devoted to that specific purpose.