Dataflex 3.2 for Linux Installation and Environment Guide

Installation and Environment Guide 1

DDDDVersion 3.2

for

LinuxInstallation and Environment

Guide

Newsgroup: news://dataaccess.com/dac-public-newgroups.dataflex-support

Technical support: (voice) 305.232.3142

(FAX) 305.238.0017

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Last Update: September 18, 2002

Part Number: 000260.IG

2 DataFlex for Linux

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

Copyright 1998-2002 DATA ACCESS CORPORATION.

All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be copied or distributed,transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, ortranslated into any human or computer language, in any form orby any means, electronic, mechanical, magnetic, manual, orotherwise, or disclosed to third parties without the express writtenpermission of Data Access Corporation, Miami, Florida, USA.

DISCLAIMER

Data Access Corporation makes no representation or warranties,express or implied, with respect to this publication, or any DataAccess Corporation product, including but not limited towarranties of merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose.

Data Access Corporation reserves to itself the right to makechanges, enhancements, revisions and alterations of any kind tothis publication or the product(s) it covers without obligation tonotify any person, institution or organization of such changes,enhancements, revisions and alterations.

TRADEMARKS

DataFlex is a registered trademark and Flex-Keys is a trademarkof Data Access Corporation. All other brand and product namesare trademarks or registered trademarks of their respectivecompanies.

All other company, brand, and product names are registeredtrademarks or trademarks of their respective holders.


ContentsCONTENTS........................................................................................................ 3

PLATFORMS SUPPORTED ............................................................................ 5

LINUX............................................................................................................... 5MINIMUM SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS.................................................................. 5RECOMMENDED SYSTEM CONFIGURATION....................................................... 5

INSTALLING DATAFLEX .............................................................................. 6

CD DELIVERY MEDIUM ................................................................................... 6IMPORTANT NOTES FOR CURRENT DATAFLEX USERS...................................... 6BEFORE YOU BEGIN ......................................................................................... 8RUNNING LINUX............................................................................................... 8LINUX SHELLS.................................................................................................. 9INSTALLATION.................................................................................................. 9

Installing from CD-ROM.......................................................................... 10Registration .............................................................................................. 12Running DataFlex..................................................................................... 12Using the DFENV Environment Variable................................................. 14Modifying Terminal Information .............................................................. 14INCREASING THE NUMBER OF USERS ............................................ 15

CONFIGURING DATAFLEX............................................................................... 16DataFlex Universal Keyboard.................................................................. 17User Counting System............................................................................... 18

THE SAMPLE APPLICATIONS................................................................... 19

RELEASE NOTES........................................................................................... 19

INSTALLING AND USING THE ELECTRONIC DOCUMENTATION .19

ADOBE ACROBAT READER............................................................................. 19INSTALLING THE ADOBE ACROBAT READER .................................................. 20INSTALLING THE DOCUMENTATION ................................................................ 21USING THE DOCUMENTATION......................................................................... 22

GETTING STARTED WITH DATAFLEX................................................... 25

RUNNING DATAFLEX AT THE LINUX CONSOLE UNDER LINUX TEXT MODE.... 25RUNNING DATAFLEX AT THE LINUX CONSOLE UNDER LINUX GRAPHICALMODE............................................................................................................. 26

MIGRATING DATAFLEX TO LINUX ........................................................ 28


BUG REPORTING GUIDELINES ................................................................ 30

OBTAINING TECHNICAL SUPPORT ........................................................ 32

WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR TECHNICAL SUPPORT?................................................. 32WHAT AREAS DOES TECHNICAL SUPPORT COVER?........................................ 32GETTING TECHNICAL SUPPORT ...................................................................... 32WHERE TO FIND US ON-LINE .......................................................................... 33WHERE TO WRITE TO US................................................................................ 33WHERE TO FAX US ....................................................................................... 33


Platforms SupportedLinux

This version is ported and tested on Red Hat 7.3, kernel 2.4.18-3. It is intended for use on systems running any Linux systemwith a kernel of 2.2.14 or higher.

Minimum System RequirementsAny system that is able to run a version of Linux above theminimum-specified kernel above, should be able to run DataFlexvery well. We recommend using the specifications of the Linuxversion you are using as a guideline. For example, RedHat Linux7.3 uses these minimum requirements:

• A Pentium-class PC

• 32 Megabytes of RAM for text mode, 128 Megabytes forgraphical mode.

DataFlex will require 30 Megabytes of available hard disk space.The DataFlex documentation will consume approximately 20Megabytes of additional disk space.

Recommended System ConfigurationJust as for the minimum system requirements, we recommendusing the specifications of the Linux version you are using as aguideline for the recommended configuration. For example,RedHat Linux 7.3 uses this recommended configuration:

• A Pentium-class PC or better (200 Megahertz or better fortext mode, 400 Megahertz or better for graphical mode).

• 32 Megabytes of RAM for text mode, 192 Megabytes forgraphical mode.

DataFlex will require 30 Megabytes of available hard disk space.The DataFlex documentation will consume approximately 20Megabytes of additional disk space.


Installing DataFlex This information will assist you in the installation of DataFlex 3.2for Linux and its electronic documentation.

CD Delivery Medium The software on this CD will only run on Linux on an Intel or Intelcompatible processor. If you install this version of DataFlex onanother CPU or operating system, it may install, but everyattempt to run it will trigger a DataFlex not Installed error or othererrors, and it will not run correctly. Please contact Data AccessWorldwide, an authorized distributor or your applicationdeveloper to buy DataFlex licenses for other platforms.

CD Directory Structure

Directory Contents

Acrobat Contains the Acrobat Readers

Doc Contains, in Acrobat format, thecomplete documentation set forDataFlex. Note that the PDF filesare not compressed.

HTML Contains HTML graphical front endfor DataFlex 3.2 for Linux CD.

Install Contains all the files to installDataFlex 3.2 for Linux

Important Notes for Current DataFlex Users Here are some points to note about running existing DataFlexprograms with this runtime:

• If you plan to install DataFlex as an upgrade to an existingFull Development license, you should install it as a newlicense in a separate area and become sufficiently familiarwith the new features.

• This revision of DataFlex can run only programs compiledwith the current compiler and flex.cfl (fmac). If you wish torun any program that relied on a modified fmac, you must


replicate those modifications in the current fmac and repackit to a new flex.cfl before recompiling.

• Do not install or use the DataFlex Application Frameworkwith this revision. Improved Framework capabilities areintegrated in this revision of DataFlex.

• Where you must retain the Flex-Key mappings of Rev. 2.3for an application, you may add a read_dfini statement tothe beginning of the program(s) naming/usr/local/df32/usr/dfini23.cfg, a file supplied for this purpose,as argument. If you wish to change the mapping in this file,use the Configuration Utility (dfconfig) to edit this file.

• .flx files compiled in Revision 3.2 cannot be run by earlierrevisions of DataFlex!

• DataFlex 3.05 and 3.1 source code is fully compatible withRevision 3.2 (when used in non-DD mode) and shouldcompile and operate without problem.

• If you use the current File Definition Utility to modify (e.g., toadd a field or turn header-integrity checking on) a data filecreated under an earlier revision of DataFlex, the data file willbe saved in the new format. As a result, you will thereafternot be able to access the data file with any runtime earlierthan Rev. 3.01b or programs compiled under such revisions.Where you must retain the ability to use the earlier revision,modify such files only with the utilities of the earlier revision. Files created using extended filelist are only accessible byDataFlex 3.2, Visual DataFlex 7 (or higher) and WebAppServer 3 (or higher).

• Data files created in the format of the current revision will beaccessible by all revisions 3.01b or later, unless you use theextended filelist capabilities of DataFlex 3.2. Files createdusing extended filelist are only accessible by DataFlex 3.2,Visual DataFlex 7 (or higher) and WebApp Server 3 (orhigher).

• This version of DataFlex no longer supports DataFlexgraphics. Graphics were never supported in non-DOS


versions of DataFlex.

• User counting is maintained in:

/usr/tmp in a file named .serial_num.dfr, where serial_num isthe serial number of the DataFlex runtime (e.g./usr/tmp/.389885.dfr).

The .serial_num.dfr file is created whenever dfsetup is run andthe changes are saved. Except for when user rights areinsufficient, problems are normally corrected by re-runningdfsetup.

Before You Begin The installation process is highly automated, and will offer you anumber of choices as it proceeds. Prior to installation of thesoftware, confirm that the follow precautionary steps are taken.

• Make sure a good system backup has just been performed.

• Check the System Requirements above and verify that youhave everything required to run DataFlex.

• If you are installing a full Development License, decidewhether you wish to install the Sample Applications (highlyrecommended for both first-time users and seasoneddevelopers).

Running LinuxThere are 2 ways of running Linux:

Text Mode

If you are running Linux in text mode, you will be running from thecommand prompt, which is referred to as a shell or terminalunder Linux. This manual will refer to the command prompt asthe terminal or terminal window.

Graphical Mode

If you are running Linux in graphical mode, you are running XWindows. Built on top of X Windows are various “Desktopenvironments”, different versions of which are installed with the


distribution of Linux you are running (you can also download andinstall different desktop environments from various web sites).The 2 most commonly distributed desktop environments areGNOME and KDE, both of which come with RedHat 7.3 (onlyGNOME is installed by default – we recommend installing KDE ifyou wish to run DataFlex in Linux graphical mode). Both lookvery similar to Windows, with a taskbar and a menu similar to theWindows “Start menu”.

Linux ShellsLinux has different shells that you can run in a terminal. The defaultLinux shell is the Bourne Again Shell or bash. This is the shell thatshould be running if you open any terminal window in Linux. Note thatnot all shells are installed with every Linux distribution.

DataFlex is supported under the following Linux shells:

• bash: Bourne Again SHell

• ksh: Korn SHell

• bsh: Bourne SHell

You can verify which shell you are running by typing this command ata terminal:

env | grep SHELL

The result will show the currently running shell (e.g.“SHELL=/bin/bash”).

You can switch to the shell of your choice (if it is installed) by typingthe shell type at the terminal (e.g. typing “bash” invokes a bash shell).

InstallationPrior to installing DataFlex, be sure that you have your serialnumber, registration name, and registration code.

The evaluation license installed is preregistered.

You must be logged on as the root user prior to installing


DataFlex.

Note: This manual will always refer to the default DataFlexinstallation location (/usr/local/df32) for all explanations. Pleasesubstitute your installed location if you are not using the defaultlocation.

Installing from CD-ROM

1. Place the CD in the appropriate drive.

• If you are running Linux in graphical mode and yourLinux version supports autorun, the CD will automaticallybe mounted as a filesystem and the graphical HTMLDataFlex for Linux CD front-end will automatically launchin your default browser.

• If the browser does not automatically launch and displaythe graphical CD front end, please follow these steps:

a. Verify that the CD is mounted: open a terminalwindow and type: mount

If the CD is mounted, you should see a listing for themounted device such as /dev/cdrom on /mnt/cdrom

b. If the CD is not mounted, you should see no listingfor /dev/cdrom or /mnt/cdrom. You can mount the cdby typing this command in a terminal window: mount /dev/cdrom /mnt/cdrom

You should see a message on the screen telling youif the mount was successful. If it was not successful,please consult the documentation of your Linuxversion for help mounting the CD. Typically, youshould be able to type “man mount” in a terminalwindow to see the man pages (the Linux online help)for the mount command.

c. Once the CD is mounted, you can start the graphicalfront end by clicking on the file /mnt/cdrom/start.htm


in the graphical file manager. You can also launchthis file in any browser in a terminal window using thecorrect call to launch the browser with a file.

For example:

• To launch the file in Netscape, type: netscape /mnt/cdrom/start.htm

• To launch the file in KDE Konqueror, type: konqueror /mnt/cdrom/start.htm

2. You must create a new temporary directory on the drive youwish to install from. Create a new temporary directory andthen switch to that directory.

For example:cd /usr/localmkdir tmpcd tmp

3. Extract the df32lin.tar archive from the cd to the newlycreated directory:

tar xvf /mnt/cdrom/install/df32lin.tar

4. Start the installation script by typing:. ./Install(The space after the first dot is required)

5. The installation program will ask you to enter the directorywhere DataFlex should be installed, offering the default of

/usr/local/df32

WARNING: Do NOT specify an installation path thatcontains any uppercase letters, or the product will notrun properly.

If the directory used contains an existing DataFlex 3.xinstallation, the installation of DataFlex 3.2 is completedwithout overwriting the existing menu.*, query.*, flexerrs.*,and *.cfg files.

If the directory contains a previous revision of DataFlex, awarning against overwriting a previous revision is displayed.If you type “y” to override the existing installation, a directory


named backup is created under df32/usr. The existingmenu.*, query.*, flexerrs.*, and *.cfg files are copied into itbefore they are overwritten in their original location along withall the other existing DataFlex system files.

The installation shell script should adequately guide youthrough the rest of the installation.

Registration

The installation will automatically install a preregisteredtermlist.cfg and .serial_num.dfr file containing evaluation licenseRegistration information.

Follow these steps to register your license.

At a terminal, change the current directory to /usr/local/df32/usr:cd /usr/local/df32/usr

Execute the setpath script by typing:. ./setpath

(The space after the first dot is required)

Run dfsetup and follow the prompts to register your license:dfsetup

Running DataFlex

1. At a terminal, change the current directory to /usr/local/df32/usr:cd /usr/local/df32/usr

2. If you are running in text mode:execute the setpath script by typing:

. ./setpath


Setpath sets the TERM and DFTERM environment variablesto “linux”. It also sets the TERMINFO and DFTERMINFOenvironment variables to find the correct terminal informationfiles for Linux and DataFlex.

By default, these environment variables are configured for


running DataFlex from the Linux console. If you plan to useother terminal types, please see “Modifying TerminalInformation”.

If you are running in graphical mode:execute the setpathx script by typing:

. ./setpathx(The space after the first dot is required)

Setpathx sets the TERM environment variable to “xterm” andDFTERM to “xterm-kde”. It also sets the TERMINFO andDFTERMINFO environment variables to find the correctterminal information files for Linux and DataFlex.

By default, these environment variables are configured forrunning DataFlex from the Linux console. If you plan to useother terminal types, please see “Modifying TerminalInformation”.

For text mode, the setpath script also loads a keymap fileusing the loadkeys command. This enables some additionalkeys, such as Shift+Tab, to work in this mode.

The setpath and setpathx scripts also set the value of theDFPATH environment variable.

The setpath and setpathx scripts are well documented viacomments in the script. Please make a backup copy of thesescripts before editing them.

If you wish to run DataFlex in DataDictionary mode to takeadvantage of this new feature, set up your environment byrunning the setdd or setddx scripts.

At this point, DataFlex can be run, but modification of itsterminal information (described in “Modifying TerminalInformation”) may be required for full keyboard functionalityon your terminals.

Under some terminal emulation environments, theenvironment variables ROWS and COLS need to be set. Werecommend the settings “COLS=80” and “LINES=25”:

COLS=80


ROWS=25export COLS ROWS

If you get either of the following error messages:Unable to open console device << status 28675 >>Out of memory << status 10 >>

the most likely reason is that your terminal emulationenvironment is not set up correctly.

Using the DFENV Environment Variable

DFPATH (and the other DataFlex environment variables) canalternatively be set by means of a text file, described in thedocumentation, named dfenv.cfg by default (you can name itany name that is reflected in the DFENV variable). Thisalternative was created to deal with limitations to which Linuxis not subject.

If you do choose to use dfenv.cfg, you must set anenvironment variable called DFENV to the directory path inwhich the file resides (df32/usr by default from the installprocedure). For example, your dfenv.cfg could contain:DFPATH=.:/usr/local/df32/bin:/usr/local/df32/usr

To set the DFENV environment variable, do:DFENV=/usr/local/df32/usr/dfenv.cfgexport DFENV

We recommend not using DFENV and DFPATH at the sametime; when using DFENV the contents of the dfenv.cfg file willoverride any environment variables of the same name (e.g.DFPATH), thus setting those environment variables while usingDFENV may be misleading.

Modifying Terminal Information

If you are not modifying the terminfo entry, refer to Section 2.1 ofthe DataFlex UNIX System Administrator's Guide for specificinformation on your terminal. If you want to modify an existingterminal entry or create a new one, see Section 2.2 of the sameguide.


You can change the directory in which DataFlex searches foryour terminal entries by changing the DataFlex DFTERMINFOenvironment variable(i.e. DFTERMINFO=/usr/local/df32/lib/terminal forces DataFlex tosearch that directory for the appropriate terminal entry).

Increasing the Number of UsersTo purchase an increase for the number of users supported byyour DataFlex license, contact Data Access Corporation or yourlocal DataFlex distributor elsewhere. We will supply you with anew registration code, which you should install with the dfsetuputility. It will replace the registration code you used initially andaccommodate the larger number of users.

All active users must be off the system when dfsetup is launched;you must be logged in as root.

1. At a terminal, change the current directory to/usr/local/df32/usr:

cd /usr/local/df32/usr

2. If you are running in text mode:Execute the setpath script by typing:

. ./setpath(The space after the first dot is required)

If you are running in graphical mode:Execute the setpathx script by typing:

. ./setpathx(The space after the first dot is required)

3. Run dfsetup and follow the prompts to register your newregistration code: dfsetup

No other installation or new software is required for this change.

Increasing the user capacity of DataFlex in this manner may notaffect applications that limit user capacity independently ofDataFlex’s limit. If your application does this, you must secureany needed expansions from the supplier of your application.


Configuring DataFlex Using DFCONFIG The Configuration Utility (dfconfig) allows you to optionally setcertain attributes such as screen colors and function keys to use,which characters to use to represent money amounts, and howto format dates.

Notes:• In previous revisions of DataFlex 3, the Setup Utility allowed

you to modify the DataFlex screen colors. In 3.2, you mustuse the dfconfig utility instead.

Default Function-Key Assignments Your DataFlex package comes with certain function keys alreadyassigned. If you wish to change any of these assignments, thenyou must run the DataFlex Configuration Utility (dfconfig). Referto the DataFlex User's Guide for more information aboutdfconfig. See the paragraph under "The Installation Program"about Flex-Key functionality of programs compiled under earlierrevisions of DataFlex and running under the current revision. Thedefault function key assignments are shown in the followingtables, with those defined in Data Access packages followed byan asterisk (*):


DataFlex Universal Keyboard

KEY Shift + KEY Ctrl + KEY Alt + KEY

F1 Help User Key 1

F2 Save Record Delete Record User Key 2

F3 Exit Function Trace Mode* F4 Prompt Print Screen Exit

Application

F5 Clear Area RefreshScreen

Clear AllPanels

Calculate

F6 Switch toNext Area

Switch toPrev Area

Switch toPrev Panel*

Switch toNextPanel*

F7 Find Previous SuperfindPrevious

F8 Find Next SuperfindNext

F9 Find Superfind TraceOn/Off*

Zoom

F10 Switch toAction Bar

Add ModeOn/Off*

Enter Accept Clear andReturn

Tab Next Item Previous Item Insert Insert/Overty

pe Toggle

Delete DeleteCharacter

leftarrow

Cursor Left Skip WordLeft

rightarrow

Cursor Right Skip WordRight

up arrow Cursor Up Begin ofPanel


KEY Shift + KEY Ctrl + KEY Alt + KEY

downarrow

Cursor Down End ofPanel

spacebar SelectionToggle

Backspace

DestructiveBackspace

Erase toEnd of Line

Non-WPbackspace

Home Begin of Line Begin ofData

End End of Line End of Data Page Up Scroll Page

Up Scroll Page

Left

PageDown

Scroll PageDown

Scroll PageRight

Esc Escape(Cancel)

\ Mark + Paste - Copy Cut

User Counting System

Upon execution of the dfsetup program, a file will be created tocount concurrent users of DataFlex. This file is stored in:

/usr/tmp in a file named .serial_num.dfr, where serial_num is theserial number of the DataFlex runtime (e.g. /usr/tmp/.123456.dfr).

• A .dfr file should not be moved or copied. It may only becreated with dfsetup. Attempting to move the file or havingmore than one .dfr file for the same serial number may causethe file to be rejected.

• If the .dfr file is damaged in any way, you will receive anappropriate error message when you try to run DataFlex. You may re-create the .dfr file by running the dfsetup


program and selecting option 3.

• Each invocation of dfrun consumes one authorized user,regardless of whether this is on the same computer oranother using the runtime.

• When the maximum number of users accessing DataFlex isreached and another user attempts to start it, that user willreceive a message explaining the condition and will beunable to start DataFlex successfully. The user will be able tostart DataFlex as soon as one or more of the current usersexits DataFlex. You may purchase additional user licensesfrom your dealer or Data Access Corporation.

The Sample ApplicationsOnce you have successfully installed a DataFlex developmentlicense, we strongly suggest that you run and examine theSample Applications supplied with your license. They are locatedin the directories /usr/local/df32/usr/examples and/usr/local/df32/usr/examdd.

Release NotesBe sure to read the various readme files for the newer revisionsof DataFlex. They contain important information on program,feature, and command changes and additions. They are suppliedon disk and may be read in the same manner as the rest of theon-line documentation.

Installing and Using the ElectronicDocumentation

All DataFlex 3.2 documentation is supplied in Adobe Acrobatportable document format (PDF).

Adobe Acrobat ReaderThe Adobe Acrobat Reader uses a minimum of 30 Mb of diskspace. Instructions on its use are installed automatically with the


Reader. The version supplied on the distribution media is 5.06.

Note: You may also want to log on to the Adobe Web site forupdates, languages, and additional plug-ins(http://www.adobe.com). If any problems should arise withAcrobat Reader, please refer to Adobe's Technical SupportDepartment or their World Wide Web site for troubleshooting.Adobe provides Acrobat Readers for many platforms.

The Adobe Acrobat Exchange package (not included) enablesyou to create, annotate and modify PDF files. If you decide todistribute your own PDF files, you can also create full textindexes for collections of PDF files, such as the cross-index forthe DataFlex documentation. For more information about AdobeAcrobat, you may contact Adobe Systems at www.adobe.com

Installing the Adobe Acrobat ReaderThe Acrobat Reader installation program (linux-506.tar.gz) islocated in the /acrobat folder on the distribution CD ROM.

1. Place the CD in the appropriate drive.

• If the CD is not automatically mounted, please followthese steps:

d. Verify that the CD is not already mounted:open a terminal window and type: mount

If the CD is mounted, you should see a listing for themounted device such as /dev/cdrom on /mnt/cdrom

e. If the CD is not mounted, you should see no listingfor /dev/cdrom or /mnt/cdrom. You can mount the cdby typing this command in a terminal window: mount /dev/cdrom /mnt/cdrom

You should see a messsage on the screen tellingyou if the mount was successful. If it was notsuccessful, please consult the documentation for


your Linux version for help mounting the CD.Typically, you should be able to type “man mount” ina terminal window to see the man pages for themount command.

2. Once the CD is mounted, you must create a new temporarydirectory on the drive you wish to install from. Create a newtemporary directory and then switch to that directory.

For example:cd /usr/localmkdir acrobatcd acrobat

3. Copy the archive from the CD to the new temporarydirectory:

cp /mnt/cdrom/acrobat/linux-506.tar.gz .

4. Unzip the gzipped archive to extract the contained tararchive:

gunzip linux-506.tar.gz

5. Extract the files in the tar archive:tar xvf linux-506.tar

6. Start the Acrobat Reader installation and follow the onscreenprompts:

./Install

Tip: Press the spacebar (when you see “--MORE--(XX%)”displayed at the bottom) while viewing the Acrobat Readerlicense agreement until the entire agreement has beenviewed, then follow the prompts.

If any problems should arise with Acrobat Reader, pleaserefer to Adobe's Technical Support Department or theirWorld Wide Web site for troubleshooting. Adobe providesAcrobat Readers for many platforms.

Installing the DocumentationThe documentation requires 22 Mb of disk space.


After installing the Acrobat Reader as discussed above, you canaccess the documentation directly from the /doc directory of theCD. You may choose to copy the documentation to your harddisk, since random access is likely to be faster than whenaccessing it directly from the CD. If you do so, copy the entire/doc directory and all directories below it.

Using the DocumentationAs previously mentioned, the /doc directory on the CD-ROMconstitutes the electronic version of the entire DataFlexdocumentation. In order to view the documentation, you mustopen the files with the Acrobat Reader.

Using the documentation with the Acrobat Reader is as simple asopening a document in your favorite word processing software. Infact, every time you run the Acrobat Reader software, a dialogappears prompting you for the name of the PDF file to open. Youmay choose to open the file here, or select File from the MainMenu; both methods are valid.

The documentation files are:

DF32.PDF

This document contains the DataFlex 3.2 Installation andEnvironment Guide.

3.2_Language_Changes

This document contains information on the changes in theDataFlex language when using the new Data Dictionarycapabilities of DataFlex 3.2.

Using_DDOs_in_3.2.PDF

This document contains instructions on how to invoke the use ofthe new Data Dictionary capabilities of DataFlex 3.2.

Data_Dictionary_Guide.PDF

This document contains the complete reference information onData Dictionaries and their use.

3.2_on_WinNT_and_2000.PDF


This document contains important information about therequirements and limitations of using the DOS components ofDataFlex 3.2 on Windows NT and 2000.

3.2_Fixed_Bug_List.pdf

This document contains the list of bugs that were fixed inDataFlex 3.2.

Updating_to_3.01.pdf

This document contains important information on upgradingapplications to DataFlex 3.01 from DataFlex 3.0.

Updating_to_3.05.pdf


Updating_to_3.1.pdf


Developing_Applications.pdf

This document contains the Developing Applications withDataFlex manual.

User_Guide.pdf

This document contains the DataFlex 3 User's Guide.

Class_Reference.pdf

This document contains the DataFlex 3 UIMS Reference.

UIMS_Handbook.pdf

This document contains the DataFlex 3 UIMS Handbook.

Command_Reference.pdf

This document contains the DataFlex 3 Encyclopedia.

3.1_ReadMe.pdf

This document contains important release notes from DataFlex


3.1.

3.1c_ReadMe.pdf

This document contains important release notes from DataFlex3.1c.

3.1d_ReadMe.pdf

This document contains important release notes from DataFlex3.1d.


Getting Started with DataFlexDataFlex 3.2 for Linux comes with predefined terminal emulationmodes for running DataFlex at the Linux console in both text andgraphical modes.

Running DataFlex at the Linux Console under Linux TextMode

1. At a terminal, change the current directory to/usr/local/df32/usr:

cd /usr/local/df32/usr

Execute the setpath script by typing:. ./setpath


Setpath sets the TERM and DFTERM environment variablesto “linux”. It also sets the TERMINFO and DFTERMINFOenvironment variables to find the correct terminal informationfiles for Linux and DataFlex.


For text mode, the setpath script also loads a keymap fileusing the loadkeys command. This enables some additionalkeys, such as Shift+Tab, to work in this mode.

The setpath and setpathx scripts also set the value of theDFPATH environment variable.

The setpath and setpathx scripts are well documented viacomments in the script. Please make a backup copy of thesescripts before editing them.

If you wish to run DataFlex in DataDictionary mode to takeadvantage of this new feature, set up your environment byrunning the setdd or setddx scripts.


Using the terminal information provided in the linux_us.ti file, youcan run DataFlex in Linux text mode from the Linux consoleusing all the keys of a standard PC keyboard (such as Alt, Ctrl,and the function keys F1-F10).

There are only a few key combinations that are not supportedwhen running in this terminal environment (listed below). Pleaseensure that you are not using these key combinations in yoursource code (e.g. On_Key definitions).

• Ctrl+H: this key combination is predefined in most Linuxshells to erase the preceding character (emulatedesctructive backspace)

• Ctrl+J: behaves like Enter

• Ctrl+M: behaves like Enter

• Ctrl+Q: this key combination is predefined in most Linuxshells to restart all screen output

• Ctrl+S: this key combination is predefined in most Linuxshells to stop all screen output

• Ctrl+Backspace: behaves like backspace

Running DataFlex at the Linux Console under LinuxGraphical Mode

1. Using the terminal information provided in the linux_us.ti file,you can run DataFlex in Linux graphical mode from the KDEKonsole.

In order to use the terminal emulation that is preconfigured inthe linux_us.ti file for running DataFlex in X Windows, youhave to run a terminal windows in vt-100 emulation mode.

a. Start the KDE konsole (click on the icon on the KDEtaskbar that looks like a black monitor with a shell in frontof it labelled “Konsole”).

b. Click on the Settings menu, then select Keyboard, then“vt100 (historical)” from the menu.

c. Click on the Settings menu, then select Size, then


“80x25 (IBM PC)” from the menu.

d. To save these settings for future sessions, click on theSettings menu and select “Save Settings”.

2. Change the current directory to /usr/local/df32/usr:cd /usr/local/df32/usr

3. Execute the setpathx script by typing:. ./setpathx(The space after the first dot is required)

Setpathx sets the TERM environment variable to “xterm” andDFTERM to “xterm-kde”. It also sets the TERMINFO andDFTERMINFO environment variables to find the correctterminal information files for Linux and DataFlex.


In this terminal emulation, some of the keys on a standardPC keyboard will not work and substitute keys need to beused:

• The F11 key substitutes for the Alt key.

For example, to execute Alt+F, press F11 followedby F (do not keep the F11 key pressed whilepressing F).

• The F12 key substitutes for the Ctrl key.

For example, to execute Ctrl+F, press F12 followedby F (do not keep the F12 key pressed whilepressing F).

• The Ctrl+X key combination substitutes for the Shiftkey.

For example, to execute Shift+F4, press Ctrl+Xsimultaneously, followed by F4 (do not keep Ctrl+Xpressed while pressing F4).


• The Ctrl+W key combination substitutes for theShift+Tab key combination.

• The Ctrl+H key combination substitutes for theBackspace key.

To run DataFlex for Linux using terminal types or emulationsother than the Linux console and the emulations described here,please see “Modifying Terminal Information”.

Migrating DataFlex to LinuxHere are a few things to consider when migrating yourapplications to Linux from non-Linux (especially fromDOS/Windows) environments.

1. All DataFlex source code files must have all lowercasenames.

We have provided 2 shell scripts to aid you in convertingyour existing files to lowercase names: lcase and lcaser.The lcase script lowercases all files in a single directoryand the lcaser script lowercases all files in a directoryand all subdirectories of that directory. To execute eitherscript, simply type the script name, with no arguments, ina terminal changed to the directory you wish to affect:

cd /usr/local/df32/mysourcecodelcase

2. The path separator in Linux and Unix is “/”, not “\”, as inDOS/Windows. This may affect your application sourcecode.

3. DOS/Windows and Linux DataFlex files (data files andprograms) are binary-compatible, which means that theycan be compiled on one platform and run on the other. Ifyou transfer files between platforms using FTP, justtransfer binary files using binary mode in FTP.

For additional migration and update information, be sure to:

• Read our white paper “Upgrading to DataFlex 3.2”,available on our Web site at:


http://www.dataaccess.com/whitepapers,as well as on the DataFlex 3.2 for Linux CD.

• Visit our Support Web site:http://www.dataacess.com/support

Note: Runtime installations refer to yourapplication vendor's documentation.


Bug Reporting Guidelines1. Remember that a tester will attempt to reproduce your problem

with the information you supply.

2. Clearly state the revision numbers of products that you areexperiencing a bug with, and the environment you are runningthe product on.

3. For each bug, state whether the effects can be seen - andreproduced - every time or sporadically.

4. Clearly document the steps to reproduce the problem. As stated,someone will try to reproduce the problem, using only theinformation you provide.

5. It is better to give too much information than too little. However,do avoid mentioning information that you know to be irrelevant.

6. Do not report several issues in the same report. This is muchharder to track properly.

7. Try to reduce the example you give into the smallest sample thatdemonstrates the problem. For example, do not send a programwith two hundred objects when the same program reduced toone object, shows the same problem. The more direct theexample you send demonstrates the problem, the faster we canaddress it.

8. Try to be precise with your terminology and not use genericterms.

9. For each issue, state your expectations (what you thought shouldhappen) and what actually happened.

10. Be clear on what you are stating; avoid making statements thatare questions. For instance, do not say: "type a letter and seewhat happens when you press the F5 key.” Instead, tell us whathappened and what you were expecting (see previous item).

11. Clearly distinguish bugs (where the behavior differs from thedocumentation) from suggestions. If an issue differs from thedocumentation, state exactly where it is documented and what isdifferent.


12. If you have a suggestion for a better implementation of a feature,state what was wrong with the original feature and why yoursuggestion is better. This first point is very important. You maydiscover a valid failing in a feature, which needs attention, butyour suggested correction may be inappropriate for technicalreasons.

You can report bugs and suggestions from the Support section of ourWeb site:

http://www.dataaccess.com/support


Obtaining Technical SupportWho is Eligible for Technical Support?

Data Access Corporation offers its customers 30 days of freetechnical support following the purchase and registration of anew Data Access Corporation product license.

If you are installing a development license in the US, technicalsupport for installing DataFlex is available via telephone, FAX,and the Internet at the numbers and names listed on the cover ofthis document.

If you are installing a runtime license, please consult yourapplication vendor for assistance. If you are outside the US,please refer to your local DataFlex distributor.

What Areas does Technical Support Cover?We support our products in the following ways:

• We will clarify any issue discussed in our documentation.

• We will clarify any example code distributed with the product.

• We will assist in the tracking down/reporting of a product bug.

• We will provide current information regarding supportedplatforms and other revision information.

Getting Technical SupportFor U.S. customers, dial 1-800-451-3539 for Technical Support. If you no longer qualify for free support, you will need to purchasea subscription to SupportNet (which provides a number ofsupport incidents). Additional incidents can be purchased at areduced rate for SupportNet members.

To view all the details of our product support and all informationabout SupportNet, visit our Support Home page at:

http://www.dataaccess.com/support

International customers should contact their local distributor orData Access subsidiary for support (our web site:


http://www.dataaccess.com, lists contact information forworldwide distributors and subsidiaries).

Our hours of operation are 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM EST Monday-Friday.

Have your product information, serial number, and SupportNetcontract number available.

Give a complete concise account of the trouble you areexperiencing and try to be at the machine with the problem sothat our support representatives can work with you to resolve theproblem.

Where to Find us On-lineInternet: http://www.dataaccess.com

Where to Write to Usmailto:[email protected]

Data Access Corporation14000 SW 119 AvenueMiami, FL 33186

Where to FAX Us305.238.0017

Dataflex 3.2 for Linux Installation and Environment Guide

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