What I have been thinking about for some time but never really got
a round to doing:
1. Getting Started with Base chapter containing a flat database created
by the Wizards with the basics of what to do.
2. Base Guide: (first four chapters that is)
a. Introduction to Base: creating a relational database with the
basics of what to do.
b. Planning/Designing databases: what is needed when planning a
database and how to
turn the plan into the database's design. Contains examples of a
flat database and a
more complex relational database. (Thorough explanation of the
principles.)
c. Data Input and Removal: thorough explanation of the principles of
the tables and
forms including use of SQL in creating, modifying, and deleting
tables.
d. Data Output: thorough explanation of the principles of queries,
views, and reports.
--Dan
On Sun, 2012-02-05 at 19:03 +0000, Tom Davies wrote:
> Hi :)
> I used to think that Base might need 2 "Getting Started" guides.
> 1. for people just doing data-entry and normal user perhaps with routine
> maintenance
> 2. for designers building a database and front-end and for advanced
> maintenance.
>
> Writing for 1 would be a nightmare due to the huge variety that is possible
> when building a database with Base as the front-end. I don't think we can
> really do even a basic generic enough guide until after the one for 2 is
> done.
>
> Hazel are you saying my 2 would really need to be split into two too? If
> only 2 sections need to be moved out of the GS Chapter then would that
> chapter still make sense? Wouldn't it remove something crucial? The GS
> Guide is just meant to be an appetiser rather than go into tons of detail.
> Chances are that most users will only use Base through using mail-merge and
> stuff like that so we really need to keep it as simple as possible. If the
> chapter still makes sense then moving those sections to the full guide for
> Base would be great imo too.
> Regards from
> Tom :)
>
>
> --- On Sun, 5/2/12, Hazel Russman <[email protected]> wrote:
>
> From: Hazel Russman <[email protected]>
> Subject: [libreoffice-documentation] Getting Started with Base
> To: "LibreOffice" <[email protected]>
> Date: Sunday, 5 February, 2012, 17:15
>
> I have just uploaded this new version by Dan into the feedback folder. I am
> not too happy with it in its present form. It is well written and clearly
> explained, but I think it goes into too much depth for a GS chapter. It is
> also very long and will be even longer if we incorporate the additional
> section that Dan sent to me (I have not looked at this at all yet).
>
> Someone who looks at a Getting Started guide is basically asking: "Can I use
> this program?". And that has two aspects: does it do something that I would
> find useful, and can I understand it enough to use it? After reading Dan's
> work, I am inclined to answer yes to the first and no to the second! And I
> know something about databases, having worked as an information scientist.
>
> I have therefore indicated two sections which I think ought to be transferred
> into the Base Guide proper.
>
> A big problem with Base is that you need to have a working database before
> you can do many of the things described in a user guide of any sort. And
> databases are not easy to design and create. I suggest tentatively that the
> input/output sections of the Base guide might refer back to the creation of
> this useful database in the Getting Started Guide. The user could then read
> up on how to create the database, before trying the more complex form and
> report design tasks that properly belong in the main guide.
>
> --
> Hazel Russman <[email protected]>
>
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