Database Doctor Setting Up the Database

Your database can consist of any number of columns. Database design being very important, this should be thought through from the beginning. Will you need any extra columns later? Once your database is setup, the only way to add fields is to manually edit the @table_fields array in the datafiles/db_settings.cgi file.

Initial Setup

After logging in for the first time the next step is to set the columns for you database. Click the Database Setup link to begin. Once there, enter your column headings one per line. These column headings will likely be used for display, so proper capitalization is a good idea. When you have added your columns, save them and proceed to the next step.

Database Doctor Manual
The Database Doctor Manual is designed to help you get the most out of the program. If you would like something discussed here, please post it to the Database Doctor Forum

Example Setups
We have several examples of different types of uses of the Database Doctor Pro. These examples will also show you different ways to configure search links to accomplish anything that might be needed.

Baseball Card Example
Comic Book Example
Directory Example
 

 

Column Settings

Each column may have attributes set which will assist you in display and searching.
This list describes each attribute a colum may have.

    Column Name

  • Used for display in table headings. Can be edited at any time.

    • Unique?

  • Requires the column data to be unique to that column throughout the database.

    • Required?

  • Requires data to be present when adding or editing. Note: Currently will not work properly when a possible data entry would be 0 (zero).

    • Field Size

  • Sets the length of the text input. Use a straight number. Default is 20. If this is for a textarea, you may enter rows and columns here (ex: rows=8 cols=25)

    • Data Type

  • Sets the Input for data entry/editing to: text box (default), textarea, checkbox, or option list.

    • Options

  • If the data type is an option, put your options is this box one per line.

    • Default Input:

  • For a text box or textarea, the program will display this in the entry form. Can be edited.

    • Include in Public Display

  • Check this box to include this column in the results display. Consequently, leave it unchecked if you do not wish to display this data.

    • Include in Search Form

  • Check this box to include this column in the default search form column search.

    • Include in Manager Lists

  • Check this box to include in the manager edit record lists. If you have a large field (description, large text area etc), you will likely want to leave it unchecked.

Automatic HTML Writing

The program will automatically write a default search form and search result templates when you save the the Database settings. The first time you save, you will want to do this to set the basics.

You may edit the search form and search results in the Display HTML Settings area. If you have done this, you will likely NOT want the program to rewrite these files, so uncheck the boxes.

Further, If you have customized these files, download a backup in case you accidently forget in the future!