 |

Table of Contents
License Agreement
Program Credits
|
 |
 |
 |

Software Manual
|
Relational Database Setup & Database Tools
The database functionality inherent in this program is unrivaled on the Internet. The software package, written entirely in the Perl programming language, uses Perl's DBI module for database access. DBI is recognized the world over as the most flexible interface to relational database management systems (RDBMS) available. The use of the Perl DBI allows access to many different data sources. This program uses Comma Separated Value (CSV) files by default but allows connection to an advanced RDBMS like MySQL, PostgeSQL and Microsoft SQL Server using the administrator utility.
Most programs that use DBI for database access only tie into an advanced RDBMS and require the installation of compiled modules on the webserver by system (root) administrators. This program does not require the installation of any compiled modules, nor does it require the presence of an advanced RDBMS. The program is capable of running in CSV only mode using a pure Perl version of the DBI. This means it will install anywhere and offer the same functionality to all users.
Use of the Perl DBI allows the program code to use SQL calls to data sources and also allows for the dynamic expansion of data tables by developers. Developers are free to modify this editable source program, as they see fit, and the use of SQL makes modifications very easy and understandable. Complete database administration, including importing and exporting from CSV sources to and from an advanced RDBMS and other files, modification of data sources, and dynamic loading of an RDBMS are included in the administration utility.
The optional use of a compiled version of the DBI in conjunction with an RDBMS like MySQL allows users to store in excess of a million rows of data per table. This permits the software to handle any number of products, orders and pages (for example). Tens of thousands of products can be accessed in CSV only mode. The program can switch dynamically between modes, performing data imports and exports, as your needs grow and/or your server specifications change.
This is the only program on the Internet that provides this type of functionality that is also installable on virtually any webserver that is capable of running Perl (over 99% of the current server market).
Configure RDBMS Connection
This software package allows you to tie approximately 90% of the database tables used into an alternate Relational Database Management System (RDBMS). Current RDBMS that are supported include:
MySQL (mysql Driver - Unix/Linux/Windows)
PostgreSQL (Pg Driver - Unix/Linux)
MSSQL Server (ODBC Driver - Windows)
PostgreSQL (ODBC Driver - Windows)
Each RDBMS has it's own parameters for configuration. Nearly all RDMBS include the following parameters:
Database Name
Username
Password
Host Name
Syntax Variables
Perl Database Driver Module
If you have a compiled version of the Perl DBI module installed on your server, a running version of one of the supported databases and the Perl Database Driver Module for that RDBMS, you will be able to access that RDBMS and associate database tables with it.
If, when accessing the function Configure RDBMS Connection under the Database Utilities menu, you are presented with a message indicating that DBI is currently running in non-compiled mode, you should check with your hosting provided to see if an RDBMS is available. If so, they should be able to install a compiled version of DBI and the appropriate Perl Database Driver Module for that RDBMS.
When using the Configure RDBMS Connection function, after you adjust your settings for the RDBMS you're attempting to configure, a test connection is made with the database. If an error is returned, it is reported to you. If all of your settings are correct, you will be able to associate tables with the RDBMS.
Manage Table Data Sources
Once your RDBMS connection is configured, you can associate database tables to it. The software creates these tables on the fly for you automatically, so you will not need to create them using other software for your RDBMS. Select the tables you wish to run using your RDBMS in this function by converting each one. It is recommended that heavily used tables and tables that contain a lot of data be switched to your RDBMS source. Popular selections include tables for stats, orders, pages and product/category/option info.
Manage User Defined Table Columns
You have the option to add/edit/delete user defined columns for tables so that you can store your data in the database tables. To modify or insert user defined columns for a table, just click the link next to the table your wish to work with. Immediately following your selection, you will be presented with a dialog allowing you to insert new columns and delete any user defined columns that currently exist.
If the current data source for the table is an RDBMS source, table format alterations will be made both to the default Comma Separated Values (CSV) source, and the RDBMS source to keep table formats syncronized between different data sources. The formats of the tables will be syncronized, not the data within the tables.
SQL Statement Submission
This program allows you to submit insert/update/delete SQL querries via the Administrator Utility to automate tasks. SQL statements of the INSERT, UPDATE and DELETE type are permitted. Be sure to select the table, the type of statement and enter an SQL statement. Only tables that allow unmanaged execution of SQL are present in the listing within this function.
ANSI standard SQL is permitted. For help on ANSI standard SQL commands, there are many resources available on the Internet. A very basic guide is presented at the bottom of this page.
ANSI Standard SQL Commands
INSERT INTO table
VALUES (val1,val2,val3)
UPDATE table
SET col2='val2',col3='val3'
WHERE col1='val1'
DELETE FROM table
WHERE col1='val1'
ANSI Standard WHERE Clause Operators:
= Is Equal To col1='val1'
<> Is Not Equal To col1<>'val1'
> Is Greater Than col1>'val1'
>= Is Greater Than Or Equal To col1>='val1'
< Is Less Than col1<'val1'
<= Is Less Than Or Equal To col1<='val1'
LIKE Contains String col1 LIKE '%val1%'
ANSI Standard WHERE Clause Conditions:
AND All Conditions Met col1='val1' AND col2<>'val2'
OR Any Conditions Met col1='val1' OR col1='val1'
ANSI Standard Complex Statement Example:
DELETE FROM table
WHERE (col1='val1' OR col2 LIKE '%val2%')
AND col3='val3'
AND col4<>'val4'
|
 |