List is the name of the selected list.

Flags to include restricts which calls are included on the list by the flags set within the list database. When the 'Yes' box is checked, calls that have that flag set are included. When the 'No' box is checked, calls that don't have that flag set are included. Typically, all boxes should be checked except the Garbage 'Yes' box (as shown above in Figure 4.1).

• First part (F) are calls that have the 'F' (first part) flag set within the list database.
• Garbage (G) are calls that have the 'G' (garbage) flag set within the list database. Garbage calls are calls that you do not wish to show up within your lists. Being primarily a challenge caller, I rarely, if at all, use calls such as See Saw and Tea Cup Chain . Hence, I mark these calls as 'G' and when I create a list that includes B, MS, and PLUS calls, the garbage calls will be not be included, and will not clutter up my list with calls that I never use.
• Space Invader (I) are calls that that the 'I' (space invader) flag set within the list database.
• Last part (L) are calls that have the 'L' (last part) flag set within the list database.
• Mirror same (M) are calls that have the 'M' (mirror same) flag set within the list database.
• Sex dependent (S) are calls that have the 'S' (sex dependent) flag set within the list database.
• No divide (Z) are calls that have the 'Z' (no divide) flag set within the list database.

Limitations

• Use count restricts included calls to those calls whose use count is within the selected range.
• Number of dancers restricts included calls to those calls whose required minimum number of dancers is within the selected range. For example, if you only want two-dancer calls (such as Touch 1/4 and Single Wheel), then set minimum number of dancers to 2 and maximum number of dancers to 2.
• Number of parts restricts included calls to those calls whose number of parts is within the selected range. For example, to only include calls that have 2 or 3 parts (such as Spin The Top and Remake), set the minimum number of parts to 2 and the maximum number of parts to 3.

Types to include restricts which calls are included within the list by the type of call. Only types that are checked will be included in the list.

• Direction (D) is a direction such as Out, Left, Forward, or Clockwise.
• Formation (F) is a formation such as Box, Hourglass, or Interlocked Triangles.
• Identifier (I) is an identifier such as Head, Beau, Trailer, Girl, Apex, Those Facing, or Very Outsides.
• Call (N) is a call such as Swing Thru or Ah So.
• Pseudo-call (P) is a pseudo-call (i.e., any call requiring another call as an argument). For example: Transfer And (anything), Dodge (anything), or Catch (anything) <n>.
• Concept (Y) is a concept such as All Four Couples, Interrupt, or Tandem.
• Meta-Concept (M) is a concept that requires another concept as an argument. For example, Initially, Random, or Echo.
• Numeric (Z) is a numeric or fraction such as 0, 3/4, or 2 & 1/2.

Display

• L-H side indicates which field is displayed on the left-hand side of each call when the list is viewed or when the list is printed using the Formatted N-column option.
• Dancers displays the minimum number of dancers required for the call.
• Flags displays the flag string for the call. The flag string is a text string containing the letters 'F', 'G', 'I', 'L', 'M', 'S' and 'Z' where
  • 'F' = First Part
  • 'G' = Garbage
  • 'I' = Space Invader
  • 'L' = Last Part
  • 'M' = Mirror Same
  • 'S' = Sex Dependent
  • 'Z' = No Divide
• Handles displays the handle of the call within the list database.
• Levels displays the level of the call.
• Numbers displays a sequential number.
• Parts displays the number of parts in the call.
• Call type displays the call type of the call. The call type is displayed as a single letter: 'D', 'F', 'I', 'N', 'P', 'Y", or 'Z' where
  • 'D' = Direction
  • 'F' = Formation
  • 'I' = Identifier
  • 'N' = Call
  • 'P'= Pseudo-call
  • 'Y' = Concept
  • 'Z' = Numeric
• Use count displays the use count of the call. The use count is a count of how many times the call has been marked as used within the list.

all=no changes the status of all levels to 'no'.

all=ADD changes the status of all levels to 'ADD'.

all=SEL changes the status of all levels to 'ADD+SELECT'.

Level and Status is a list box that shows the status of each level. Status is one of three possibilities:

1. no means that calls from this level are not included in the list;
2. ADD means that calls from this level are included in the list;
3. ADD+SELECT means the same as ADD and also indicates that calls on this level are highlighted when displayed or printed.

Figure 4.1 shows how I would define the list that I'd use when writing a C1 dance. I mark most levels below C1 as ADD, and I mark the C1 and C1V levels as ADD+SELECT (making them the 'primary' level of the list).

View level displays all calls on the highlighted level within the Level and Status list.

OK updates the selected list and closes the window.

Cancel closes the window without making any changes to the list.

Section 4.2 -- List -- Print

Figure 4.2

List -- Print

List is the name of the list to be printed.

Type of output specifies which type of output to generate. For sample output, see Section 4.2.1. The destination for Formatted N-column and One page / one level is always the printer; other types of output can be sent to either the printer or a text file.

• All database information outputs all information contained within the list database for each call. This consists of the call type, number of parts, minimum number of dancers required, flags, level of call, call name, and handle.
• Call names only outputs only the call name for each call. Each call is output on a separate line. When the Destination is a text file, this is useful for importing a list into a word processor for further manipulation.
• Formatted N-column outputs the list of calls with several columns (typically 2 or 3) per page. The number of columns per page is determined by the selected font and printer page orientation.
• L-H side indicates which field is displayed on the left-hand side of each call when the list is printed.

• Dancers displays the minimum number of dancers required for the call.
• Flags displays the flag string for the call. The flag string is a text string containing the letters 'F', 'G', 'I', 'L', 'M', 'S' and 'Z' where
• 'F' = First Part
• 'G' = Garbage
• 'I' = Space Invader
• 'L' = Last Part
• 'M' = Mirror Same
• 'S' = Sex Dependent
• 'Z' = No Divide
• Handles displays the handle of the call within the list database.
• Levels displays the level of the call.
• Numbers displays a sequential number.
• Parts displays the number of parts in the call.
• Call type displays the call type of the call. The call type is one of the following:
• 'D' = Direction
• 'F' = Formation
• 'I' = Identifier
• 'N' = Call
• 'P' = Pseudo-call
• 'Y' = Concept
• 'Z' = Numeric
• Use count displays the use count of the call. The use count is a count of how many times the call has been marked as used within the list.

• Frequency count outputs the calls and their frequency count (how many times the call was used within a set of sequences or records within a getin/getout database). The frequency count for each call is initialized to zero when the list is created. When a sequence (or getin/getout) is connected to the list, and then parsed, the frequency counts are updated.
• Include calls not on list, when checked, also outputs the frequency counts for calls that are not on the list but have a frequency count greater than zero.
• One page / one level creates an output similar to how Callerlab prints the C1 and C2 lists (i.e., the list is printed in 2 or 3 columns and calls are grouped by the first letter of each call name). The entire list is printed on a single page, hence the list can't be too large.
• Header is the header for the page. The header is displayed, centered, in a larger font, at the top of the page.
• Ignore use counts outputs all calls on the selected list, whether or not their use count is within the specified use count range.
• Maximize font size tries to use the largest font size possible and still fit the entire list on a single printed page.
• # Copies specifies the number of copies to be printed.

Limitations

• Use count: limits the calls printed to those whose 'use count' is within the specified range (i.e., the use count field of the call is between the minimum and maximum values inclusive).

Destination indicates where to send the output.

• Printer sends the output directly to the system printer.
• Text file writes the output to a specified text file. The text file is specified in the edit box directly below the Text file option button.
• The Browse button displays the system file dialog box which allows an output file to be selected.

Fonts selects which printer font(s) to use. Only the selected font name and font size are used. Font style is ignored (the program will use 'Regular').

• Primary font is the font used for the majority of the text on the page.
• Header font is the font used only for the page header.

Properties... displays the system printer dialog box. This box allows you to change the default printer, specify the page size, the page orientation (Portrait or Landscape) and other printer properties. Any changes made to the printer properties become system wide changes. Hence, if only temporary changes are desired, make the change, print the list, and then reset the printer properties to their original values.

Print prints the selected list according to the selected options.

Exit closes the window.

 

4.2.1 -- List -- Print -- Sample Output

All database information

 

Call names only

 

Formatted N-column

 

One page / one level

 

 

Frequency count

Section 4.3 -- List -- View

Figure 4.3

List -- View

Figure 4.3 shows the View A List window which displays the contents of a list. The list can be displayed in one or two columns.

Change list selects a different list to be viewed.

Display modifies how the list is displayed.

• Change Font changes the font name and font size used within the display. Font style is ignored (the program uses 'Regular').
• Change Use count range changes the minimum and maximum use count. Calls are displayed only if their use count is within the specified range.
• L-H side indicates the field that is displayed to the left of each call.
• Dancers displays the minimum number of dancers required for the call.
• Flags displays the flag string for the call. The flag string is a text string containing the letters 'F', 'G', 'I', 'L', 'M', 'S' and 'Z' where
  • 'F' = First Part
  • 'G' = Garbage
  • 'I' = Space Invader
  • 'L' = Last Part
  • 'M' = Mirror Same
  • 'S' = Sex Dependent
  • 'Z' = No Divide
• Handles displays the handle of the call within the list database.
• Levels displays the level of the call.
• Numbers displays a sequential number.
• Parts displays the number of parts in the call.
• Call type displays the call type of the call. The call type is one of the following:
  • 'D' = Direction
  • 'F' = Formation
  • 'I' = Identifier
  • 'N' = Call
  • 'P' = Pseudo-call
  • 'Y' = Concept
  • 'Z' = Numeric
• Use count displays the use count of the call. The use count is a count of how many times the call has been marked as used within the list.
• Sort by indicates how the list is sorted.
• Alphanumeric order sorts the list by ascending alphanumeric order.
• Ascending use count sorts the list by ascending use count.
• Descending use count sorts the list by descending use count.
• Two columns, when checked, displays the list in two columns. Otherwise, only one column is displayed. The two columns are independent windows into the list: they can display the same information, or one window can be scrolled to display other information.

Edit list (Section 4.1) allows the list to be edited. After the edits, the list is redisplayed to reflect any changes made.

Exit closes this window.

Section 4.4 -- Change Levels Of Calls

Figure 4.4

Change Levels Of Calls

To change the level of calls:

1. At the top of the window, select a different level within each of the dropdown lists. One level will be the source, and the other will be the destination.
2. Highlight one or more calls to be moved within one of the list boxes (the source). To highlight non-adjacent calls, hold down the Ctrl key and left-click the mouse on a call.
3. Click the appropriate 'Move right' or 'Move left' button to move the highlighted calls to the other level.

Exit closes this window. If any changes were made, you will be prompted as to whether or not to save the changes.

Section 4.5 -- List -- Edit Database

Figure 4.5

List -- Edit Database

Each record in the list database contains the following fields:

• Type is the type of the call.
• 'D' = Direction
• 'F' = Formation
• 'I' = Identifier
• 'N' = Call
• 'P' = Pseudo-call
• 'Y' = Concept
• 'Z' = Numeric
• #Parts is the number of parts in the call. A zero (0) in this field indicates that the number of parts is not applicable (e.g., as with most concepts). A one (1) in this field indicates that the call has only one part or that the call can not be broken up into parts.
• #Dancers is the minimum number of dancers required in order to do the call.
• Flags displays the flag string for the call. The flag string is a text string containing the letters 'F', 'G', 'I', 'L', 'M', 'S' and 'Z' where
• 'F' = First Part
• 'G' = Garbage
• 'I' = Space Invader
• 'L' = Last Part
• 'M' = Mirror Same
• 'S' = Sex Dependent
• 'Z' = No Divide
• Level is the level of the call.
• Text is the name of the call, concept, pseudo-call, formation, identifier, fraction, or numeric.
• Handle is a number that uniquely identifies the record in the list database. Any records that you add to the list database are assigned a handle number of 20000 or greater.

Cross reference displays all parse database entries that refer to the highlighted list record.

Figure 4.5.A

Sample cross reference

Edit

• Add new record Ctrl+A adds a new record and allows it to be edited (Figure 4.5.B).
• Delete highlighted record Ctrl+D prompts for confirmation and then deletes the currently highlighted record.
• Edit highlighted record Ctrl+E (Figure 4.5.B) allows the currently highlighted record to be edited.

Find searches for a specific record.

• Text string Ctrl+T searches for a specific text string.
• Last highlighted record Ctrl+L highlights the record that was highlighted prior to the current record. This is similar to an undo command.
• Handle Ctrl+H searches for a given handle.
• Search direction specifies the search direction when searching the database.
• Forward searches the database records in ascending order.
• Backward searches the database records in descending order.

Exit closes this window. If changes were made, you are asked if you want to save them.

Figure 4.5.B

Edit List Database Record

 

Section 4.6 -- Edit Levels

Figure 4.6

Edit Levels

Level is a level. The name of a level is 1 to 4 characters in length and is in uppercase.

# of calls indicates how many calls are in the list database at the corresponding level.

Add allows a new level to be added. You are prompted for the name of the new level and for which level the new level is to be added after. Adding the new level after the place holder '*start*' places the level at the beginning of the list.

Delete deletes a level, after confirmation. A level can only be deleted if the corresponding number of calls is zero.

Move moves a the highlighted level after a selected level.

Rename renames the highlighted level.

Show calls (Figure 4.6.1) displays all calls at the highlighted level.

Figure 4.6.1

Show calls

Exit closes this window. If changes were made to the levels, you are asked if you wish to save them.

Section 5 -- Parse

Figure 5

Parse sub-menu of Main Menu

Figure 5 shows the Parse sub-menu of the main menu. This sub-menu accesses the parse database and the abbreviation database.

The parse database controls how text strings of square dance terminology are translated into lists of numbers (known as handles) that can more easily be manipulated by the program. Parsing allows the program to determine which calls and concepts are contained within a text string. It also allows the program to determine the level of the text so that the program can assign a level to a getin/getout records or a sequence.

The abbreviation database controls how abbreviations are translated into their corresponding expansion text. For example, typing the entire name for each and every call can become tedious. It's easier to type an abbreviation such as TBWT instead of Triple Boxes Working Together.

Text string (Section 5.1) tests the behavior of the parse database when given a specific text string.

A getin/getout (Section 5.2) parses a selected record from a selected getin/getout database. The parse results are displayed with each call followed by its level, call type, and handle.

Several getins/getouts parses a range of records from a selected getin/getout database. You are prompted for the following information:

1. The database name, start record, and end record.
2. An output filename (the parse results are written to this file).
3. A list name. The use counts in the list are updated with the results of the parsing. Select 'None' if you do not want to update a list.
4. Whether or not to initialize all use counts in the list to zero.

After the above information has been specified, an 'in progress' box is displayed while the parse is in progress. Upon completion, the output file can be deleted, printed, or viewed.

A sequence parses a selected record from a sequence database. The parse results are displayed with each call followed by its level, call type, and handle. See Section 5.1, Parse A Getin/Getout Record, which is similar.

Several sequences is similar to Several getins/getouts above, except that a sequence database is specified instead of a getin/getout database. This option, in conjunction with a list, can be used to create a frequency count of how many times each call has been used within a set of sequences.

Sequence print list is similar to Several getins/getouts above, except that the sequence print list is used instead of a specified sequence database and range of sequences.

Sequences for a date is similar to Several getins/getouts above, except that processing is done on all sequences for a given date from the dates database.

All sequence databases is similar to Several getins/getouts above, except that all sequence databases starting at a specified database and start index are processed.

Edit abbreviation database (Section 5.4) edits the abbreviation database.

Dump contents of parse database outputs the contents of the parse database to a text file. This output file can be deleted, printed, or viewed.

• Short format outputs the text string and the handle list for each entry in the parse database.
• Long format is the same as Short format except that each handle is resolved to show the call to which it refers.

Dump contents of parse database (sample)

Edit abbreviation database (Section 5.4) edits the abbreviation database.

Dump contents of abbreviation database outputs the contents of the abbreviation database to a text file. The output file can be deleted, printed, or viewed.

• Sorted by abbreviation sorts the output by abbreviation.
• Sorted by expansion sorts the output by expansion.

Dump contents of abbreviation database (sample)

Section 5.1 -- Parse -- Text String

Figure 5.1

Parse A Text String

Figure 5.1 shows the Parse A Text String window. This window allows you to enter a text string of square dance terminology (String to parse), press the Enter key, and then view the results of the parse. The purpose of this window is to assist you in debugging any changes you've made to the parse database.

String to parse is a text string of square dance terminology. Enter/edit text here and then press the 'Enter' key. The remainder of the window then displays the results of the parse.

Resolve abbreviations, when checked, causes abbreviations within the 'String to parse' to be expanded.

The large frame near the center of the window displays the successfully parsed pieces from the string to parse. The following fields are displayed:

• Handle is the handle within the list database.
• Type is the call type. See Section 3.0 under Types to include for a description of call types.
• Level is the level as defined within the list database.
• Text is the text of the handle within the list database.

Parsed level is the level of the terminology within the string to parse. This is the maximum level of all handles decoded from the string.

Reconstructed string is the square dance terminology string as reconstructed by the program using the handles determined from the String to parse. This frame is displayed only if the entire String to parse was successfully parsed.

Unknown tokens displays a list of words that were not recognized by the parser. This frame is displayed only if the entire String to parse was not successfully parsed.

Exit closes this window.

Section 5.2 -- Parse -- A Getin/Getout Record

Figure 5.2

Parse A Getin/Getout Record

The following fields are displayed:

• Parsed level is the level as determined by the parse. This is the maximum level of all parsed text strings within the record.
• Handle is the handle within the list database.
• Type is the call type. See Section 4.1 under Types to include for a description of call types.
• Level is the level as defined within the list database.
• Text is the text of the handle within the list database.

Change database/index changes the database and/or record index within the database.

Navigation Buttons display the first, previous, next, or last record in the database

• Ctrl+F1 displays the first record in the database (usually record #1).
• F1 displays the previous record in the database (i.e., record # N-1).
• F2 displays the next record in the database (i.e., record # N+1).
• Ctrl+F2 displays the last record in the database.

Exit closes this window.

Section 5.3 -- Parse -- Edit Database

Figure 5.3

Parse -- Edit Database

Edit

• Add new record Ctrl+A adds a new record and allows it to be edited (Figure 5.3.A).
• Delete highlighted record Ctrl+D prompts for confirmation and then deletes the currently highlighted record.
• Edit highlighted record Ctrl+E (Figure 5.3.A) edits the currently highlighted record.

Find searches for records within the parse database.

• Text string Ctrl+T specifies a text string to search for.
• Handle Ctrl+H specifies a handle number to search for.
• Bad handle Ctrl+B searches for the next bad handle in the database. A bad handle is a handle that is not a special handle (special handles are greater than or equal to 32000) and does not have a corresponding entry in the list database.
• Last highlighted record Ctrl+L repositions the current record to the previously highlighted record. This is similar to an undo command: if you inadvertently display a record, this option returns you to the previously displayed record.
• Search direction specifies the search direction when searching for a text string or handle.
• Forward searches the database in ascending order.
• Backward searches the database in descending order.

Other

• Show handles displays a dialog box containing the text and handle for all records in the list database. The display is sorted on the text field in ascending alphanumerical order. The purpose of this option is to allow you to search for a specific call to get its handle.
• Verify database takes the text of each record in the parse database, applies an internal cleanup function, and then re-inserts the text back into the record. The cleanup function removes text within parentheses, converts lowercase to uppercase, replaces punctuation with spaces, collapses contiguous spaces into a single space, converts specific text strings to other text strings, etc... The cleanup function is always applied to text strings before they are parsed.

Exit closes this window. If you have made any changes, you are prompted for confirmation prior to actually saving those changes.

 

Figure 5.3.A

Edit Parse Database Record

Figure 5.3.A shows the Edit Parse Database Record frame. This frame allows fields within the current record to be edited.

Section 5.4 -- Edit Abbreviation Database

Figure 5.4

Edit Abbreviation Database

Figure 4.4 shows the Edit Abbreviation Database window. This window allows you to edit the abbreviation database. The abbreviation database controls how abbreviations are translated into their expansions. Each record in the database consists of an abbreviation and its expansion.

Edit

• Add new record Ctrl+A adds a new record and allows it to be edited (Figure 5.4.A).
• Delete highlighted record Ctrl+D prompts for confirmation and then deletes the currently highlighted record.
• Edit highlighted record Ctrl+E (Figure 5.4.A) edits the currently highlighted record.

Find (Figure 5.4.B) searches for a specific abbreviation or a specific expansion. You enter the text string to be searched for. The search direction (forward or backward) can also be specified. When searching for an expansion, a case-dependent search is allowed.

Validate validates the data within the abbreviation database.

• Find duplicate abbreviations searches the database for duplicate abbreviations. Upon completion, a list of the duplicate abbreviations is displayed. Duplicate abbreviations are allowed by the program: if for example you are editing a sequence, and you type in an abbreviation that has more than one expansion then the program will first check to see if only one expansion exists at or below the level of the sequence that you are editing. If so, that expansion is used; otherwise, a dialog box appears prompting you to select the desired expansion.
• Check against parse database takes each record in the parse database and checks to see if it contains any abbreviations. Upon completion, a list of problems is displayed. These problems should either be resolved by editing the parse database or by editing the abbreviation database. The most common way to fix the problem is to delete the abbreviation from the abbreviation database.

Exit closes this window. If changes have been made to the database, you are prompted for confirmation prior to actually saving the changes.

Figure 5.4.A

Edit Abbreviation Database Record

Figure 5.4.A shows the Edit Abbreviation Database Record frame. This frame allows fields within the current record to be edited.

Figure 5.4.B

Find Dialog Box

Figure 5.4.B shows the Find Dialog Box which allows you to specify an abbreviation or expansion to be searched for.

Section 6 -- Proofread

Figure 6

Proofread sub-menu of Main Menu

Figure 6 shows the Proofread sub-menu of the main menu. Proofreading validates that getins are correct (i.e., the sequence of calls starting from a squared set results in the ending position specified in the getin record), and that getouts and sequences resolve correctly.

Dance proofreads all sequences for a dance. See Section 6.1 which is similar.

Date proofreads all sequences marked as called at a selected date and location. See Section 6.1 which is similar

Getin/Getouts (Section 6.1) proofreads a selected range of records from a selected getin/getout database.

Sequences proofreads a selected range of records from a selected sequence database. See Section 6.1 which is similar

Sequence print list proofreads the sequences listed within the sequence print list. See Section 6.1 which is similar

All sequence databases proofreads all sequence databases starting at a selected start database and a selected start record index. See Section 6.1 which is similar.

Section 6.1 -- Proofread Getin/Getouts

Figure 6.1

Proofread Getin/Getouts

Figure 6.1 shows the Proofread Getin/Getouts dialog box. This box allows you to select a getin/getout database to be processed, the list of records to process, and other information.

Getin/getout database is the name of the database to be processed.

Records to proofread is a list of record ranges to proofread. A record range is a set of tokens of the form 'm-n' separated by commas or spaces. 'm' indicates the start record index; '-' indicates 'to'; and 'n' indicates the end record index. If 'm' or 'n' is omitted, the program respectively assumes the first record and last record in the database. For example, "-8, 11, 16, 200-" specifies records 1 through 8, record 11, record 16, and records 200 and beyond.

No prompts. Create output file, when checked, the proofreading is performed without any prompts. When a problem is encountered during the proofread process, information concerning the problem is written to the selected output file. When not checked, a dialog box appears whenever a problem occurs. Typical problems encountered during proofreading are: 'bad parse' and 'call not found'. 'Bad parse' means that the program was unable to parse a text string of square dance terminology. The offending string is displayed or written to the output file. 'Call not found' means that the program does not know how to do the next call from the current position.

Process previously proofread records, when checked, records already marked as proofread are also processed. This allows you to re-proofread records that have already been proofread. You may wish to do this if you fix bugs in the snapshot database, the parse database, or the list database.

Pause after processing each record, when checked, the program pauses after each record has been processed. You must manually click the 'Skip' button (to go to the next record) or the 'Abort' button (to end the proofreading process). This mode allows you to examine and edit each record if desired.

OK starts the proofreading process.

Cancel closes the window, without starting the proofreading process.

 

Section 6.2 -- Call Not Found, Add It?

Figure 6.2

Call Not Found, Add It?

Figure 6.2 shows the 'Call Not Found, Add It?' window. This window is displayed when the given call from the given formation can not be found within the snapshot database. In essence, the program is saying "I don't know how to do this call from this position. Please show me how."

This window consists of several parts:

1. Centered at the top of the window is the name of the current sequence or current getin/getout. The name consists of the database name, a hypen ("-"), and the record number within the database.
2. Debug mode check box (upper R-H corner): when checked, causes the routine that searches the snapshot database to go into debug mode, in which case dialog boxes pop up with internal program information.
3. Immediately beneath the Debug mode check box is a list of the calls (and their handles) of what is currently being processed.
4. The center of the window shows the dancers in the current formation. If the Process or Add button has been pressed and a call has been executed, then the previous formation is displayed using smaller dancer icons in the upper L-H corner of the window.
5. There are two buttons at the lower L-H corner:

• Reset all resets the text and the current formation to what it was when this window was initially displayed.
• Reset text resets the text to what it was when this window was initially displayed. The current formation is not modified.

6. Next (sub-)call to process or add (bottom of the window) is a text box that allows you to enter a text string to be processed. Click the Process or Add button to process this text.
7. In the lower center part of the window, there are four check boxes. These check boxes control how the program processes the next call. These boxes should only be checked if you are trying to force the program to do something different than normal.

• F1 No expansions, when checked, the program does not do any expansion when trying to find records within the snapshot database.

When not checked, the program modifies the text (handle list) of the call before trying to process it. For example,

1. Catch Mix 4 is expanded to Square Thru 4 To A Wave; Mix; Step & Fold.
2. Funny Diamond Circulate 3 is expanded to Funny Diamond Circulate; Funny Diamond Circulate; Funny Diamond Circulate.

• F2 No extrapolations, when checked, the program does not do any extrapolating when trying to find records within the snapshot database.

When not checked, the program uses its internal knowledge of how to do concepts. For example, if the snapshot database has a 4-dancer record for Square Chain Thru, then the program can extrapolate calls such as As Couples Square Chain Thru, Block Square Chain Thru, or Once Removed Square Chain Thru. Also, the program can take a 4-dancer record (say from a R-H Wave, a Swing Thru) and can do a Swing Thru from a R-H Tidal Wave, Parallel R-H Waves, the Center R-H Wave from a 1/4 Tag setup, or from any two R-H Waves anywhere in space.

• F3 No split ups, when checked, the program does not try to split up the call being processed.

Split up means that if the program can not find a snapshot record for the entire text string, it tries splitting up the text string into two parts (each part may further be split up into two parts and so on). For example, if the text string is Recycle With The Flow, then if a snapshot record for the entire text string is not found, the program first tries Recycle, and then from the resulting ending formation, tries With The Flow.

• F4 No fuzzy matches, when checked, the program does not allow fuzzy matches when searching the snapshot database.

When checked, dancers must be on the exact coordinates as specified in the snapshot record (or rotated by a multiple of 90 degrees) for the program to use the snapshot record. When not checked, dancers can be 1/2 of a position away from the required starting position of a call and still be able to do the call.

8. The Process or Add button attempts to execute the call displayed within the edit box from the currently displayed position. If the call can not be executed (i.e., it is not be found within the snapshot database when given the limitations specified above (F1 through F4)), the user is prompted to enter a new snapshot record (See Section 7.3).
9. In the lower R-H corner, there are three buttons:

• OK returns to the 'proofreading' window and retries to execute the current line.
• Next skips the current possibility and displays the next possibility.
• Cancel returns to the 'proofreading' window and does not try to re-execute the current line.

Section 7 -- Sequence

Figure 7

Sequence sub-menu of Main Menu

Figure 7 shows the Sequence sub-menu of the main menu which allows access to sequence databases.

New sequence [Graphics] creates a new sequence in graphics mode (i.e., dancer icons are displayed). You are prompted for the name of the sequence database (or a new sequence database can be created if desired), after which the 'proofreading' window appears, and you can create the sequence. See Section 7.2.

Edit sequence [Graphics] edits an existing sequence in graphics mode. You are prompted for the sequence database and index, after which the 'proofreading' window appears and the sequence can be edited. See Section 7.2.

New sequence [Text] creates a new sequence in text mode. You are prompted for the name of the sequence database (or a new sequence database can be created if desired), after which the 'edit sequence [Text mode]' window appears. See Section 7.3.

Edit sequence [Text] edits an existing sequence in text mode. See Section 7.3.

View sequence (Section 7.4) displays a sequence in full screen mode. This window can be used (with a laptop) to display sequences when calling a dance.

Print sequence(s) (Section 7.5) prints sequences on the printer, or writes sequences to one or more text files.

Print incomplete sequences prints incomplete sequences on the printer. Typically 2 or 3 sequences are printed per page. For each sequence, the last text line that was successfully processed is followed by a text line indicating the reason for failure (such as '*** INCOMPLETE ***', '*** PARSE PROBLEM ON NEXT LINE ***' or '*** CALL NOT FOUND ON NEXT LINE ***'). A picture of the dancer's formation after the last successfully processed text line is also displayed.

• Print list searches for incomplete sequences within the sequence print list.
• Specified searches for incomplete sequences within a selected range of records in a selected sequence database.

Database functions...

• New database creates a new sequence database. First, you are prompted for the name of the database (the name must be 1 to 8 characters in length and may not contain any special characters recognized by the Windows file system. E.g., no slashes, no colons, etc.). Next, you are placed into the Edit database window (Section 7.6).
• Delete database deletes a sequence database after confirmation.
• Edit database (Section 7.6) edits the parameters of a sequence database.
• Rename database renames an existing sequence database.
• Dump info for all databases creates an output file containing a list of all sequence databases and their attributes.
• Sort database names specifies how sequence database names are sorted when they appear within a list (such as a dropdown list).

1. by Level sorts the database names in ascending order of the 'Maximum level' field defined in the sequence database (Edit database, Section 7.6, allows the 'Maximum level' field to be changed).
2. by Name sorts the database names in ascending alphanumerical order.

Import sequence(s) (Section 7.7) imports sequences from a text file or a sequence database into another sequence database.

Move sequence between databases moves a sequence from one database to another.

Validate

• Verify levels checks all sequence databases or a single sequence database to make sure that the level of the calls contained within the sequence are at or below the 'Maximum level' field defined in the sequence database. An output file is created listing the calls that are outside the maximum level. Verify levels should be used, for example, after calls move from one list to another, to find sequences that are no longer at the desired level.
• Consistent capitalization consistently capitalizes all records in all sequence databases or within a single sequence database. This is the same as applying global option 'Consistent capitalization' (See section 10) to a range of sequences.
• Find non-proofread sequences searches all records in all sequence databases or searches a range of records within a specified sequence database for records which have not been proofread. Note that incomplete sequences are always not proofread. An output text file is created which lists the non-proofread sequences. This file can be deleted, viewed, or printed.

Find text searches a selected set of sequences for a given text string. For example, using this option you could search for all sequences containing a selected call or concept. See Section 3.5, Getin/Getout Find Text, which is similar.

Replace text replaces one text string with another text string within a selected set of sequences. For example, using this option you could replace all occurrences of Beaux to Beaus or vice-versa. See Section 3.6, Getin/Getout Replace Text, which is similar.

Section 7.1 -- Sequence -- Select database and index

Figure 7.1

Sequence -- Select Database And Index

Section 7.2 -- Sequence -- Edit [Graphics Mode]

Figure 7.2

Sequence -- Edit [Graphics Mode]

Figure 7.2 shows the Edit Sequence [Graphics Mode] window. This is the window in which sequences are interactively written, hence you need to become very familiar with its usage.

The window consists of several parts:

1. The window title displays the name of the sequence being edited.
2. The top of the window has the primary menu (described later below).
3. The next line of the window consists of the following:

• List changes the list associated with the sequence. The value '<none>' indicates that no list is selected.
• Difficulty changes the difficulty level of the sequence. Available difficulty levels are: Easy, Medium, or Hard.
• Star marks the sequence as being extra special. When checked, stars are added at the top of the sequence when the sequence is printed in normal mode, indicating that it is a very good sequence.
• In print list, when checked, the sequence is placed within the sequence print list.

4. The large white box (upper left-side of window) displays the sequence text that has been processed so far. The sequence identification (database name, a dash, and a record index) and number of lines is displayed above the text box. Text that has not yet been processed is contained below in the Edit buffer.
5. The Edit buffer (lower L-H corner) contains text which can be edited on this window. Pressing the Enter key submits the edit buffer contents to be processed. There are two buttons available here:

• Clear erases the contents of the edit buffer.
• New line inserts a new line (carriage-return followed by line-feed) in the edit buffer at the current cursor location. This is the only way to add a new line to the edit buffer, since pressing the Enter key submits the edit buffer to be processed.

6. The center and right-side of the window displays the dancers. The upper left section shows the 'before' picture, which shows the dancers before they executed the last call. The center section shows the 'after' picture, which shows the dancers in their current position. An arrow is drawn from the 'before' picture to the 'after' picture and is labeled with the last call executed. If the edit buffer is visible, the last call executed is also the last line displayed within the sequence text box. The label of the last call executed can be moved if desired (perhaps it is displayed on top of some dancers) by left-clicking and holding the mouse, dragging it to a new position.
7. At the bottom of the window are 4 navigation buttons. These buttons navigate forward or backward within the sequence.

• Ctrl+F1 resets the dancers to their initial position (before any calls have been executed).
• F1 undoes the dancers by one line of text.
• F2 advances the dancers by one line of text.
• Ctrl+F2 executes all remaining calls within the text buffer and the edit buffer.

6. At the lower left there are four possible buttons:

• Prior record allows you to go back and edit a record that you just edited. A history list of sequences is displayed, and you can choose the sequence to be edited.
• Next record skips the current record and advances to the next record. This button is not displayed if an existing sequence is being edited. If several sequences are being proofread, this button advances to the next sequence. If new sequences are being created, this button saves the current sequence and starts a new sequence in the same database.
• Abort (Esc) prompts for confirmation and then aborts the proofreading process.
• Exit closes this window.

Display

• Change font changes the name and size of the font used within the sequence text box, the edit buffer, and the arrow label. Only changes to the font name and font size are affected. If the font type (italics, bold) is changed, it is ignored.
• Display before picture, when checked, also displays the dancers before the last call was executed. The before picture is displayed with smaller dancers in the upper L-H section of the R-H portion of the window.
• Draw axes, when checked, displays X-Y axes on the window.
• Draw grid, when checked, displays grid lines and the X-Y axes.
• Getout count (after N lines) changes the number of lines after which to always search the GETOUT database. After the specified number of lines is in the large white text box, the last line displayed shows the number of getouts (if non-zero) in the GETOUT database for the current position. This is applicable only for 8-dancer choreography.

Edit

• Sequence text Ctrl+E allows the entire text (both the large white text box and the edit buffer) to be edited. That is, the text in the large white box in the upper L-H side of the window3 is concatenated with the text in the Edit buffer, and then the Edit Sequence [Text Mode] window (Section 7.3) or the Edit Getin/Getout Record window (Section 3.0) is displayed.
• Abbreviation database edits the abbreviation database (Section 5.4).
• List database edits the list database (Section 4.5).
• Parse database edits the parse database (Section 5.3).

Find>

• Possible calls Ctrl+F searches the snapshot database for records that can be executed from the current position. See Section 7.8.
• Getout Ctrl+G searches the GETOUT database for getouts from the current position and displays the View Several Getouts window (Section 3.2). You can then scroll to a desired getout and select the Use menu option to use it. The highlighted getout will then be automatically added to the sequence. The Getout menu option is visible only when you are editing an 8-dancer sequence that can contain a getout.

Flags: See Section 6.2, Call Not Found, Add It?, for a description of the following flags:

• Set all flags sets the following flags: No expansions, No extrapolations, No split ups, and No fuzzy matches.
• Clear all flags clears the following flags: No expansions, No extrapolations, No split ups, and No fuzzy matches.
• No expansions, when checked, the program does not do any expansion when trying to find records within the snapshot database.

Expand means that the handle list is expanded prior to processing. For example,

1. Catch Mix 4 is expanded to Square Thru 4 To A Wave; Mix; Step & Fold.
2. Funny Diamond Circulate 3 is expanded to Funny Diamond Circulate; Funny Diamond Circulate; Funny Diamond Circulate.

In other words, the program modifies the text of the call before trying to process it.

• No extrapolations, when checked, the program does not do any extrapolating when trying to find records within the snapshot database.

Extrapolate means that the program executes coded instructions on how to process a given concept. For example, if the snapshot database has a 4-dancer record for Swing Thru, then the program can extrapolate an As Couples Swing Thru.

• No split ups, when checked, the program does not try to split up the call being processed.

Split up means that if the program can not find a snapshot record for the entire text string, it tries splitting up the text string into two parts (each part may further be split up into two parts and so on). For example, if the text string is Recycle With The Flow, then if a snapshot record for the entire text string is not found, the program first tries Recycle, and then from the resulting ending formation, tries a With The Flow.

• No fuzzy matches, when checked, the program does not allow fuzzy matches within the snapshot database. Exact means that the dancers must be on the exact coordinates as specified in the snapshot record (or rotated by a multiple of 90 degrees) for the program to use the snapshot record. Fuzzy means that the dancers can be 1/2 of a position away from the required starting position of a call.
• Debug mode, when checked, causes the routine that searches the snapshot database to go into debug mode, in which case dialog boxes pop up with internal program information.

Help describes the use of special characters within the sequence text.

Undo (F5) removes the last line of text from the large white text box and places it in the Edit buffer. The dancers are also backed up one line. If you only wish to backup the dancers one line without moving the text, then use the left-navigation button (F1) instead.

View

• List Ctrl+L (Section 4.3) displays the list associated with the current sequence. The name of this list is displayed in the dropdown list in the upper L-H corner of the window.
• Last GETOUT record used (Section 3.3) displays the last record used within the GETOUT database.
• Last snapshot record used Ctrl+S (Section 8.1) displays the last snapshot record used during processing of the current text.

 

Section 7.3 -- Sequence -- Edit [Text Mode]

Figure 7.3

Edit Sequence [Text Mode]

Figure 7.3 shows the Edit Sequence [Text Mode] window which allows the text of a sequence to be edited without using dancer icons.

The window consists of several parts:

1. The top line of the window contains the following:

• List changes the list associated with the sequence. The value '<none>' indicates that no list is selected.
• Difficulty changes the difficulty level of the sequence. Available difficulty levels are: Easy, Medium, or Hard.
• Star marks the sequence as being extra special. When checked, stars are added at the top of the sequence when the sequence is printed in normal mode, indicating that it is a very good sequence.
• In print list, when checked the sequence is placed within the print list.

2. The sequence text is displayed in the large white box. This text can be edited. In addition to the normal edit keystrokes, the combination Home-Home positions the cursor at the start of the sequence; the combination End-End positions the cursor at the end of the sequence.

Display

• Font changes the font name and font size being used within the edit window. Changes made to font style are ignored ('Regular' is used).

Help describes the use of special characters within the sequence text.

View>

• List (Section 4.3) displays the list associated with the current sequence. The name of this list is displayed in the dropdown list in the upper L-H corner of the window.

Prior record allows a previously edited sequence to be edited. A dialog box is displayed that allows you to choose a prior sequence.

Next record saves the current sequence and creates the next (new) sequence in the same database.

Save edits saves any changes made to the sequence and closes this window.

Cancel edits (Esc) closes this window without saving any changes made to the sequence.

 

 

Section 7.4 -- Sequence -- View

Figure 7.4

Sequence -- View

Figure 7.4 shows the View Sequence window. This window displays a single sequence at a time. It is intended to be used with a laptop for calling sequences at a dance. Keystrokes (defined below) allow you to change the sequence database, display a specific sequence from the current database, display the previous or next sequence from the current database, scroll the sequence text forward or backward, and jump to the first line or last line of the sequence.

The window consists of several parts:

1. The window title contains the name of the sequence being viewed.
2. The top of the window has the primary menu (described later below).
3. The next line of the window contains the following:

• The date that the sequence was last modified.
• The parse status: 'NOT parsed' indicates that the sequence has not been successfully parsed; 'Parsed as X' indicates the sequence was successfully parsed where 'X' is the level determined from the parse.
• The proofread status: 'Proofread' if the sequence has been proofread, or 'NOT Proofread'.
• Star marks the sequence as being extra special. When checked, stars are added at the top of the sequence when the sequence is printed in normal mode, indicating that it is a very good sequence.
• In print list, when checked, the sequence is placed within the print list.

4. The sequence text is displayed in the large white box. The following keystrokes are helpful:

• Home (or PgUp) scrolls the sequence so that the first line of the sequence is displayed at the top of the window.
• End (or PgDn) scrolls the sequence so that the last line of the sequence is displayed at the bottom of the window.
• Up-arrow scrolls the sequence up one line.
• Down-arrow scrolls the sequence down one line.
• F1 displays the previous sequence in the same database.
• F2 displays the next sequence in the same database.

4. The lower left corner of the window shows the dates information (if available) for the current sequence. This shows when and where the sequence was used.

Change

• Previous sequence F1 displays the previous sequence in the database.
• Next sequence F2 displays the next sequence in the database.
• First record in database Ctrl+F1 displays the first sequence within the database.
• Last record in database Ctrl+F2 displays the last sequence within the database.
• Change database and/or index F5 prompts you to change the current database and/or sequence index. This menu option can be skipped by simply typing a record number followed by the Enter key.

Display modifies the window display.

• Change font changes the font name and font size of the font used to display the sequence text.
• Underline and bold, when checked, processes the percent-sign ("%") and dollar-sign ("$") characters for extra emphasis.
• Display dates, when checked, displays the dates and locations of when the sequence was used. This information is displayed in the lower R-H corner.

Edit (Section 7.3) edits the sequence in text mode.

Other

• Delete this sequence Ctrl+D deletes the current sequence, after confirmation.
• Parse this sequence Ctrl+P parses the current sequence. See Section 5.2, which is similar.
• Proofread this sequence F12 attempts to proofread the current sequence.

Exit closes this window.

Section 7.5 -- Sequence -- Print

Figure 7.5

Sequence -- Print

Figures 7.5 shows the Print Sequence(s) window. This window specifies which sequences are to be printed, how they are to be printed, and allows them to be printed.

For a sequence to be printed, it must be listed in the sequence print list. Newly created sequences are automatically added to the print list. When editing or viewing a sequence, it can be added to the print list by checking the In print list check box. When importing sequences, sequences can be added to the print list by checking the Add imported sequences to print list check box.

The window consists of several parts:

1. Menu at top of window.

• Edit
  • Clear list Ctrl+C prompts for confirmation and then clears the contents of the print list.
  • Reset list Ctrl+R prompts for confirmation and then resets the print list to what it was when this window was initially displayed. This is useful, for example, if you print a bunch of sequences (and they are removed from the print list), but then the printer jams and loses some of them. You can then use this option to reset the print list.
  • Add date adds the sequences from a specific date (within the dates database) to the print list.
  • Add dance adds the sequences from a specific dance to the print list. The added sequences can be the sequences that were 'used' and/or 'not used' at the dance.
• Print
  • Print sequences Ctrl+P starts the print process. Before clicking this button, verify that the desired Output format has been selected.
  • Properties... displays the system printer dialog box. This box allows you to change the default printer, specify the page size, the page orientation (Portrait or Landscape) and other printer properties. Changes made to the printer properties become system wide changes. Hence, if you only want temporary changes, make the change, print the list, and then reset the printer properties to their original values.
• Help describes the format of the print list.
• Exit closes this window.

1. Centered at top of window is the number of sequences in the print list.
2. In the upper R-H corner is the current time of day.
3. The large white space at the top of the window is the print list. It contains a list of sequences. The format is ***.
4. Only print proofread sequences, when checked, sequences are printed only if they are marked as having been proofread. Non-proofread sequences remain in the print list.
5. The Output format frame (center L-H side of window) determines how the sequences are to be printed.

• Normal prints one sequence per page. The page size is assumed to be 8.5 by 11 inches, but other page sizes may work as well.
• 8x5 Cards prints one sequence per page. The page size is assumed to be a 8 by 5 inches.
• Condensed prints several sequences (as many as can fit) per page in one or two columns. In this manner, you can print several sequences without having to use a whole page for each sequence. The sequences are printed single-spaced with a horizontal and vertical lines separating the sequences.
• Individual text files outputs the sequences to text files in the selected folder, one sequence per file (the files are named <sequence database><index>.out). Each file contains a one line header, a blank line, then the contents of the sequence. These files are not sent to the printer.
• One text file outputs the sequences to a single specified text file.

1. The Name and address frame allows you to enter information such as your name, address, and phone number. The first line should be your name. The maximum number of characters per line is 50. The name information is printed at the lower R-H corner of each sequence when the output format is Normal.
2. The Fonts frame (lower R-H side of window) allows you to specify the font names and font sizes used in the Normal and Condensed printouts.

*** list the parts for the different output formats! ***

ADD SAMPLE PRINTED SEQUENCES LIKE WE DID FOR THE PRINTED LISTS!

 

 

 

Section 7.6 -- Sequence -- Edit Database

Figure 7.6

Sequence -- Edit Database

Figure 7.6 shows the Edit Sequence Database window. This window defines the sequence database by specifying the types of sequences to be placed in the database, as well as other database parameters.

The window consists of several parts:

1. Centered at the top of the window is the name of the sequence database ('C1' in the above figure). To rename the sequence database, return to the main menu and select 'Sequence', then 'Database functions...' then 'Rename a sequence database'.
2. Type of sequences (L-H side) specifies which types of sequences will be placed in the database. Sequences within a database must all be of the same type. The following sequence types are available:

• Normal is for normal sequences, that is, the sequence starts in a squared set, and resolves with everyone in sequence with their original partner.
• Opening biggie is the same as Normal but is intended for sequences that only contain a few calls (maybe 5 or less).
• Singing call is for singing call sequences. When selected, a dropdown list appears containing the following:
  • Corner progression indicates that dancers should be paired with their original corners after the sequence.
  • R-H Lady progression indicates that each man should be paired with his original R-H Lady after the sequence.
• Stir the bucket is for stir the bucket routines. That is, routines that rotate the squared set by 90 degrees counter-clockwise (placing Couple #1 at Couple #2's position; Couple #2 at Couple #3's position, etc.).
• Module is for modules. Currently, modules are only applicable to 8-dancer sequences. A 'From' and a 'To' field must be selected from the appropriate dropdown lists. 'From' indicates the starting position, and 'To' indicates the ending position. The following positions are available within the dropdown lists:
  • <undefined> means that nothing is specified. This is the default. This field must be changed before saving the database paramters.
  • Resolve (available only within the 'To' field) indicates that the sequence ends with a resolve such as Left Allemande or Right & Left Grand and that the dancers are in-sequence and paired with their original partners.
  • Static Set is for a static set.
  • Zero Box (Box 1-4) is for the formation obtained from a static set after Heads Square Thru 4.
  • Zero Line (1P2P) is for the formation obtained from a static set after Heads Lead Right then Circle To A Line.

3. The Flags frame (lower L-H part of window) allows you to set flags associated with the sequences in the database. The flags are not currently used by the program for any purpose.
4. Start index and End index (upper R-H corner of window) display the start record index of the end record index respectively of the sequences currently in the sequence database.
5. The following fields are on the R-H side of the window:

• Number of dancers indicates the number of dancers required for sequences within this database. Valid values are: 2, 4, 6, 8, 12. The default is 8.
• Maximum level is the desired maximum level for calls within the sequences within the database. If a sequence is edited and a call is added in which the level of the call is greater than the 'Maximum level', a dialog box appears notifying you that the call is outside of the maximum level. For example, if you are writing an A1 dance, set the Maximum level to A1 (or A1V) and if you inadvertently place an A2 call within the sequence, you will be notified.
• Primary header is the header displayed at the top of the page when the sequence is printed in 'Normal' mode. The length of the primary header can not exceed 6 characters. The primary header is typically the level of the sequence (e.g., Basic, MS, Plus, A1, etc.).
• Secondary header is the header displayed immediately beneath the primary header when the sequence is printed in 'Normal' mode. The length of the secondary header can not exceed 20 characters. The secondary header is typically the type of sequence (e.g., Singing call, Workshop, Intro To A1). If no secondary header is desired, clear this field to contain only spaces.
• Default Difficulty is the default difficulty level (Easy, Medium, Hard) for the sequences within the sequence database. The difficulty level of any sequence within the database may be changed to a value other than this default.
• Default List is the default list associated with the sequence database.
• Author is the author of the sequences within the database. In most cases, this should be set to yourself.
• Comments associates a comment with the sequence database. The comments field is currently not used by the program for any purpose.

6. At the lower part of the window, there are three buttons:

• Change database selects another sequence database. If changes have been made to the current database, you will be asked if you wish to save them.
• OK saves the parameters for the current database and closes this window.
• Cancel closes this window without saving changes made to the current database.

 

Section 7.7 -- Sequence -- Import Sequence(s)

Figure 7.7

Sequence -- Import Sequence(s)

Figure 7.7 shows the Import Sequence(s) window. This window allows sequences to be imported from a source text file or source sequence database into a destination sequence database.

Source file is the name of the source database or source file. Sequences will be imported from this file into the destination database.

Browse displays the system open file dialog box which allows a source database or source file to be selected.

Destination database specifies the destination sequence database. This is where the sequences are to be placed.

List to update is the list whose use counts are to be updated as the sequences are imported.

View source views the contents of the source file. This command button is not visible when the source type is 'Sequence database'.

New database allows a new sequence database to be created. This new database can then be used as the destination database if desired.

Add imported sequences to print list, when checked, adds each imported sequence to the sequence print list.

Ignore parse problems, when checked, imports the sequences as is, without checking for parse problems or syntax problems. Also, abbreviations are not expanded, and consistent capitalization and consistent formatting are not done.

Source type specifies the type of the source file.

• Sequence database means that the source file is a CSDS sequence database.
• Text file means that the source file is an ASCII text file. Sequences within the text file must be separated by an at-sign, "@", in column # 1.

Sample source text file

OK starts the import process. An abort button appears while the sequences are being imported. If the import process is aborted, all sequences imported so far are removed from the destination database.

Cancel closes this window without importing any sequences.

Abort importing prompts for confirmation and then aborts importing the sequences. Any sequences successfully imported are removed from the destination database and from the print list.

 

 

 

Section 7.8 -- Find Possible Calls

Figure 7.8

Possible Calls from current position

Section 8 -- Snapshot

Figure 8

Snapshot sub-menu of Main Menu

Figure 8 shows the Snapshot sub-menu of the main menu. This sub-menu accesses the snapshot database, which contains before-and-after pictures of how to execute calls.

View a record (Section 8.1) displays a selected record within the snapshot database. You can navigate forward and backward within the database as well as jump to specific records and search for records with specific attributes. The viewed record can also be edited.

Breakup database copies selected records from the snapshot database and places the records in one or more output files. These output files can then be copied onto floppies or other media and distributed to other computers. See Section 3.4, which is similar.

Import records

Export records (Section 8.3) copies records from the snapshot database into another file. This file can then be copied to another computer for import into the snapshot database on that computer.

Generate getouts (Section 8.4) automatically generates getouts from records within the snapshot database.

Validate

• Handle lists validates the handle lists within a selected range of records in the snapshot database. The handle list of each record is converted into a text string of square dance choreography, and then the text string is converted into a new handle list. The original handle list is compared with the new handle list. If the lists mismatch, then information on the record is written to an output file. The output file can be deleted, printed, or viewed. This option is used to find snapshot records that may be invalid due to changes in the parse database or the list database.
• Record access validates a range of records in the snapshot database to be sure that each record can be accessed by the program when the dancers start in the position specified within the snapshot record. An output file is created that details records that couldn't be accessed. The non-accessible records should usually be edited or deleted. The output file can be deleted, printed, or viewed.

Sort database sorts the snapshot database. Sorting the database decreases the record access time (making the program run faster), and removes records marked as deleted. There is an option to save the original database (before the sort) as a backup copy. Unless you are low on disk space, you should always save the original database as a backup. Also, the sort process itself is faster if the original database is saved. Both options (i.e., saving or not saving the original database as a backup) utilize a modified quicksort algorithm. Pass 1 reads in the handle lists (the primary key) for all records; pass 2 sorts pointers to the handle lists; and pass 3 creates a new database or exchanges records within the current database. For each pass, the elapsed time and a gauge showing the percent completed is displayed on the window.

 

Section 8.1 -- Snapshot -- View Record

Figure 8.1

Snapshot -- View Record

Figure 8.1. shows the View Snapshot Record window. This window displays a single record from the snapshot database.

The window consists of several parts:

1. The Before picture (upper L-H corner, small dancers) shows the dancers before the call is executed.
2. The After picture (center of window, large dancers) shows the dancers after the call is executed.
3. The record number (top center of window) displays the record index of the currently displayed snapshot record.
4. The Private record check box, when checked, marks the record as private.
5. The name of the call is displayed in one or more lines (beneath the Private record check box).
6. The grid information (lower L-H corner) displays the before and after X-Y coordinates, facing direction, active indicator, & roll attribute for each dancer. Clicking on the small button in the upper L-H corner of the grid toggles the grid from being displayed or not.
7. Immediately above the Flags frame is the name of the author who created this record.
8. The Flags frame (lower R-H corner) displays the status of flags within the record. These flags are set by the program and can not be directly modified by the user.

Change record selects another record to be displayed.

• Previous record (PgUp) F1 displays the previous record in the database (record N-1).
• Next record (PgDn) F2 displays the next record in the database (record N+1).
• Previously viewed record F5 displays the record that was viewed prior to viewing the current record. This is similar to an undo command.
• Last sorted record displays the last sorted record in the database.
• First record in database (Home) Ctrl+F1 displays the first record in the database (record 1).
• Last record in database (End) Ctrl+F2 displays the last record in the database.
• Mirror record Ctrl+M displays the record (if any) that is the mirror version of the current record.
• Select record Ctrl+R prompts you to enter the record number of the next record to be displayed. This menu option can be skipped by simply typing a record number followed by the Enter key.

Display determines which items on the window are to be displayed.

• Grid, when checked, displays the grid lines.
• Large font for handle names, when checked, displays the call names and handles (upper R-H corner) in a large font.
• Dancer information table, when checked, displays the grid information showing the before and after X-Y coordinates, facing directions, roll attributes, and active indicators.
• Flags and author, when checked, displays the author name and Flags frame.

Edit

• Edit data Ctrl+E (Section 8.2) allows the current snapshot record to be edited.
• Edit name of call Ctrl+N allows the call name and mirror call name associated with the current snapshot record to be edited. If the call name of a record within the sorted region of the database is edited, the original record will be deleted, and a new record created at the end of the database. The current displayed record will become the new record.

Find

• Find a record Ctrl+F specifies how the snapshot database is to be searched for records matching a particular search criteria. See Section ***.
• Find next F3 starts at the currently displayed record and searches for the next record in the database that matches the current search criteria.
• Find previous Ctrl+F3 displays the previous record in the database that matches the current search criteria.

Toggle delete (F8) toggles the deleted status of the currently displayed record between 'not deleted' and 'deleted'. The record is not actually deleted, but a flag is set within the record marking it as deleted. Records marked as deleted have the text string 'RECORD MARKED AS DELETED' displayed across the window in large red letters.

Exit closes this window.

 

 

 

Section 8.2 -- Snapshot -- Edit Record

Figure 8.2

Edit Snapshot Record

Figure 8.2 shows the Edit Snapshot Record window. This window allows a record in the snapshot database to be edited.

The window consists of several parts:

1. The Before picture (upper L-H corner or center of window) shows the dancers before executing the call, and the After picture (upper R-H corner or center of window) shows the dancers at the completion of the call. A picture consisting of small dancer icons is displayed in either the upper L-H corner (if it is the Before picture), or the upper R-H corner (if it is the After picture). The picture consisting of normal-sized dancer icons is displayed in the center of the window. Clicking on the picture with the small icons swaps the Before and After pictures. Swapping the Before and After pictures can alternatively be done by selecting menu option Edit before picture or Edit after picture.
2. Centered at the top of the window is the current selected dancer. Within the center picture (normal-sized dancer icons), this dancer also has a box drawn around him/her. The information within the Aft Facing or Bef Facing frame and the Aft Roll or Bef Roll frame applies only to the current selected dancer. A different dancer may be selected either by using the dropdown list at the top of the window, or by positioning the mouse over a dancer and clicking the left-button of the mouse.
3. Also, at the top of the window, either in the L-H corner or the R-H corner (depending upon whether the Before picture or After picture is in the center) is a list of calls and their associated handles. The concatenation of these calls is the call for the snapshot record being edited.
4. The center of the window shows either the Before picture or After picture for the current snapshot record. Dancers can be moved either by left-clicking and dragging them with the mouse, or by holding down the Shift-button and using the cursor keys or the numeric pad. To change the facing direction of the current dancer, either right-click on the dancer, or select the desired facing direction from the Aft Facing or Bef Facing frame.

To change the facing direction of a dancer:

If option flag Use pop-up menu for facing directions is checked:

1. Click the right-button of the mouse upon the dancer icon to be changed
2. Select the new facing direction from the pop-up menu.

>

If option flag Use pop-up menu for facing directions is not checked:

1. Position the mouse pointer so that the tip of the arrow is on the dancer icon at the position where the new nose is desired;
2. Click the right-button of the mouse.

5. The Aft Facing or Bef Facing frame (lower L-H corner of the window) changes the facing direction of the current dancer. The following facing directions are available:

• Up (North) means the dancer is facing the top of the window.
• Down (South) means the dancer is facing the bottom of the window.
• Vertical means the dancer can either be facing Up or Down (North or South). The dancer is displayed with both an Up-nose and a Down-nose.
• Right (East) means the dancer is facing the right side of the window.
• Left (West) means the dancer is facing the left side of the window.
• Horizontal means that the dancer can either be facing Right or Left (East or West). The dancer is displayed with both a Right-nose and a Left-nose.
• Any means the dancer can be facing in any direction. The dancer is displayed with 4 noses.
5. The Aft Roll or Bef Roll frame (lower R-H corner of the window) changes the roll attribute after or before the call.
• Aft Roll changes the Roll direction after the call.
• None means the current dancer can not Roll after the call.
• Right means the current dancer's Roll direction is clockwise.
• Left means the current dancer's Roll direction is counter-clockwise.
• Inherit means the current dancer's Roll direction is inherited from the previously executed call. This option is only used in a few cases, such as Anything Couple Up where the Trailers inherit the Roll from the previous call.
• Bef Roll changes the Roll direction that is required prior to the call for the current dancer. This option is used for calls that require previous flow such as Sweep 1/4. For calls that do not require previous flow, this field should be set to Any.
• Any indicates that the current dancer does not require any previous body flow.
• Right indicates that the current dancer must be turning clockwise. That is, the dancer would Quarter Right if the next call was a Roll.
• Left indicates that the current dancer must be turning counter-clockwise. That is, the dancer would Quarter Left if the next call was a Roll.
7. Centered at the bottom of the window is a frame which rotates the entire Before picture by 45 degrees, either clockwise or counter-clockwise. This is used for calls such as (from a Thar) Slip The Clutch or Cross By.
• -45 means rotate the Before picture by 45 degrees counter-clockwise
• 0 means don't rotate the Before picture.
• 45 means rotate the Before picture by 45 degrees clockwise.
8. The Active frame (R-H side of the window) indicates whether or not each dancer is active at the completion of the call. Checked dancers are active.
Active sets the active status of groups of dancers. This is a short cut for clicking several individual check boxes within the Active frame.>
• All sets all dancers to active.
• None sets all dancers to inactive.
• Invert toggles the active setting of each dancer.
• Boys sets Boys to active and the Girls to inactive.
• Girls sets Girls to active and the Boys to inactive.
• Heads sets Heads to active and the Sides to inactive.
• Sides sets Sides to active and the Heads to inactive.
• Head Corners sets the Head Men and Side Ladies to active and the other dancers to inactive.
• Side Corners sets the Side Men and Head Ladies to active and the other dancers to inactive.
Edit before picture or Edit after picture moves the specified picture to the foreground (normal-sized dancer icons in the center of the window).
Help explains how to move a dancer and change their facing direction.
1. Drag dancers to a new position by using the left-button of the mouse.

2) To change the facing direction of a dancer:

If option flag Use pop-up menu for facing directions is checked:

1. Click the right-button of the mouse upon the dancer icon to be changed
2. Select the new facing direction from the pop-up menu.

If option flag Use pop-up menu for facing directions is not checked:

1. Position the mouse pointer so that the tip of the arrow is on the dancer icon at the position where the new nose is desired;
2. Click the right-button of the mouse.
Zoom toggles the display between a 12x12 grid and a 16x16 grid. If one or more dancers are outside a 12x12 grid, then the grid resolution is not changed.
Other accesses infrequently used menu options.
• Grid, when checked, displays the dashed grid on the window.
• Use pop-up menu for facing direction determines how the program behaves when the mouse is right-clicked on a dancer.
• When checked, right-clicking the mouse on a dancer invokes a pop-up menu that allows the facing direction to be selected.
• When not checked, right-clicking the mouse on a dancer changes the nose to be at the position at which the mouse was clicked. Generalized noses are created by right-clicking again at the same position
• Reset everything undoes all changes made to the snapshot record.
• Mirror everything replaces all data except the handle list with it's mirror image version.
• Rotate 90 degrees clockwise rotates the entire record by 90 degrees clockwise.
• Clear BefRoll for all dancers sets the Before Roll attribute of all dancers to Any.
Exit closes this window. If changes were made to the record, you will be prompted as to if you wish to save them.

 

Section 8.3 -- Snapshot -- Export Records



Figure 8.3

Snapshot -- Export Records

Figure 8.3 shows the Export Snapshot Records window which allows a range of records to be copied from the snapshot database and placed in a file. This file can then be exported to another computer and imported into the snapshot database on that computer. In this manner snapshot records can be transferred between computers, or given to another user.
Index of last sorted record is the index of the last sorted record in the snapshot database. Typically, you would only export records whose record index is greater than this number since such records are newly added records.
Start index is the index of the first record to be exported.
End index is the index of the last record to be exported.
(max=N) displays the total number of records in the snapshot database.
N records in range displays how many records are between the Start index and the End index inclusive.
Type of records to export limits which types of records are placed in the output file.
• All copies all records within the selected record range.
• Non-private only copies only non-private records within the selected record range.
• Private only copies only records marked as private within the selected record range.
Output file is the name of the file to which the records are written.
Browse displays the system file open dialog box which allows an output file pathname to be selected.
Skip deleted records, when checked, does not copy records marked as deleted.
Only export records created by a specific author, when checked, only exports records created by the selected author (below).
Author selects the author to which records are limited. Only records created by this author will be copied.
OK starts the export process.
Cancel closes the window, without exporting any records.

 

 

 

 

Section 8.4 -- Generate Getouts



Figure 8.4

Generate Getouts

Figure 8.4 shows the Generate Getouts window. This window allows you to automatically generate getouts from records within the snapshot database.
To generate getouts do the following:
1. Use this form to specify which getouts are to be generated. Click the OK button. The generated getouts are placed into the NEWGO database.
2. From the main menu, select 'Getin/Getout' followed by 'Find record(s)'. Select the NEWGO database. Select the 'Generalized' tab (Section 3.1.B), and only check the 'Proofread status' checkbox. Set the proofread status value to 'No'. The 'Skip deleted records' option should also be checked. Click the OK button.
3. The 'View Several Getin/Getout Records' window (Section 2.3) is now displayed. For each displayed record do one of the following:
1. Delete the record (using F8) if you do not want to keep it; or
2. Edit the record if desired and then proofread it (using F12). Select 'yes' when the program prompts 'Current record no longer matches search criteria. Remove it from the displayed list?'.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 until 'no more records match the search criteria!'.
5. From the main menu, select 'Getin/Getout' followed by 'Import records'. Select the NEWGO database as the source database (usually C:\Sqdata\Squaredb\Newgo.Dat). Then select 'GETOUT' as the destination database. Records from the NEWGO database are added to the GETOUT database.
6. Delete the NEWGO database: from the main menu select 'Getin/Getout' followed by 'Database functions...' followed by 'Delete a database'. Select the NEWGO database and click 'OK'.
7. If a lot of records (say more than 500) were added to the GETOUT database, you may want to sort it. From the main menu, select 'Getin/Getout' followed by 'Sort a database'. Select the GETOUT database.
Limitations specifies which snapshot records are to be processed.
• Snapshot records to process specifies the range of snapshot records to be processed. Max=N indicates the index of the last record in the snapshot database.
• Process previously processed records, when checked, snapshot records previously marked as having been used to generate getouts will be used again. When not checked, only records that have not yet had any getouts generated for them will be used.
Getouts to generate specifies which kinds of getouts are to be generated. Highlighted lines indicate the getouts to be generated.
Help describes the syntax of items within the list of Getouts to generate.
Add adds a new item to the list of Getouts to generate.
Delete after confirmation, deletes the current (last clicked upon) item from the list of Getouts to generate.
OK closes this window and starts the generate getout process.
Cancel closes this window without generating any getouts.

 

 

Section 9 -- Dates



Figure 9

Dates sub-menu of Main Menu

Figure 9 shows the Dates sub-menu of the main menu. This sub-menu accesses the dates database which contains information on the events you've called. Each record within the Dates database contains a date, a location, and a list of sequences that were called there.
New date (Section 9.1) adds a new date to the Dates database.
Delete date prompts for confirmation if the selected date contains at least one sequence, and then deletes the date from the Dates database.
Edit date (Section 9.2) edits an existing date.
Process sequences (Section 9.3) allows 'Normal' printed sequences to be sent through the printer again to add a line for the selected date. In this manner, instead of reprinting the sequence to get all the dates listed on the sequence, the already printed sequences are re-sent through the printer to add the latest date.
Dump contents of dates database outputs the contents of the dates database to a selected output file.
• Formatted
• Raw data
Number of years to include (N) changes which dates are output when sequences are printed in normal mode. Dates are output on the printed sequence only if the date is older than the current year minus the specified number of years (i.e., the number indicated within the parentheses). The valid dates are output in chronological order in the upper R-H corner of the printed sequence. When viewing a sequence, the number of years to include is ignored, and all dates for the sequence are displayed (in the lower R-H corner of the window).

 

Section 9.1 -- New Date



Figure 9.1

New Date

Figure 9.1 shows the New Date window. This window allows a new record to be added to the Dates database. After the date and location have been specified, the Edit Date window (Section 9.2) is displayed.

 

 

Section 9.2 -- Edit Date



Figure 9.2

Edit Date

Figure 9.2 shows the Edit Date window. This window allows a record in the Dates database to be edited.

The window consists of several parts:
1. The date (upper L-H corner) indicates the day, 3-letter month abbreviation, and year that the sequences were called.
2. The Location (top of the window, centered) indicates where the sequences were called. This field can be edited.
3. The current time of day is displayed in the upper R-H corner.
4. The large edit box lists the sequences that were called at the given date and location. ***DESCRIBE THE FORMAT***.
Help
Save edits saves any changes made to the record and closes this window.
Cancel edits (Esc) closes this window without saving any changes made to the record.

 

 

 

Section 9.3 -- Dates -- Process Sequences



Figure 9.3

Process Sequences

Figure 9.3 shows the Process Sequences window.

 

 

Section 10 -- Other



Figure 10

Other sub-menu of Main Menu

Figure 10 shows the Other sub-menu of the main menu. This sub-menu accesses functions that don't fit neatly under other main menu titles.
About displays the program revision information, the author's e-mail address and normal address, the program serial number, and the name of the licensed user.
Create dates database creates the dates database. After the dates database is created, this menu option disappears, and the Dates sub-menu of the main menu appears.
Edit name of licensed user changes the name that is displayed for the licensed user.
Display dancer icons, when checked, displays all dancer icons used by the program. The icons are displayed upon the main menu window. The icons are standard 16-color 32x32 pixel Windows icons. Double-clicking upon an icon allows you to change the colors for that icon. See Section 10.1.
Display time of day, when checked, displays the time of day on the main menu window and other windows that can display the time of day.
Option flags (Section 10.2) sets global options within the program.
System status displays the number of sequences in the sequence print list, the sort status of the snapshot database, and the sort status of each getin/getout database.

 

 

Section 10.1 -- Change Icon Colors



Figure 10.1

Change Icon Colors Dialog Box

Figure 10.1 displays the Change Icon Colors dialog box which allows the colors of a dancer icon to be changed. The shape of the dancer icon can not be changed, only the color may be changed.
The window consists of several parts:
1. The icon file pathname is displayed in the upper L-H corner.
2. The Click color to change frame contains 16 colored buttons. Clicking one of these buttons displays the system color dialog box, allowing that color to be changed. Currently, the program does not allow you to change the color of the first button (upper L-H corner) as this color is used as the icon's background color. All other colors may be changed. After a color is changed, the displayed icon graphic is refreshed to reflect the change. If a dithered color is selected, it will be replaced with a solid color. For example, if you try to change a color to orange, you may find that orange is only available as a dithered color. This can be fixed by setting your system colors to a higher resolution (via Start/Settings/Control Panel/Display/Settings/Color Palette).
3. The dancer icon is displayed as both an enlarged icon (so the detail can be seen) and as a normal-sized icon.
4. The And mask shows those parts of the icon that will assume the color of the window. These pixels will be transparent when the icon is displayed.
OK saves all color changes made to the current icon. You will also be prompted 'Update all icons for this dancer?'. If 'yes' is selected, then all 14 icons for the current dancer will be changed to the new color scheme.
Cancel closes this window without changing the color of the current icon.

 

 

 

 

Section 10.2 -- Option Flags



Figure 10.2

Option Flags

Figure 10.2 shows the Option Flags window which allows global options to be changed.

Text formatting
• Consistent capitalization, when checked, consistently capitalizes the text within newly edited sequences and getins/getouts as follows:
• The first letter of each word will be uppercase. All other letters within the word will be lowercase.
• The following text strings will be entirely in uppercase:
  • "IY" (In Your)
  • "DYP" (Do Your Part)
  • "LA" (Left Allemande)
  • "RLG" (Right & Left Grand).
• Consistent formatting, when checked, newly edited sequence text and getin/getout text is consistently formatted as follows:
• Each line not followed by a continuation line will end with a comma. This does not apply to the last line in the text stream.
• Blank lines are removed.
• Continuation lines are indented via multiples of 3 spaces (i.e., continuation lines start in column 4, 7, or 10).
• Adjacent spaces (other than the leading spaces in a continuation line) are replaced with a single space.
Call execution
• Reset actives after each line, when checked, all dancers are set to active status after each line of text has been processed. For example, from a squared set, if the first line of a sequence is Heads Touch 1/4 and the second line is Boys Run then, when checked, all dancers do the Boys Run; when not checked, only the active dancers (i.e., the Heads in this case) do the Boys Run.
• Try center 4, when checked, and a call is not found in the snapshot database, the program tries activating the Center 4 dancers and then tries the call again. For example, after a Ferris Wheel, the next call is Swing Thru. When checked, the Center 4 do the Swing Thru. When not checked, a 'call not found' error occurs, and the sequence will need to be edited to replace Swing Thru with Centers Swing Thru. I suggest that this option not be checked, as unexpected results may occur if a particular call is not found in the database, but the call 'Center 4 do the particular call' is..
Display
• Maximize window display, when checked, the entire window is used for display if possible. Thus, if the monitor resolution (a.k.a. the Desktop Area) is greater than 640x480 pixels then some window displays will use the extra space to display more data. Note that this option is somewhat unnecessary since each window that is capable of displaying more data can be resized or maximized by the user.
• Use pop-up menu for facing directions determines how the program behaves when the mouse is right-clicked on a dancer within the following windows: Getin/Getout Add, Getin/Getout Find, and Snapshot Edit. Right-clicking the mouse allows the facing direction of a dancer to be changed.
• When checked, right-clicking the mouse on a dancer invokes a pop-up menu that allows the facing direction to be selected.
• When not checked, right-clicking the mouse on a dancer changes the nose to be at the position at which the mouse was clicked. Generalized noses are created by right-clicking again at the same position.