Using the DB-Access User Interface

The DB–Access user interface combines the following features:

• A hierarchy of menus
• Screens that prompt you for brief responses and choices from selection lists
• Contextual HELP screens
• The interactive Schema Editor, which helps you structure tables
• An SQL programmer environment, which includes the following features:
  • The built-in SQL editor where you enter and modify SQL and SPL statements
  • An option to use another editor of your choice
  • The database server syntax checker and runtime debugger
  • Storage, retrieval, and execution of SQL and SPL routines
• A choice of output for database queries and reports

Nonprogrammers build their databases with the interactive Schema Editor described in The Table Option Programmers use the SQL programmer environment described in The Query-language Option.

The remainder of this chapter summarizes how to navigate through menus and screens.