    (* note:  this document looks best with a mono-spaced font. *)

                       tTableDBF VCL Component
                             Version 1.00
             Copyright 1995 Absolute Computer Consulting
                         All Rights Reserved
                             24 July 1995

  Usage:
  ------

    Use it just like a tTable component.  We have justed added new
    functionality to the tTable class.  An example project
    (testtbl) is included to show how to use this unit.

  Description:
  ------------

    This is a descendant of tTable.  It adds the ability for dBase and
    Paradox to pack deleted records.  It also features methods to
    increase the useability of dBase expression indexes.

    Added the following methods:

    *  procedure Pack;

         Will pack the current table.  The table must either be in
         dBase or Paradox format.  The table must be opened with
         exclusive set to true.

    *  function  FindKeyDBF(KeyValue : STRING) : boolean;

         Will take the passed string and search the current index for
         an exact match.  The IndexName property must be filled in.

    *  procedure FindNearestDBF(KeyValue : STRING);

         Will take the passed string and search the current index for
         the nearest match. The IndexName property must be filled in.

    *  procedure ApplyRangeDBF(BeginKey, EndKey : STRING);

        Will take the two keys and apply a range on the table using
        the current index.  The ranges are inclusive.  This method is
        useful in displaying 1-to-many and many-to-many relationships.
        The IndexName property must be filled in.

        For a 1-to-many:  BeginKey = EndKey

        NOTE:  if the two keys are the same, an ASCII 255 will be
        appended to EndKey.

    *  procedure CancelRangeDBF;

         Will remove a range that was applied by ApplyRangeDBF.


  How to Install
  --------------

      Just the usual way :)

      1)   copy MKTABLE.* into your component path.

      2)   from Delphi choose OPTIONS | INSTALL COMPONENT

      3)   add the file MKTABLE.PAS.

      The tTableDBF component should now be installed under the Data
      Access tab.

  Written by:
  -----------

  Mark Klaamas, Absolute Computer Consulting
  13 Apollo Court
  Halifax, Nova Scotia
  Canada

  Email:
    klaamasm@tuns.ca
    or
    ag139@ccn.cs.dal.ca


  Disclaimer and License:
  -----------------------

    This VCL component and the associated files can be freely used and
    distributed in commercial and private environments, provided this
    notice is not modified in any way without my expressed written
    consent.  The tTableDBF component is released as is.  No warranty
    is implied and we are not responsible for any problems that might
    arise from the use of this unit.  You use this unit entirely at
    your own risk.

    Bugs (a.k.a. undocumented features)

    If you find any, please let us know, and we will attempt to fix
    them.  Note that bugs often depend on glitches in the system.
    Sometimes it helps to re-boot and try again...

    Feel free to contact us if you have any questions, comments or
    suggestions at klaamasm@tuns.ca


  Revision History:

      24 July 1995   (v1.00)  First release.
