Version: 1.0
As at: 97/08/25
Shareware version
TDB2Web is a Delphi 32 class (or control, if you prefer) that enables you to add quickly and easyly effecient, but simple to manage HTML-export functionality to your database-application.
Although it can create a stand-alone Web page, the control's main purpose is to insert the data into a predefined Web page. So, it is best suited to automate the periodical update of whatever you have stored on your Web page in a table.
The TDB2Web class enables you and/or your app to convert any TDataSource, TDataSet (TQuery or TTable) or TDBGrid into an HTML-formatted table, using a wide variety of layout options.
TDB2Web exports all records from the given datasource which are currently selected (or filtered) with the current order supporting all types of data, including BLOB-graphics (see list for supported formats) and BLOB-memos.
The control was written using Delphi 2.01 under Windows NT 3.51. It requires an NTFS- or VFAT-file-system to be installed and to be run (because of long file names).
We tested the results of TDB2Web with NS Navigator 4.0 and MS Internet Explorer 3.0 (see notes for special features and/or differences) with operating systems NT 3.51, 4.0 and Windows 95.
We have not tested with Delphi 3, but it should work.
You can:
- use a predefined HTML-file where the table should be inserted in
- pick only those fields from your table structure that are of interest to you
- arrange the selected fields and/or the table columns
- export BLOB-memos
- export BLOB-graphics (see list for supported formats)
- determine if you want pictures to be displayed within the table or if they should be accessed by a link
- set the output quality of the pictures
- alter the layout of the entire table using a wide variety of options (color, width, spacing, padding, alignments; notice differences between Netscape and Internet Explorer)
- alter the layout of each column
- give the table a title
- format that title
- define an anchor name for the table, so that you're able to refer to the table from elsewhere
- let create e-mail links automatically
- display and/or control the page directly after creation
The registered version features in addition the selection of your favourite browser instead of using the in-build browser (that does not provide a publishing option).
You can not:
- span columns
- group the output (will be available in upcoming HTML-version 4.0)
HTML 3.2 (also known under the code name Wilbur) has been defined by the World Wide Web Consortium. The next version, an extension to HTML 3.2, is under development and is code named Cougar.
TDB2Web creates output files basing strictly on the HTML 3.2 specification. We added a few options from upcoming version 4.0 (mainly table-frame and -rules-options). These options are partially interpreted by the Internet Explorer nowadays, on the other hand there are some official HTML 3.2 options (table alignment, f.e.) that are not supported by IE.
We made no attempt to optimize the output for some particular browser, though (as a matter of fact: we do prefer Netscape).Notice that some of the HTML 3.2 markups may not or not correctly be interpreted by older browser-versions (the in-build ISP-THTML-control, f.e.)
Copyright (C) 1997 BlueApe Software, Harald Lau
Graphic interface: Copyright (C) 1991 - 1996 Detlef Meister Copyright (C) 1996 Jacques Nomssi Nzali
Disclaimer of warranty
TDB2Web and the accompanying files are supplied "as is".
Good data processing procedure dictates that any program be thoroughly tested with non-critical data before relying on it. The demo application we provide is a good chance for you to do so.
So, the author disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, including, without limitation, the warranties of merchantability and of fitness for any purpose. The author assumes no liability for damages, direct or consequential, which may result from the use of the software itself as well as of the documentation.Licence Agreement - Shareware version
You are hereby expressly licensed to make as many copies of the Shareware version of this software and the accompanying documentation as you wish; and to redistribute these copies.
There is no charge for the above.You are prohibited from charging, or requesting donations, for any such copies, however made.
In particular you are not allowed to implement the Shareware version of TDB2Web into commercial applications.
You are not allowed to modify or disassemble the software; and you cannot give anyone else permission to modify or disassemble the software.
Licence Agreement - Registered version
You are hereby licensed to implement a Registered copy of TDB2Web into your applications (commercial or not) and to redistribute it in such a form.
You are prohibited to make any copies of the Registered version of this software and the accompanying files; and to redistribute these copies with or without charging, or requesting donations, for any such copies, with the above mentioned exception.
You are allowed to alter or modify the source code at your own discretion and to recompile it.
Notice that your changes will have no effect on future versions of TDB2Web unless you tell us what you have changed.