Chapter 3:  Database

In this chapter:

• 3.1: Introduction
• 3.2: Categories/Subcategories
• 3.3: Modifying/Creating Data Fields
• 3.4: Sorting your Data

You will see a list of these default fields when you select the Data Fields option from your admin menu.  You may modify these fields if you wish.

Create a new Data Field

When viewing the list of default fields, click "Add New Field".  So far, so good.

You will then see a form for defining your data field.   Explanations of this form is below...

• Field Name
  This is the name EDatCat will use to define and call your new data field.  We suggest that you keep this simple.  Make the name one word, all lower-case, and no spaces.

• Label
  The label is used when dispalying your field in the admin section. 

You can define your field as a checkbox or drop-down list so you could select from values such as Rotten, Fair, Bruised, or Perfect.  How do you do this?  Well, read on...

• Type
  You can now define your data field as one of:  text, image, date, list, check box, radio, or comment.  Depending on your selection, EDatCat will automatically generate the appropriate field type in your admin area. 

• Special
  In this field, you specify the values for your field type.  For instance, if you selected list or radio, you need values to choose from.  To create the list of Apple Conditions above, use the following format to create your values in this field:

Rotten;Fair;Bruised;Perfect

You can also use this option to limit the kind of information that is gathered in this field.  Click here to view a few notes on using the Special and Length fields.

• Length
  Here you can define the length for your text boxes, comment boxes, and upload fields.  Click here to view a few notes on using the Special and Length fields.

• Required
  If this field is vital to your database, you might want to mark this option as "Yes".  If you do so, you will be required to enter a value for this field when you add or modify products in your database.  If it doesn't matter, or if all of your products do not use this field, leave this option as "No".

• Note
  Strictly for your benefit.  We know how busy you are and how you sometimes forget why you do things, so you can leave yourself a note for this field that will display to remind you of what this field is for as you enter product data.

Next:  Sorting your Data