WORKING WITH MULTIPLE DATABASES


               When  dealing with several interrelated databases, you often
          need to consult one while you're working with another.  Pirouette
          offers a way to  do  this  without  exiting  to  the  main  menu.
          Moreover,  using  this  feature,  Pirouette will automatically go
          directly to the record  you  need,  without  the  extra  step  of
          performing a Search.


          OPEN another database <Alt-O>

               When  you  press  <Alt-O>,  a  list of the .DBF files in the
          current directory will appear.  The current  database  will  also
          appear   on  this  list and may be selected.  You can, in effect,
          open the same database more than once.  This allows you  to  view
          several complete records from the same database at the same time,
          as  an  alternative to Browse.  This can be very helpful when you
          think your database might contain duplicate records.
               If you select a different database, however,  one  of  three
          things will happen:

               o  You will be told that there are no common fields between
                  the two databases;

               o  You will be told that there is more than one common
                  field and asked to select one;

               o  Pirouette will find only one linking field and attempt
                  to open the new input window.

               Assuming that Pirouette does attempt to open the new window,
          there is no guarantee that it will find a corresponding record in
          the new database.  Let's examine the following situation.
               Open  the  PAYEES database.   Move to the record for "DeMars
          & Tilley". Press <Alt-O> and open the CALENDAR database.
               If there were no checks issued to  "DeMars  &  Tilley",  you
          would  receive the message "No Corresponding Records Found".  You
          are also asked if you wish to create a new record.  If you  reply
          "Y",  a  new  record  will  automatically be created in which the
          PAYEE_NAME is "DeMars & Tilley".
               If  a  corresponding record IS found, the new window will be
          opened with that record displayed.  Also, a filter will be placed
          on the data, so that only the matching record(s) are  immediately
          available.   You  may  use  <Alt-F>  to  remove  this  filter, if
          desired.







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               HINT:  Using the Open command in this manner is an
               alternative method of establishing a filter condition.
               In many instances, it is quicker and simpler than using
               the Filter command and explicitly typing out a filter
               condition.  This technique is often referred to as
               "zooming" in on a record.

               Another  result  of  moving  from one database to another is
          that the common value (i.e., the value of the field  which  links
          the  two  records)  will  be  written into Buffer 0.  This can be
          helpful if you wish to create several corresponding records.


          Closing a Window

               If you have opened a second window and you wish to return to
          the first window, press <Esc> twice in rapid succession.  The
          current window will be closed and you'll be returned to the one
          immediately beneath it.
               Pirouette allows you to open up to 25 windows.


































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