Posted: Fri Jul 27, 2007 9:31 amHello,
For starters, I am pleased to have found Dataface recently, as I am in the process of setting up a database for a large research project using MySQL. We need good data entry forms with client side validation, and so far it appears that Dataface will do the job superbly, especially since I have better things to do than learn more than a modicum of PHP.
However, I have some questions that will probably expose my naivete in this venture, but I will appreciate any and all help.
Basically, what I need are data entry forms that will allow data entry to multiple related tables at the same time. Our concerns are with speed of entry and accuracy of entries, as we would like to process 100 or more forms a day between 2 data entry guys working half time.
I have found how to validate entries and will explore triggers. My specific questions are:
How does one modify the layout of the form so that, rather than having 20 fields running N-S down the page (and having to scroll down), they are organized into a couple of columns on the page?
i.e. field 1 _____________ field 2 ______________
How would one implement a spreadsheet-like entry field? I presume the widget type table does this, but can't find any documentation. But is this even a recommended way to enter data? Sure it is fast, but I can see more errors cropping up and how would validation be implemented?
How would one specify a binary variable whose default is, say, 'False' using a check box? I.e. the field is basically something like, "Does the house not have a roof?" The default is F, but if checked, I want it to be T. So far I get '\0' entered into the database when I try to implement something.
Sometimes I can imagine using checkboxes for a 'set' type variable with numerous options (e.g. 10). I tried to implement this, and get a long list running down the page. Not a very efficient use of screen real-estate in my opinion. How would I format the checkboxes so they ran horizontally across the page and wrapped? I don't know HTML, so didn't get far looking for the relevant atts call.
That is all for the moment. I had more questions, but can't recall.
Any help is much appreciated.
For starters, I am pleased to have found Dataface recently, as I am in the process of setting up a database for a large research project using MySQL. We need good data entry forms with client side validation, and so far it appears that Dataface will do the job superbly, especially since I have better things to do than learn more than a modicum of PHP.
However, I have some questions that will probably expose my naivete in this venture, but I will appreciate any and all help.
Basically, what I need are data entry forms that will allow data entry to multiple related tables at the same time. Our concerns are with speed of entry and accuracy of entries, as we would like to process 100 or more forms a day between 2 data entry guys working half time.
I have found how to validate entries and will explore triggers. My specific questions are:
How does one modify the layout of the form so that, rather than having 20 fields running N-S down the page (and having to scroll down), they are organized into a couple of columns on the page?
i.e. field 1 _____________ field 2 ______________
How would one implement a spreadsheet-like entry field? I presume the widget type table does this, but can't find any documentation. But is this even a recommended way to enter data? Sure it is fast, but I can see more errors cropping up and how would validation be implemented?
How would one specify a binary variable whose default is, say, 'False' using a check box? I.e. the field is basically something like, "Does the house not have a roof?" The default is F, but if checked, I want it to be T. So far I get '\0' entered into the database when I try to implement something.
Sometimes I can imagine using checkboxes for a 'set' type variable with numerous options (e.g. 10). I tried to implement this, and get a long list running down the page. Not a very efficient use of screen real-estate in my opinion. How would I format the checkboxes so they ran horizontally across the page and wrapped? I don't know HTML, so didn't get far looking for the relevant atts call.
That is all for the moment. I had more questions, but can't recall.
Any help is much appreciated.
includes a number of features to make this easier, including a grid widget type to edit related records in a sort of spreadsheet format; inclusion of related fields directly in the edit form; addition of "transient" fields so that you can have fields on a form that are not directly bound to any database column, and hence allows you to handle the data using triggers.