This is the first large C program I ever wrote, in 1996-97. It is an address book program for AmigaOS 3. The below is a conversion of the AB.guide help file to HTML, made with the script I found at https://github.com/niklasekstrom/amigaguide_to_html
I made this repo just to preserve the code, nothing more.
Contents page
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<b>AB v1.2b by Lawrence Manning</b> Please do not distribute this version! * This program is <i>FREEWARE!</i> <b>CONTENTS</b> <a href="#distribution"> Distribution </a> FREEWARE notice. <a href="#introduction"> Introduction </a> What this program does. <a href="#installation"> Installation </a> The system requirements are listed here too. <a href="#starting"> Starting up AB </a> Loading up through Workbench or CLI. <a href="#operation"> Operation </a> The main section. <a href="#menus"> Menus </a> Description of the menus. <a href="#configure"> Configuring </a> Setting up AB to suit you. <a href="#arexx_support"> AREXX support </a> All about AB'S ARexx port. <a href="#history"> Version History </a> Fascinating... <a href="#author"> Author </a> My beta-testers are listed here too. <b>AB and its documentation are (c) 1995-97 Lawrence Manning</b>
- This version might (well almost certainly does) have some bugs and also the docs haven't been checked for spelling mistakes. So don't give it to anyone else please. :)
AB is FREEWARE!
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Distribution and Warranty
AB is FREEWARE. There are no limitations to how it may be distributed, provided that the original archive remains intact, and none of the files are removed or modified. It can be put in public domain libraries, on Fred Fish CDS and the like, provided I am notified of this. If it is included on any magazine cover-disks, then I would also like to be informed. The archive contains the following files:
AB/AB Executable. AB/AB.info The executable's icon. AB/AB.guide Documentation. AB/AB.guide.info Documentation's icon. AB/ARexx Directory containing some example scripts. AB/ARexx.info Above directory's icon. AB/ARexx/ Some example scripts are in this directory.
Please do not powerpack (or similar) any of the files, as this can decrease compatible with any future systems.
No warranty is given for use of this program. Use it at your own risk! I can not be held responsible for any loss of data, or damage to equipment. So if your hard disk crashes when you use the program, don't go moaning to me. It wasn't my fault, honest!
Introduction to AB
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Introduction
AB (short for Address Book) is a little utility for storing and accessing the names of addresses of people you know. It was primarily designed to be small, and easy to use. There is also no limit to the length of the individual fields. Actually, the limit is 200 characters, but this should be acceptable to everyone.
You can store the following pieces of information for each person: the name, address (five lines), phone number, E-mail address, and a comment about the individual. All fields are optional, except for the person's name.
After entering the details, it is possible to search for specific people, and also produce printouts of people in the database. Another handy feature is the ability to use the Amiga's audio output to tone-dail someone's phone number. The program can also be controlled via ARexx scripts, examples included.
Features
* Unlimited number of entries. Memory permitting of course. * Field text length limited to 200 characters. Should be enough for everyones' needs. * Configurable printing support. * Font-sensitive GUI. * Tone-dial using Amiga's audio output. * Almost entirely controllable using ARexx scripts. Example scripts included in distribution. * Installs as a commodity. See: <a href="#installation">Installation</a>, <a href="#starting">Starting up AB</a> and <a href="#operation">Operation</a>
Installing AB
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System Requirements
The only system requirement is that your Amiga has OS 3.0 installed. It will run fine from a floppy based system, and has very small memory requirements.
Installation
Simple. Make a directory on your hard disk, and drag the icons across. AB does not need any external libraries, besides those present on the standard Workbench disk.
Loading AB from the Workbench and CLI
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Starting AB
Workbench usage
AB can be started from the Workbench, either through the program icon,
or through a suitably configured project icon. AB can also be configured by setting tooltypes in the program icon. If you are going to run AB via the WBStartup drawer, it is advisable to set the DONOTWAIT tooltype.
CLI usage
If the program is launched through a CLI, you can also automatically
load an AB project by supplying its filename as an argument. eg:
AB s:addresses
would attempt to load s:addresses into AB on startup.
Program operation
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Operation
Upon loading, you will be presented with the main window. This is where you can access the menus, add new people to the database, and obtain print-outs. Most of this window is used to display record details. At the bottom of the window is a scroll bar for moving through the list of people in the project, as well as buttons for adding new people, editing the currently viewed record, and removing people from the database. It is also possible to move through the project using the cursor keys.
To add a new person, click on the button marked New. You will be presented with another window, where you should type in the details for this new person. Any boxes can be left blank, except the name one. When you have finished, click on the Ok button at the bottom. If you decide not to add this person, click on Cancel, or just close the window.
If you want to edit the currently displayed person's details, click on Edit. You will be presented with the same window as described above. Change the fields which need changing, and click on Ok. Cancel aborts any changes you have made.
Once you're done adding everyones' details, you can get a printout by selecting Print from the Project menu. It is possible to configure the output that is sent to the print using the Settings menu.
It is also possible to search the database, and to have your Amiga dial a persons phone number for you. AB also installs as a commodity, so it is possible to control it via the Exchange program.
See: <a href="#menus">Menus</a>, <a href="#tonedial">Tone-dial usage</a> and <a href="#configure">Configuring</a>