Re: [libreoffice-documentation] Getting Started with Base

[Tom Davies <tomdavies04@yahoo.co.uk>]

Hi :)
I like that plan :)  I think splitting the guide would be easier after this incarnation of it is completed.  I think we need something solid and "out there" (released and published on Lulu) before we can really make sense of exactly what does and what doesn't work well in those sorts of splits.  I guess that since this one is looking like being the advanced one then a slimmer one for a flat database might be easier for someone afterwards?

Regards from
Tom :)

--- On Sun, 5/2/12, Dan Lewis <elderdanlewis@gmail.com> wrote:

From: Dan Lewis <elderdanlewis@gmail.com>
Subject: [libreoffice-documentation] Getting Started with Base
To: documentation@global.libreoffice.org
Date: Sunday, 5 February, 2012, 19:33

     What I have been thinking about for some time but never really got
a round to doing:
1. Getting Started with Base chapter containing a flat database created
by the Wizards with the basics of what to do.
2. Base Guide: (first four chapters that is)
   a. Introduction to Base: creating a relational database with the
basics of what to do.
   b. Planning/Designing databases: what is needed when planning a
database and how to 
       turn the plan into the database's design. Contains examples of a
flat database and a    
       more complex relational database. (Thorough explanation of the
principles.)
   c. Data Input and Removal: thorough explanation of the principles of
the tables and   
       forms including use of SQL in creating, modifying, and deleting
tables.
   d. Data Output: thorough explanation of the principles of queries,
views, and reports.

--Dan 

On Sun, 2012-02-05 at 19:03 +0000, Tom Davies wrote:
> Hi :)
> I used to think that Base might need 2 "Getting Started" guides.  
> 1.  for people just doing data-entry and normal user perhaps with routine maintenance  
> 2.  for designers  building a database and front-end and for advanced maintenance.  
> 
> Writing for 1 would be a nightmare due to the huge variety that is possible when building a database with Base as the front-end.  I don't think we can really do even a basic generic enough guide until after the one for 2 is done.  
> 
> Hazel are you saying my 2 would really need to be split into two too?  If only 2 sections need to be moved out of the GS Chapter then would that chapter still make sense?  Wouldn't it remove something crucial?  The GS Guide is just meant to be an appetiser rather than go into tons of detail.  Chances are that most users will only use Base through using mail-merge and stuff like that so we really need to keep it as simple as possible.  If the chapter still makes sense then moving those sections to the full guide for Base would be great imo too.
> Regards from
> Tom :)
> 
> 
> --- On Sun, 5/2/12, Hazel Russman <hazeldebian@googlemail.com> wrote:
> 
> From: Hazel Russman <hazeldebian@googlemail.com>
> Subject: [libreoffice-documentation] Getting Started with Base
> To: "LibreOffice" <documentation@global.libreoffice.org>
> Date: Sunday, 5 February, 2012, 17:15
> 
> I have just uploaded this new version by Dan into the feedback folder. I am not too happy with it in its present form. It is well written and clearly explained, but I think it goes into too much depth for a GS chapter. It is also very long and will be even longer if we incorporate the additional section that Dan sent to me (I have not looked at this at all yet).
> 
> Someone who looks at a Getting Started guide is basically asking: "Can I use this program?". And that has two aspects: does it do something that I would find useful, and can I understand it enough to use it? After reading Dan's work, I am inclined to answer yes to the first and no to the second! And I know something about databases, having worked as an information scientist.
> 
> I have therefore indicated two sections which I think ought to be transferred into the Base Guide proper.
> 
> A big problem with Base is that you need to have a working database before you can do many of the things described in a user guide of any sort. And databases are not easy to design and create. I suggest tentatively that the input/output sections of the Base guide might refer back to the creation of this useful database in the Getting Started Guide. The user could then read up on how to create the database, before trying the more complex form and report design tasks that properly belong in the main guide. 
> 
> -- 
> Hazel Russman <hazeldebian@googlemail.com>
> 
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