help on programming

[anotherdave]

I am not very experienced with programming. I know some BASIC from years ago, but that is it. I am happy with the computer program I use now, but I still would like to figure out how to get a printout from a bring singlefile comma delimited of some things that I now do manually. No real calculations(the software I use does what I want calculation wise), just writing down things that are already there. (For 6f and 6.5f races only)

This would include:

best 1st 1/4 in last 6 at distance (+/- 0.5 furlongs)
best 1st 1/2 in last 6 races at distance
Best final time in last 3 races at distance.


notating big changes in post position
notating change in jockey
noting change in LASIX
listing last 2 workouts


so it would look something like this:


# name jock chg? 1/4 1/2 final LASIX
post works

5 IMAHORSE Stevens (*) 22.3 45.3 117.3 NEW
+4 Oct.2 36.2 Sept.10 101.3



Anyone that can steer me in the right direction of how to proceed. Thanks

anotherdave

[ranchwest]

You might consider an old DOS version of dBase, preferably dBase III. It is easy to get started with. Once you get the hang of it, you might try compiling your program with Clipper.

dBase or Clipper will read in comma delimited files into dBase files and will easily output to printer.

Unfortunately, I don't know if you can still buy either new. Maybe a used software store might have dBase III or Clipper 5.2 (which should be upgraded to 5.2e).

These are not graphical languages, but they're very good for going through a lot of records quickly and easily.

I use Clipper.

[NormanTD]

Dbase for Dos will not handle the single file format, comma delimited files. They are about 1435 "columns wide" (each line has 1435 pieces of info and a horses entire PP is in that one line).

If you're going to use Dbase of Dos then you'll have to use the multi file format files and "relate" each file to the other.

Something like DOS PowerBasic (or any of the other dos basics) would probably work well.

I don't know much about MS Access and its ability to handle files that "wide".

[ranchwest]

You're right. I forgot dBase won't handle that many fields. Clipper should, I've got almost 1000 fields in one of my files.

Do they have a sample file I could test?

[Tom]

BRIS has program called Infotran - it is free on theor website. You can write a mini program to extract the fields you want into a new comma deliminated file and the import it into Excel of Access or other programs. It is pretty easy to use and might be just what you need. It cojmes with a couple of basic templates for PP info and wrinting new ones is very easy. I wrote one to list the horse's name and the PP number for the entire card.
I know ootyher guys here have written more elaborate programs with visual basic, but that is beyond my ability at this time-so I go for the simple stuff.
Good luck-post back if you need any help with Infotran.

Tom

[NormanTD]

Dave, let me look thru my basic program "stash". I may have something that I can modify just a little and then just email it to you.

It's all on a different computer and I won't get to it until Monday or Tuesday.

(I thought I posted this once already though, but it didn't show up)

[anotherdave]

Originally posted by NormanTD
Dave, let me look thru my basic program "stash". I may have something that I can modify just a little and then just email it to you.

It's all on a different computer and I won't get to it until Monday or Tuesday.

(I thought I posted this once already though, but it didn't show up)

Thanks Norman. If you find anything it would be MUCH appreciated!

This is a great board!

[NormanTD]

Dave, I sent you a private message via paceadvantage.com. Have you gotten it yet?

Program is not quite ready and I'm out of town all weekend. Should be able to finish up next week though.

When you talk about best quarter and half and final times, you just want the times as produced in the form, right (leader's time)? You do not want them adjusted by each horses specific lengths back (1 length = about .2 seconds)