List of dbWindow Features

dbWindow 3.0 removes all the stumbling blocks to using a database with MicroStation

SQL Statements

1. SQL Statement Management - Build, edit, and save as many SQL statements needed in one or more organized text files. Quick statement retrieval to avoid unwanted typing.
2. SQL Select Statement Builder - Interactively build SQL Select statements with an intuitive and user-friendly interface.

Editing Data

1. Editable Grid Item - Interactively edit multiple rows and columns of data in the database by double-clicking on any grid field to update the existing data. Pick lists can be set up if the user should select from a static list of values. Insert one or more blank rows to add new data; default values can be set or utilization of last used values to expedite data entry. Copy one or more existing rows to generate new data. Delete one or more rows to remove old existing data. Use the commit button to instantly and automatically process all necessary SQL statements (UPDATE, INSERT, DELETE) for any changes made. The grid item offers the power of modifying a database without knowing SQL.
2. View Multiple Database Records - The visual power of interactively viewing multiple database records at the same time in a row-column format in a horizontally and vertically scrollable grid item.
3. Modify Data Safely - All updates, inserts, and deletes are merely made in memory until the user decides to commit any changes; so if a mistake is made, simply don't commit and no harm is done to the database.
4. Resize the Main Dialog - Users can dynamically resize the main dialog by simply grabbing and extending the window edges. Sash bars are also present on the main dialog to allow the closing or adjusting of five sections. This lets the user set the dialog in whatever way would be most optimal for the user's task.
5. Search/Select/Replace - The ability to search and select/replace large amounts of data returned from the database and commit the changes with the push of a button.
6. Uppercase/Lowercase - The ability to alter the case of large amounts of data returned from the database and commit the changes with the push of a button.
7. Sort Displayed Data - The ability to sort the data displayed in the grid by simply choosing a column to sort by in ascending or descending order. This operation can be done over and over without having to ever process the SQL Select statement again.

Graphics Utilities

1. Attach Linkages - The ability to attach database linkages to elements by simply selecting the record displayed in the grid then selecting the element. One or more linkages can be attached to one or more elements in a single operation.
2. Review Elements - The ability to select one or more elements and see the attached database records. A separate resizable dialog is used to view an element's records.
3. Locate Elements - The ability to locate elements linked to database records by simply selecting the record displayed in the grid then selecting a view.
4. Detach Linkages - The ability to detach one or more specific database linkages from one or more elements. Includes options for whether or not the element and/or database record should be deleted as well.
5. Place DA Text Nodes - Administration of the mscatalog table and DAS tables is automatically handled while users dynamically place DA text node elements by simply selecting a row displayed in the grid.
6. Create Selection Set - The ability to build a selection set of elements that have linkages to certain database records by simply selecting the corresponding row(s) displayed in the grid.
7. Refeature Elements - This utility will update elements to match the latest property and symbology information stored in your designated feature table.
8. Insert Text from DGN - The ability to select text elements and have the text string populate a chosen grid field.
9. Handle Orphan Linkages - Any linkages attached to elements that do not have corresponding records in the database can be reported. Options exist for deleting such elements, or deleting just the linkages, or simply modify the level and symbology of elements for easy visual recognition.
10. Modify Element Linkage Types - This utility allows you to change linkages on existing elements in your DGNs to the current linkage type defined by MS_LINKTYPE. You can change it globally for all elements in your active DGN or on multiple DGNs.

Product Settings

1. Settings Dialog
   • Password Protected - The Settings dialog is password protected so that a system administrator can establish control over how a user can interact with the product.
   • Three Tier Read Only Scheme - Settings are available for locking down the entire product as read only or just certain tables or just certain columns. You have the power to protect certain data while still allowing access to other data.
   • Nonnull and/or Unique Columns - Users can be forced to provide values for columns set to contain nonnull values; and values given for columns set to be unique can have its uniqueness verified.
   • Color code columns - This unique dbWindow feature is unprecedented. By setting the background and foreground colors for certain columns, your color coded columns can help users easily identify certain columns to act upon.
   • Track modified records - These settings help with tracking modified records by setting a specified column to a specified value (or date) whenever a record is updated or inserted.
   • Linkage Control - These settings help enforce the number of linkages attached to an element and whether or not to ignore components when dealing with complex elements.
   • Pick Lists - A list of value choices can be associated to a column so that when users go to edit in the grid in that column, a pick list will be presented.
   • Default Values - Default values can be set for columns so that when new rows are added to the grid certain columns are already set. Also, it can be set to utilize the last used value for that column.
2. Preferences Dialog
   • Message/Warning/Confirmation Dialogs - Many operations through out the product will display some sort of dialog before performing the task. Users can determine which ones if any are suitable.
   • Menu Bar - A menu bar is displayed at the top of the main dialog and offers quick access to options available on the pull-down menus. Users can configure how and what is displayed on the menu bar.
3. Linkage Mode - Not only can you set the linkage mode, but you can lock it down so that dbWindow always ensures that your linkage mode is set accordingly to reduce operator error. It is available from both the Preferences dialog and the Settings dialog although the Settings dialog can override the other.
4. Auto Locate - When this option is set and the user selects a row in the grid, the graphics locate command is automatically initiated and the user simply needs to pick a view to see the located element.

Miscellaneous Functionality

1. Import Utility - Import data from a text file into any database table - it’s fast, easy and very comprehensive. There is even an option to generate MSLINK values during the import!
2. Export Utility - Export data from any database table with a SQL Select statement or from the grid item into a text file. Options for things like column headers and grid formatting are available.
3. Report Utility - Custom reports can be generated about elements in one or more design files and their linked database records. Elements can be counted that share some identical information in the database. User defined report columns can apply mathematical operations to different columns and/or the element count. For example, a BOM report may display the results of Count * Price.
4. Maintain/Update NEXTOCC - Several applications (often GIS) use a column called NEXTOCC in the MSCATALOG to track the MSLINK column.  dbWindow will maintain NEXTOCC in every situation where a row would be added to a table. Furthermore, just in case NEXTOCC gets out of sync while outside of dbWindow, there is a utility available that updates NEXTOCC for all tables.
5. Table/Column Combo Items - Instant viewing access to all database table names and subsequent column names with their data types.
6. Message Bar - At the bottom of the main dialog an item displays helpful text about whatever item has the current input focus.
7. Online Help - The entire product user guide is available from the Help pull-down menu.