On the bottom of the screen is a string of function names (QUERY, FIND, etc.) associated with certain function keys (<F2>, <F3>, etc.). Each function key on the keyboard is defined within the C/Base software to perform a specific activity. When you press a function key, the name of the selected function appears at the left most position of the message line at the bottom of the screen. The allowable functions shown at the bottom at the screen may change while you are in a specific mode, since not all functions are available from within certain modes.
The function keys on your keyboard should be identified as <F1>, <F2>, etc. Throughout this C/Base Tutorial Manual, references are made to function keys <F1> through <F8>. If your keyboard is not equipped with eight function keys, contact your system administrator about alternate procedure discussed in C/Base Reference Manual Chapter 11, Creating Terminal Definitions.
The function keys are associated with the following functions:
Key - Function - Remarks
<F1> - GOLD - Used for double key operations.
<F2> - QUERY - Enter query pattern in appropriate field(s).
<F3> - FIND - Search file for record based on query pattern.
<F4> - UPDATE - Change contents of fields of existing record.
<F5> - STORE - Enter record or changed fields to data file. Follows ADD or UPDATE.
<F6> - ADD - Create a record in the data file.
<F7> - NEXTFORM - For multiple form applications, go to next form.
<F8> - EXIT - Following all activity, return to menu screen.
In addition to these functions, there is another group of functions initiated by pressing the GOLD key, <F1>, followed by another key. This is a two-keystroke sequence. First, press and release the <F1> key. Then, press the second key. When the GOLD key <F1> is used in conjunction with a letter key, either an upper-case or lower-case letter may be typed. This group of functions is defined as:
Key #1 - Key #2 - Function
<F1> - D - Delete a record.
<F1> - 4 - Clear all the fields of a form. Moves cursor to the Home position.
<F1> - 1 - Return to the first form of a multiple-form selection.
<F1> - H - Help. Supplies directions for the currently displayed screen.
<F1> - Up Arrow - Moves the cursor to the beginning of the first field without changing the contents of the fields.
<F1> - R - Refresh, or redraw, the screen.
<F1> - X - Cancel the current function.
<F1> - <F2> - QUERY LAST mode. In this mode, records are to be queried starting with the last record matched.
<F1> - <F3> - FIND PREVIOUS record function. Find the previous record instead of the next record.