I. DATAformXTension
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Developer handbook DATAformXTension © 1992-2004 www.gassenhuber.de
I. DATAformXTension
Overview – How it works
DATAformXTension is an XTension for QuarkXPress, that enables DATAformTags to be
applied in QuarkXPress documents or alternatively allows you to translate QuarkXPress docu-
ments into DATAformTags.
DATAformTags form an ASCII description language to generate QuarkXPress documents, and
allow QuarkXPress to be controlled from a database. DATAformXTension allows the creation
of a database publishing system.
The Database generates a text with DATAformTags and sends it to the layout programme. The
XTension interprets the text and creates new pages, new boxes, places pictures, lines and sets
the fonts and box properties. The generated boxes and contents are free to be edited in Quark-
XPress.
In order to update, XTension can translate a QuarkXPress document or parts thereof back into
a text with DATAformTags. The text is then interpreted by the database and updates the data.
Database
Text with DATAformTags
DATAformXTension
XPress document
DATAformXTension is database neutral. It interprets an ASCII text regardless of its origin and
exports an open ASCII text. It runs with QuarkXPress under MacOS and Windows operating
systems; it can convert the various character sets of the operating systems.
Compatible databases include:
-
DATAform database: A complete database publishing solution based on 4th Dimension,
which covers many situations and demands.
-
Another 4th Dimension application: Every 4th Dimension application can be extended with
the DATAform developer kit to allow database publishing functions.
-
Any Database in any computer environment that is capable of dealing with a complex
ASCII text.
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