Quick question. Have you ever used a database application where the scripting engine, is JavaScript?
I am pretty sure every advanced computer user has experienced or used Microsoft Access once in their life, some hate it and some swear by it. It is an amazing program that once put through its paces it can do amazing things like provide a complete inventory tracking and control system, perfect for small businesses.
But one problem I have always noticed with Access is that it is way too complicated for the average user. This may not be the target market for Access, but it would be refreshing if there was a database application for the average user where it had the ability to be taken off-road but by default was just an easy experience for quick database creation and modification. Well the first official release of XBase is one step closer to making database technology mainstream for every user, and I really like it. The fact that is built on SQLite makes it even better for future integration and expansion/hacking.
XBase has been in development for a while by Alex Gorden, a very knowledgeable member at YoungCoders.com, and it looks like it has paid off as this is a well polished application that makes database creation a snap. It will really suit a Mac OS X user who is already used to the ease use experience in Pages, iPhoto, Safari, iTunes and it truly complements the Apple user lifestyle. The start-screen is a simple, wizard-less, window providing you with access to recent documents as well as the ability to start a new document from the online templates available through the search bar.
When creating a new database or opening one you are greeted with a "summary" page, while it may need some UI refining in the next few releases it is a fantastic snapshot at what the database contains, compared with the constant clicking in Access through tabs to locate either a report, script or table. This information is also provided on the sidebar for access no matter what content you have open, which something Access lacks as you scramble through windows (minimising/moving etc) to find the start screen. If you need to focus on the item currently open then you can easily collapse the sidebar. Simple touches like this greatly improve the user experience.
Table creation
Table creation is pretty much standard and comparable to that of Access, fill out the list of fields and specify a type. Being SQLite powered, the fields are fairly different to what you get in Access but given the simplicity I am not really complaining. If you are into the ability to link and create meta tables, then links/links/files are available as data storage. One nifty datatype is lists, which allow you to essentially use a field as a mini table, storing multiple lines of data in an organised fashion. This saves on having to run JOINs. You can set options to have the fields not be allowed to be NULL, for number fields set ranges on the data of input and you can even apply regex on fields. Very advanced stuff, but luckily it isn't hidden in the interface; all nicely laid out.
Once a table is inserted, you can insert data in the old fashion or you can move onto forms. When using lists you have access to a data panel, which is an easy way to access items in a list without having to use the keyboard to navigate the field.
Forms
A database application is only ever as good as its forms, something that Access has perfected over years especially with its integration with VBScript. XBase serves up forms quite nicely, by default all new tables can have forms instantly built for them (just like Access) but from there you can really delve down into the advanced stuff. XBase includes controls for manipulating lists, insert dates, searching, scrolling etc. If you can click it, you can put it into XBase. XBase can also link controls with its JavaScript scripting engine which basically replicates most of the same uses you would have when using Access and VBS. XBase also has a sleek UI engine, allowing tooltips to be rendered direct from the table data.
Queries and reports
XBase also features queries which are exactly what they sound like, a way to tune and scope data to your liking. If you have ever used iTunes smart playlist system then this is exactly the same feel. A simplified way of toning down data to your liking which the ability to satisfy all conditions or just one. It adjusts based on the datatype, so Number fields have the ability to run arithmetic operations like greater or less than.
XBase also generates cool little reports, while I wasn't able to get that working (it just outputted some cryptic text), judging from the options the ability to spice up reports and completely customise it from your end is very cool. Thinking nice pretty tables for your data!
Scripting with JavaScript!
One thing that I am sure will win over many hardcore database people is XBase's use of Javascript as the scripting language to drive the advanced features. Instead of using a proprietary language or going for something complex like VBS, XBase uses JS to achieve the database interaction. While I didn't have time to check it out, the API documents some cool functions to use when plugging into the database and hacking around with the data and given the amount of cool you can achieve with JS, XBase is looking more and more powerful as I delve into it.
I love it.
You can check out XBase at http://xbaseapp.com where you can find a free 30 day trial or the ability to purchase it for 59 pounds.
Alex is giving away free copies to those who blogged (as a tester I have had my license for a while)
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