JCards Help
What is JCards?
JCards is a free Java application which acts as a simple data repository for
user-defined data. It can be used for any structured data but some examples are
contacts, passwords, music list, etc.
How does it work?
The user first defines one or more fields to define the database structure. To
enter data the user creates one or more Cards, where a Card represents one
record in the database.
What field types are available?
- String
- a single line of text
- Integer
- integer number
- Float
- floating point number
- Date
- date
- Boolean
- true/false
- Memo
- any number of lines of text
- Category
- choose from a user-defined list
Field restrictions
- The first field defined in the database is always mandatory. This ensures
that something is visible in the Card list.
- A boolean entry cannot be the first entry.
- You can only select a category field type if you have previously defined one
or more categories.
How many fields/cards can I enter?
As many as required. The only limitation is the memory in your computer.
What about if I need extra fields?
Just define them as and when required. Existing records will have these fields
set to a null value. If you define a new field and then make it the first field
the card list will display a blank line for any existing records.
What about if I need to change a field?
You can change a fields name and whether it is mandatory or not. You cannot
change its type. You can also delete a field and change its position relative to
other fields.
What are categories?
Categories are fields which can have a limited set of values. For example,
an addressbook might have a type category which is limited to Work or Home.
Once categories are created you can filter the cards being shown in the main
list by selecting one from the View menu.
I accidentally deleted a card
The last deleted Card can be recovered from the Edit|Card menu. This option is
only available during the current session.
How do I change the date format?
The preferences dialog allows you to select a date format. Previously entered
dates will be displayed in the new format.
Sorting
Sorting can either be set in the preferences dialog or by clicking on a column
header. Clicking on the same header will sort in descending order.
How do I export my data to another format?
The data format for saved data is a zip file containing a database definition
and the data. Both entries are stored as XML so can be read in a text editor.
Alternatively, the data can be exported to a CSV file. Note that multi-line memo
fields will be exported as one single line.
How do I protect my data?
You can optionally set a password which
will encrypt your data using the
Blowfish encryption algorithm. Note
that if you forget your password you
cannot retrieve your data.
Preferences
- Save confirm - If selected a dialog box will confirm file saves. This
is just feeback.
- Load last file - If selected, when the application starts it will
automatically load the last accessed file.
- Auto edit card - When opening a card, if this option is selected the
user can immediately start editing the card. If turned off the user views the
card first. This has the advantage of filtering out fields with no data.
- Date format - Preferred date format
- Use today as date - Prepopulate date fields with today's date
- Memo lines - Number of lines used for memo fields
- Sort on - Field to use as the search criteria
- Sort direction - Either ascending or descending
- Visible fields - Which fields to display in the list
Note that some preferences apply to all databases and some apply to the
currently open database.