Navigating the database


There are several possible ways to browse the database:

Browsing by dropping items on the window

Here we are dragging an item (the myBrowser application) to the window which currently displays the path '/Orion/apps/Be logo'. You will note that the apps folder icon beneath the pointer has been replaced with a grey frame. This is to indicate that the dragged item will not be moved into the apps folder when dropped. Instead it will define the new path.

Note:The highlighting will be improved and it will be possible to drop items on folders or on applications in the future.

Now the item has been dropped and the list views have changed accordingly to show the path to the dropped item (the myBrowser application in this instance). Note that new list views have been added (though the number of visible list views has not changed) and the row of list views has been scrolled to display the last one, containing the dropped item. For files not only the large icon and name are displayed, but the size, too.

Manipulating items

Currently you can move, copy and open items and edit their names (if they have one). This works almost in the same way as in Be's Browser by dragging to move/copy, double-clicking to launch (this opens folders as normal Be-Browser views) or clicking on the name to edit it.

Currently there is one difference: you cannot drop items on other items (e.g. to move an item into a folder or launch an application with the dropped document). Items can only be moved/copied into folders by dropping them onto the list view of the folder. List views highlight themselves with a black border when you drag an item over them.

Opening an item without selecting it is achieved by holding down the Control key while double-clicking.

You can use the Record menu or a context sensitive pop-up menu to manipulate items as well.

Note:Some of the menu items are currently disabled (GetInfo, Duplicate and Add-Ons). Further note:The cascading menus work for queries, too, not just for folders.


Copyright © 1996, 1997 Thorsten Seitz. All rights reserved.