Corel WordPerfect 7 Macro Programming Example

Case study:
A secretary using Corel WordPerfect 7 is often required to carry out calculations and insert the values into invoices or other documents.

She does this by entering calculations into either a real calculator and transcribing the answer, or the Microsoft calculator and copying then pasting the result into the document. Doing this affects her productivity as this process increases the time taken to complete work and wastes time in correcting inevitable errors that occur.

Proposal:
A secretary has asked for software to be written which enables her to do calculations and, if required, convert standard numbers to values of currency as a simple operation within Corel WordPerfect 7.

Feasibility study:
Having analysed the problem outlined above this operation is ideally suited for automation. A solution based on a macro would be advisable to the existing methods in place. The saving in time and increased productivity makes the proposed system a practical and effective alternative to the current manual system.

User Requirements:
The user needs to enter calculations into a new or existing document at different stages throughout the creation of the text. The user also requires that the macro does not change the formatting of the document in any way.

The user requires the ability to select the following options for formatting the output: 1) Displaying a sum in standard numbers or currency.
2) Displaying a sum using a minus sign or brackets to show negative figures.
3) Optional use of commas where required.

Specification:
Applications software to be used: Corel WordPerfect 7.

Purposes of using macro: Calculate the sum of any numerical data specified by the user.

Data to be embedded in macro: Any numerical data entered by the user.

Use of macro: Accelerate processing of data therefore increasing productivity, by cutting out the additional keystrokes needed to run the calculation manually.

Solution:
A macro that uses the table feature in Corel WordPerfect 7 to carry out the required mathematical operations then insert the result in place of a calculation entered as a formula. This solution will take between one to three seconds to complete any operation, running on a correctly configured and fully operational system of the description specified below.

Design of the system
Taking into consideration the needs of the user and the resources available in the execution of the macro in this environment. I have derived an algorithm that meets all the requirements outlined above. The specification for the stand alone programmable system needed is as follows:

Typical configurations required:
16 Megabytes of RAM.
Microsoft compatible mouse.
Corel WordPerfect 7.
The macro file.
155 MHZ Pentium processor.
1 Gbyte hard disk capacity or Windows 98.
Microsoft compatible keyboard.
DOS 6.0 or better.
Windows 95

Method of input:
Keyboard, numerical characters or key pad. Capture method: Transfer to clipboard. Input data: Any numerical data entered by the user. Output data: The sum of a calculation in numerical form.

Method of output: To VDU at the point of input data.

Using this specification I have written an algorithm that makes effective use of the resources available in Corel WordPerfect 7.

Algorithm for applications software macro:
[1] Check for input.
[a] Exit if none found.
[2] Select formula.
[3] Create a one cell table.
[4] Insert an equals sign before the formula.
[5] Calculate the table.
[6] Verify that result is not invade.
[a] Exit if error found (=5+6e).
[7] Request user input (formatting).
[a] Exit at user request (presses cancel).
[b] Revert operations & clean up.
[8] Format the output:
[a] Standard numeric.
[b] Currency.
[c] Use commas.
[d] Use negative format.
[8] Delete the table leaving the solution in place of the originally entered formula.Software development

The solution to the algorithm stated above in the form of a macro that meets all the requirements identified in the analysis is as follows:

Macro script:
// Macro: Automath.wcm // Written in: Perfect Script // Purpose: Calculate the sum of numerical data // Compiled: 5/09/04 // © 1998 Michael Hart //================================================= // Identify compiler, application to use Application (A1; "WordPerfect"; Default; "UK")

If (?DocBlank) Condition executed if document blank // Go to subroutine oninput go(oninput) endif

// Select data block left of insertion point Selectwordprevious () // Condition executed if no data found If (?SelectedText="") // Go to subroutine error go(error) endif // Convert selected data block to a table Tableconvertfrom (type: tabularcolumns!) // Set default table style TableCellNumberFormat (FormatType: General!) // Turn off Update associated charts option Tableupdateassociatedcharts (state: off!) // Insert an equal sign left of data block Type (text: "=") Tablecalculate () // Calculate formula values in the table

// If formula syntax is invalid go to else If(?CellFormula) // Display menu dialog box DialogShow(5001;"WordPerfect") // Condition executed if user presses cancel If(MacroDialogResult = 2) // Revert the last operations Undo(1) // Move insertion point to end of data bock PosWordNext () // Go to subroutine end Go(end) Endif

// Condition executed if currency is defined If(currency) // Specify format data as currency [£00.00] TableCellNumberFormat (FormatType: Currency!) TableCellNumberNegativeNumber (NegDisplayType: Minus!) Endif

// Condition executed if negatives defined If(negatives) // Specify negative format [(9)] Tablecellnumbernegativenumber (negdisplaytype: parentheses!) Endif

// Specify commas are not used TableCellNumberUseCommas (State: No!)

// Condition executed if commas defined If(commas) // Specify format data using commas [2,000] TableCellNumberUseCommas (State: Yes!) Endif

// Select the table. Tableselecton (selectionmode: table!) // Select all cells in the current table Selecttable () // Delete table convert contents to document Tabledeletetable (delwhat: converttotabs!) // Move insertion point to end of data bock PosWordNext () // Go to subroutine end Go(end) // If formula syntax is invalid then Else endif

// Identify the subroutine error Label(error) // Display error message box in event of invalid formula MessageBox (; "AUTOMATH UNABLE TO COMPLY"; "Invalid data exists in formula. Sequence terminated."; IconStop!) // Delete table convert contents to document Tabledeletetable (delwhat: converttotabs!) // Delete character right of the insertion point DeleteCharNext () // Go to subroutine end Go(end)

// Identify subroutine oninput. Label(oninput) // Display error message box in event of blank document MessageBox (; "AUTOMATH UNABLE TO COMPLY"; "No input provided! Sequence terminated."; IconStop!)

// Identify the subroutine end Label (end) // End macro Quit //====================================================

Implementation:
Preliminary diagnostics: After running the macro on a system of the same specification to that of the system it is intended to be implemented, the preliminary diagnostic tests show the operational time to remain within the range predicted during the analysis.

The following tests were performed to confirm that the macro meets all of the requirements under real conditions.

Tests to be applied: Test # one of basic macro: 1) Find an individual that knows nothing about this macro.

2) Observation of this individual doing the following:

[a] Easily using the instructions.

[b] Load Corel WordPerfect 7.

[c] Enter valid numerical data.

[d] Access the macro file.

[e] Run the macro.

[f] Repeat steps [c] to [e] using all possible combinations of the options. Ideally, the individual should be able to do the above with no assistance.

3) Observation of the macro running as intended in all conditions.

Basic test conditions: Valid Input: Output: Invalid Input: output: [a] 5-5 0 [a][nothing] Error [b] 2+2 4 [b] qwerty Error [c] 2-4 -2 [c] 2gh+32 Error [d] 100*200 20000 [d] !"£$% Error [e] 50/1 50 [e] 1+4-1$ Error [f] 1+2-3*4/5 0.6 [f] one*two Error [g] 12345 £12,345.00 [g] a1-d3 Error (??)

Test # two of debugged version:

1) Release the software on the LINK bulletin board system (run by Legalease) for evaluation by it's users. (the LINK is a special network for lawyers who often need maths functions in written work).

2) Collect commentary from the people willing to help.

3) Investigate and implement any changes or revisions necessary.

Maintenance:
Commas appear in values of currency regardless of the settings. This bug has been successfully corrected.

I am the website administrator of the Wandle industrial museum (http://www.wandle.org). Established in 1983 by local people to ensure that the history of the valley was no longer neglected but enhanced awareness its heritage for the use and benefits of the community.

---

Three Steps To Windows Safety Heaven

Now there are Three Steps To Heaven Just listen and... Read More

Can You Calculate Complex Financial Calculations?

Are you a whiz at calculating financial information? Not the... Read More

Database Guru James F. Koopmann Reviews DBxtra Reporting and Query Tool

DBxtra is a powerful query and reporting tool that hides... Read More

Software Tools To Help Your Business Sell More

Sales are all about leverage, because there is only so... Read More

Microsoft CRM Implementation ? Fundamental CRM Principles Revision

Microsoft CRM is relatively new player on the now becoming... Read More

Information Products: A Business Owners Best Friend

We live in a post-industrial age where information is the... Read More

Why Java RDBMS?

It is a well known fact that Java as a... Read More

How To Identify, Cure and Prevent Spyware/Adware Infections

Just when you thought you were Web savvy, one more... Read More

Microsoft CRM Lotus Notes Domino Connector FAQ

Microsoft Business Solutions CRM and IBM Lotus Notes Domino, being... Read More

Free Software - Powerful Alternatives to Budget-Busting Software

When you buy a computer, it most likely comes with... Read More

15 Questions to Ask Your Software Vendor

When making a decision to buy any piece of software... Read More

Google Brings the Earth to Your Desktop

Google Inc. has launched a new software package that allows... Read More

Microsoft Great Plains: Manufacturing or Bill of Materials - Overview for IT Specialist

Microsoft Great Plains is main Microsoft Business Solutions product, targeted... Read More

Mozilla Vs. Firefox

For those who are unclear on the differences between the... Read More

Microsoft Great Plains Integration Manager ? Working With Text File

Microsoft Business Solutions main middle market ERP application - Microsoft... Read More

Microsoft Great Plains SOP: Sales Order Processing

Microsoft Business Solutions Great Plains is marketed for mid-size companies... Read More

Screenshots Vista Windows

Features Additionally, Vista will include many other new features.Aero Vista... Read More

How To Create A Data Capture Procedure Checklist For Your Small Business CRM Software

Fortunately one of the most common reasons cited for the... Read More

Microsoft CRM Data Import FAQ

Microsoft CRM has built-in conversion tool, however you should probably... Read More

EDI: Electronic Document Interchange for Microsoft Great Plains ? Overview for Software Developer/Pr

Microsoft Great Plains - Microsoft Business Solutions accounting and ERP... Read More

Microsoft CRM for Large Corporation ? Security

Microsoft Business Solutions CRM proved to be reliable solution in... Read More

Groupware and Version History: Collaboration Series #1

This article is the first of a series of articles... Read More

Great Plains Dexterity History and Programming Overview

As of now - Great Plains Dynamics/eEnterprise is transformed/renamed into... Read More

Demand More From Your Lead Tracking Software

An integral part of any quality CRM system is lead... Read More

Reporting Tools for Microsoft Great Plains ? Overview For Developers

Looks like Microsoft Great Plains becomes more and more popular,... Read More

Things You Can Do With Windows XP!

Did you ever give a thought to the number of... Read More

Microsoft Great Plains Customization Recovery & Upgrade for Large Corporation

At the end of XX century, in the late 1990th... Read More

CROOK: A Methodology for the Refinement of Forward-Error Correction

Table of Contents1) Introduction 2) Related Work 3) Framework 4)... Read More

Is Your Family Protected?

When you think... Read More

Seven Reasons Why a Hosted Inventory Management Solution Might Be Right For Your Organization

Upgrading. Downtime. Maintenance. Hardware obsolescence. Implementation issues. The litany of... Read More

Lotus Domino Implementation and Development: Infrastructure ? Present and Future

Domino server is a buffer between the operation system and... Read More

Brand Your Websites URL With a Favicon

Have you ever noticed that when you look at your... Read More

How to Make Attractive and Effective PowerPoint Presentations

Microsoft PowerPoint has dramatically changed the way in which academic... Read More