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.
To use a category, first create it and then assign a field to the category type. The category can then be selected from the category list.

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 unless they have been encrypted.
Alternatively, the data can be exported to a CSV file.

Import/export CSV

Data can be read into and written out of JCards using comma-separated values (CSV) files. The import/export is flexible enough to allow the user to specify what field and text delimiters they want to use and whether they want multi-line fields to be concatenated.
CSV files which contain the field names as the first line can be handled by setting the starting line to 2.
Data can be exported to standard ASCII format or any other supported character set.

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

Preferences are split across three tabs. The Application tab displays application specific preferences while the Database and Vis Fields tabs display database specific preferences.

Application preferences

Save confirm - If selected a dialog box will confirm file saves. This is just feedback.
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.
Word wrap - Long memo fields are wrapped.

Database preferences

Date format - Preferred date format.
Use today as date - Prepopulate date fields with today's date.
Show field labels - Optionally hide field labels when viewing cards.
Sort on - Field to use as the search criteria.
Sort direction - Either ascending or descending.