HP 95LX - Page 70

Databases in 1-2-3
A database in 1-2-3 is a range of related rows and columns. Each row is a record
and each column is a field. Some special rules apply to 1-2-3 databases:
The first row must contain the field names (i.e. label data).
All rows in the database range below the first should contain data records.
Don’t leave blank rows.
Each field (i.e. column) must be either all label data or all value data.
Don’t use the same field name twice in the same database.
A database can contain up to 256 fields and 8,191 records.
Databases can be sorted and searched for information (as well as statistically
analyzed as in the —STAT template). Indeed, when creating databases, it is a
good idea to save three or four rows above the database for a criteria range that can
be used for any searching you need to do. To create a “blank” criteria range, copy
the first row of the database (which contains the field names) to a blank row of cells
a few rows above the database. This row will be the first row in the criteria range.
Leave the next two or three rows blank until you have an actual search to do.
To sort a database:
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Open the worksheet containing the database. Make sure it meets the require-
ments listed above.
Press (MENU), (Dlata, (S)ort, (Dlata-Range.
Typein the range of the database, not including the first row which has the field
names and press (ENTER).
Press (PJrimary-Key.
Move the cursor to any cell in the field (column) that you want to base the sort
upon, and press [ENTER).
Choose ascending (A) or descending (I) order by typing the appropriate letter
and pressing (ENTER).
Whenever you have records with the same values in the primary sort field, you
may wish to add a secondary sort field as well—to act as “tiebreaker.” Press
(Skecondary-Key and repeat steps 5 and 6 if you need a secondary sort.
Press (Glo.
2. ANALYZING INFORMATION