CD File and Data Manager, RE12 and D Series

As you are aware there are two types of File sytems. Random access and Seqential. There are arguments of which are better, Personally I use the Sequential Method. Now let me throw in some confusion. 

There is a third type, Data Arrays. Actually they are very much like Sequential and is often refered to by experts as the same, but don't beleive it, DATA Arrays and STRING Arrays ARE different. 

Data Array are stored as Temporary data in memory when called and as part of the program when not called. For earlier machines this method works faster and doesn't need a Hard drive, but can draw upon Ram reserves. It is convenient though to hide files in a small compact one piece bit of software without the hassle of keeping track of where your data files are and what you called them.

Any how to work with Files you still got to load it and end up using more Ram and a far larger program than you do with data array. As a matter of interest, String arrays evolved from Data Arrays as Hard drives and better systems evolved, hence the modern day confusion. 
It is also far easier to write for Data than String Arrays and it works well on any old PC. Also these days the term Data Array is used all too frequent.

For a program that concentrates on 1 thing I chose the data array system. Well if you insist there is another that does the same thing but works with familiar file save and load. The advantage of saving / Loading is you don't need a compiler and you can change , edit , delete, rename files to your liking or change the database names to suit you, Depends which file manager you go for. The RE12 (CD) Data File Manager suits most file needs. For all the bells and whistles the RE12 File Designer is the one to use. The Data Array Manager does have a built in string File save so you can transfer files to Asci or text based Editors.

Note too that only the RE program series is Windows friendly, The D series will require a manual exit to close the dos window.

For those of you with early programs There is a mistake in the Help Section. The saved file is .cdf not .dat which was originally chosen but changed due to identity clashes with the RE series Software. The Program itself writes the correct format.

Also not explained in all help is that those with RE CD File Manager when loading and saving a file do not type the .cdf extension as it is automatically inserted, However when DELETING a file the full name and .cdf extension must be typed in. 

Also note that the CD Data File Manager is the RE12 File manager Modified so not all versions will allow the Initialize feature which sets up the program to suit your personal taste, Its already done. Those that have it enabled can set up new names and a extra description field. The program will automatically update existing files to new format but BEWARE if you decide to opt out of the extra field it will not downgrade files to suit.
In the present version the file would become unloadable but don't fret, a text editor can erase extra fields and make it usable again, Thats the advantage of keeping files asci text based.