Superbase (database)
| Superbase | |
|---|---|
| Basic data
|
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| Maintainer | Papatuo Holdings Ltd. |
| developer | Precision software |
| Publishing year | 1983 |
| Current version | Superbase Classic for Windows (2003) |
| operating system | Commodore 64 , Commodore CBM-II , Apple II , Amiga , Commodore 128 , Atari ST , GEM , Microsoft Windows |
| category | Database application |
| License | Proprietary |
| German speaking | Yes |
| www.superbase.com | |
Superbase is a desktop database system which was originally developed for the Commodore PET . In the course of the following more than 20 years it was ported to various other operating systems . Superbase contains its own programming language to automate database-related tasks; later versions added WYSIWYG forms, report designers and more complex programming options.
history
The program was originally created in 1983 by the British company Precision Software for the Commodore 64 and later ported to other systems, for example the Commodore Amiga and Atari ST . In 1989 it was the first database management system for Windows computers. It was often used only as an end-user database, but there were also a large number of uses of complex databases in industry, government, and academia. Some of these applications are still in use, but mostly in small businesses these days.
The first versions were only executed in text mode, but with the release of the Amiga version a completely new concept for accessing databases was developed. Superbase was the first product to use the “VCR Control Panel” (with buttons similar to those on a video recorder such as forward / backward) to navigate through the records. Also, there were a number of different media formats it directly supported, including pictures, sounds, and videos. Superbase was often referred to as “the” multimedia database of the early years, when such features were uncommon. Amiga versions also included an internal language and the ability to create front-end "masks" for queries and reports - years before Microsoft Access existed.
This version was a huge success and resulted in a version that was developed for a number of platforms. Eventually a version of Microsoft Windows was released, and a few years later the company was sold by its founder to Software Publishing Corporation. SPC sold the non-Windows versions of the product - and after version 2 was released, in the late alpha of version 3, SPC sold the product to a company called Computer Concepts Corporation.
This relatively unknown company formed a subsidiary called Superbase, Inc., and after version 3 ended its late alpha stage, they released it as Superbase 95. Eventually, it appeared to have lost interest in the product. A small group of former customers founded the “Superbase Developers plc” and bought the rights to the database in order to further expand the support under the name “Superbase Classic”.
A new version was called "Superbase Next Generation" (SBNG). It contains a new, object-oriented programming language called SIMPOL. Development began in 1999–2000, and a beta version was released in 2005, with the promise that the final release would come out soon.
In 2006 SIMPOL was to the real basics Ltd, which later Simpol Ltd sold has been renamed.
In April 2009 the company released SIMPOL Professional, which represents the next generation product as a cross-platform language and database tool.
In February 2009 it was announced that Superbase Developers plc had filed for bankruptcy.
In March 2010, Papatuo Holdings Ltd. the rights to the Superbase product family from Superbase Developers plc.
use
Superbase has often been used for simple end-user tasks, but its real strength lies in the ability to let relatively inexperienced programmers create complex applications. The range of applications ranges from accounting programs, ERP / MRP packages, operational information systems, control programs for production and similarly complex products to simple databases such as member administrations or contact management systems.
Features
The database contains a fast, versatile ISAM database engine and its own powerful BASIC dialect as well as sophisticated form and report engines. It is also designed to serve as a front end for one or more SQL data sources. The main downside is that it was written for a 16-bit Windows API and it was not profitable to port it to a 32-bit version. The newly written version is intended to ensure that this disadvantage no longer exists and to make the package even more powerful and easier to use.
For an inexperienced programmer, the fact that the database is not SQL-based is a distinct advantage as it makes it less complex. It is also easier for the user to understand the management concepts and procedures within the database.
There are numerous powerful features in Superbase, these are a few of them:
- Virtual tables - they only exist in memory
- Virtual columns - they are calculated during access
- Peer-to-peer Client / Server (PPCS) - this technology allows any version of Superbase to act as a database server, client or both. The database tables are accessed via UDP.
- Low system requirements - Superbase runs on every Windows version (with the exception of the 64-bit versions) and only requires 6 MB of RAM
Versions
- 1983: Superbase 64 for the Commodore 64
- 1983: Superbase 700 for the Commodore CBM-II
- 1985: Superbase for the Amiga
- 1985: Superbase 128 for the Commodore 128
- 1986: Superbase for the Atari ST
- 1987: Superbase for GEM on the PC
- 1988: Superbase 4 version 1.0 for Windows
- 1991: Superbase 4 version 1.31 for Windows
- 1991: Superbase 4 version 1.31 for Amiga
- 1992: Superbase version 2.0 for Windows
- 1994: Superbase 95 (version 3.0) for Windows
- 1997: Superbase version 3.2 for Windows
- 1998: Superbase version 3.5 for Windows
- 1999: Superbase version 3.6i for Windows
- 2000: SuperBase 4 Pro version 1.36 for Amiga
- 2001: Superbase 2001 for Windows
- 2003: Superbase Classic for Windows
Web links
- Superbase Developers plc and Papatuo Holdings Ltd. (English)
- Superbase Software GmbH , German branch of Superbase Developers plc
- SIMPOL Limited (English)