HanDBase is a relational database. That is, databases can exist as a group of files that reference each other. In particular, a single file can be accessed by many other data files. This makes it somewhat more suitable for complex database designs or in situations where different database applications use common pieces of data (so the user does not have to repeatedly re-enter the same information).

	Figure 1: Tap New

Creating a new database

1. Power up your PDA and select HanDBase from the application launcher.
2. Press the new button at the bottom of the Choose Database screen (see Figure 1). This will bring you into the edit database setup screen (See Figure 2). From here, you can define your new database properties.
3. Tap on Database Name. Here you can give a name to the database. Make sure not to name your database the same as any other databases you may have, whether in HanDBase, or in any other program on the PalmPilot. The name can be up to 20 characters long.
4. Choose whether you would like to have your database backed up at HotSync (recommended). If the checkbox is checked, an backup of the entire database will be placed in the Backup folder of your PalmPilot User Name's folder. For example: If your PalmPilot User Name was David Haupert, and the Palm Desktop was installed in your C:Palm folder, then your backup folder would be located at: C:PalmHauperdBackup

5. 	Fig 2: Edit Database Screen

   Choose whether you would like the Global Find option. This option selects whether this database should be searched by the global find button. This is the button to the bottom right of the Graffiti area on the handheld. If the checkbox is checked, this entire database will be searched for matches when performing a Global find. If you have no plans on searching this via the Global Find, you should uncheck this box, as this will speed up your searches.
6. Tap on Security Settings. This will take you to a screen where you can specify which operations you would like to allow, with or without a password, or not at all.
7. Tap on Author. This will take you to a screen where you can view and/or specify the author of this database as well as any comments on the database.
8. Select the Category where your database belongs. Press the popup trigger to choose a category for this database. If you wish to edit or create your categories, press the Edit Categories choice. After choosing a category, this database will reside under that category setting in the Choose database portion of the program.
9. Name and edit the fields you would like in your database. To the right of the 'Edit Fields' label is a list box containing the 30 fields allowed in a database. Select the field you wish to edit and you will be taken to the Edit Field Screen, where you can edit that field's properties.
10. Click here for information on editing Field Types.
11. HanDBase also allows you to rearrange the order of your fields, if necessary. By pressing the 'Edit Field Order' button will take you to the Edit Field Order screen, where you can rearrange the order of the fields defined.
12. You're done, Press the OK button at the bottom of the screen, and your database will be created or modified. From this point on you can start adding records. Caution! Pressing cancel will cancel your changes made to that database.