Alpha Five's functions allow the development of database applications with or without programming. This manual, born out of the author's many years of frustration while searching for the right function for the job, explains them simply, in layman's terms. Character, date, numeric, summary or filter—you'll find and use them easily in this logically designed manual. Organized by use! Over 200 basic functions included! Syntax given for each function! Sample database allows you to test each expression!

 This book was written to aid developers in selecting functions and using them in expressions. The author, Susan Bush says,

This is a book that I will keep at my desk. I will also install the Book on CD on all the hard drives of all the computers where I design Alpha Five applications. Why? Because I have always longed for a book like this! I wish I could have back all the hours I have spent looking for the correct function for the job at hand—and then properly writing the expression.

You can use the files on the companion CD for both learning and for troubleshooting your expressions. I am excited to begin using this handbook—and I'd love to hear about your experience with it.

• Chart Chooser: Each chapter has a quick reference to the type of function. 
• Master Chart: The final chapter contains an alphabetical master list of all the functions covered in the book. 

Just what you need: The list of functions described in the Alpha Five Help File has become so large that it can be overwhelming. We have included only those used most often by the average developer.

Handbook for future reference: You'll use this book repeatedly. There may be persons who have memorized all the functions and their syntax, but most don't fall into that category!

This book was updated in 2007.