Design and implementation of an interface editor for the Amadeus multi-relational database front-end system.

Abstract

This thesis extends the Graphical User Interface of a prototype multi-relational database front-end system, called Amadeus. System enhancements are realized through the application of Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) and Human-Computer Interface (HCI) design principles. Knowledge gained from each topic has been incorporated into the design and implementation of a Form-based interface for database data entry and display. The focus of this thesis is divided between two issues: the development of a set of tools for creating and using Form objects; and the design of the Form object itself. Form creation is accomplished using an application program called the Interface Editor module. The Interface Editor is one of six modules which, together, comprise the Amadeus system. Form manipulation occurs in a second application which implements basic program methods for controlling data entry and display processes. Design and implementation of this thesis was accomplished using the Prograph programming language and development environment, which provided a basic set of system classes essential to the implementation of the Form object and the Graphical User Interfaces developed for this thesis.