Overview

JFile is a database program for the Palm OS that allows you to build and manage flat-file databases. With a compact and efficient user interface, JFile manages to perform on the Palm functions normally associated with desktop-bound programs. Users can set column width, change field order, sort and filter records, and even perform automatic calculations on fields. In addition, with the appropriate hardware or software, users can store databases on external storage cards, print records, or send databases over the Internet. This fast and easy-to-use database is ideal for those who need a full-fledged, though nonrelational, database in the palm of their hand.

How Long Did It Take to Learn to Use It Productively?

I know a bit about databases and the Palm interface. JFile is a single Palm application that installs in the usual Palm way, via the Application Installer. Installation doesn't require a reset, but if you have JFile 4 databases on your handheld, the program will always ask on application start up if you wish to convert them automatically.

Once installed, it took me less than an hour to create and format a simple inventory database. The only feature I haven't mastered is the JFile format text file, used to create well-formatted databases via text-based definitions (see Ability to Import, below). Icons, dialog boxes, buttons, and menus are easy to find and use. The user isn't left guessing how to do something. The interface is well organized and a novice user can easily navigate and work in the program.

Product Quality

Customizability

You can set program or database preferences such as default view and edit modes, which allows a minimal degree of customization of the program or database.

Ability to Program in Scripts, Add Extension Modules, etc.

Thanks to extensions on the desktop-computer side, you can connect JFile with popular database formats such as Access (Windows) and FileMaker (Macintosh). Other than that, the program cannot be modified or extended.

Ability to Import and Export in Different File Formats

JFile comes with a small program to convert files from Palm OS .PDB format to comma-delimited data files, .CSV, and vice versa. You can also create an "information" text file, with an .IFO extension, containing commands that the converter can recognize. Via these commands, the converter can create a well- defined database, setting column types, widths, and other database parameters. Whenever a JFile database is converted to .CSV format, the converter creates a corresponding .IFO file. This method is useful for those who want more control over the creation of the .PDB database from a .CSV file.

JFile 4 and 5 can coexist on the same device (for transitional compatibility reasons). Convert all version 4 databases prior to deleting JFile 4.

Useful or Unusual Features

JFile is understandably the premier database for the Palm OS. With it you can easily create large flat-file (nonrelational) databases. Version 5.0 is the latest incarnation of this program, bringing features to take advantage of the newest Palm OS technologies, such as external storage cards and better color management.

To create a database, just click "New DB" in the main database view. JFile can store 120 databases at a time. The database can be in the Palm memory or on an external storage card (with newer Palm OS devices).

Databases can be descriptively named, and up to 50 fields of various types, such as string, date, time, pop-up, and calculation fields, can be created. Fields can be renamed or reordered at any time. Field width adjustments can be done interactively by selecting and sliding a line.

Entering and viewing database records is simple. Records can be filtered, sorted, and otherwise manipulated by means of simple taps and menu selections. Icons available at the bottom of the screen provide quick access to search and filter functions. You can sort, in ascending or descending order, up to three fields (primary, secondary, and tertiary sort fields) of any type that can be sorted. Up to five sorts can be saved for reuse. Records can be filtered by up to five fields, using a search string that can be contained in a field, begin a field, or be excluded from a field. As with the search function, up to five filters can be saved. These are quite sophisticated search and filter functions. Overall, it is very easy to work with databases in JFile.

Some of the more advanced features that I wasn't able to test out are beaming via Coola, printing, and storage on external storage cards. Beaming via Coola is a method for emailing databases to others via the Coola service. Also, the Coola service allows synchronization with enterprise databases (requires extra server software). Printing also requires extra software from Stevens Creek Software. And, finally, external storage requires a Palm OS device that can use external storage cards, such as some Palms and all Visors.

Limitations

As it is, JFile delivers as promised. But JFile would be more useful if there was a simple way to synchronize to databases on the desktop. JFile does not come with any automated synchronization software. If you want to transfer a database from the desktop to JFile, you first need to export your data into a comma-delimited format, convert it with a PC-based JFile converter (included with JFile), and then install it on the Palm. To get any changes back to your database, you would need to reverse the process.

This isn't efficient, so it suggests that JFile is best for those who want a database only on their Palm without synchronization to the desktop. Unfortunately, I do not think that such a stand-alone database is going to be helpful to most laboratories. See my discussion, below, comparing it with other programs, for further musing regarding synchronization.

Comparisons with Similar Software

I reviewed FileMaker's Mobile Companion, which is a Palm desktop conduit (for synchronization) and handheld application that allows users to have a version of their desktop database on their handheld. This program works for the Macintosh and Windows versions of FileMaker. Unfortunately, while the desktop version of FileMaker is excellent, the Palm-based version left much to be desired. And on the Palm, it pales in comparison to JFile.

Although JFile does not come with any synchronization software, there are two software packages available that allow JFile users to transfer data more easily between a desktop database and JFile on the handheld.

JFTrans is a really interesting program for converting JFile databases into Access databases. There really isn't a conduit to allow automatic synchronization, but JFTrans almost acts as a desktop-based interface to JFile databases. It converts into Access databases the databases that have been copied onto the desktop computer. This is a Windows-only solution. And it wasn't as simple as I would have hoped.

FMSync is a Macintosh-only program that apparently uses a conduit to synchronize FileMaker databases with JFile. I wasn't able to test it, not having a Macintosh currently at my disposal. But, from what I was able to find out, FMSync and JFile together are a better combination than FileMaker Mobile Companion, mostly because together they constitute a method to synchronize excellent FileMaker desktop databases with excellent JFile handheld databases. FMSync software has unfortunately discontinued development of the FMSync utility, although support for existing customers is ongoing. (Prospective users may wish to contact the company and express their interest in FMSync, as lack of customers is cited as the reason for discontinuation.)

Technical Support and Documentation

This program is sold directly by the developer. He responds promptly to all email and is quite helpful. The manual that comes with the software is comprehensive and helpful. Overall, support is very good.

Target Users

JFile is ideal for the biologist who needs to have databases in hand. Because of synchronization issues, it is less likely to be useful to those who need to have close synchronization between desktop and handheld databases.