🚀 go-pugleaf

Hello,

I am reasonably new to the world of Macintosh databases, and I have 
encountered a situation that I can't handle...I'd appreciate any help
the net can offer.

One of our clients hopes to use a Macintosh database to catalogue
elements of a west coast native language. Part of this task requires 
that the database allow a mixture of fonts (possibly custom ones) and 
styles within a text field. As well, fairly sophisticated text-
searching functions are required (something based on regular 
expressions would be nice). Finally, the data is already sitting in 
some kind of file on an IBM mainframe which contains the font 
information embedded within it. He would like to be able to import
this data into the database in some way which will preserve the font 
and style information.

Here's what I know:

1. FileMaker Pro won't do, because its text-search functions are
   limited, and because it doesn't provide the kind of importing
   options he needs, although it will allow varied, styled text
   within fields.

2. FoxBASE+/Mac won't do, because while it will do the kind of
   searching he needs, font tricks apparently aren't part of its
   repertoire.

3. HyperCard can probably do everything that he wants, but he seems
   hesitant to use it for some reason.

I have heard good things about 4th Dimension, but have never used it.
Will this program do the kinds of things he needs, or does it suffer
from similar limitations?

Are there any other kinds of database applications around which could
tackle this job? (Especially: is anyone out there building a linguistic
database on the Macintosh?)

Any tips, pointers or advice will be gratefully accepted. E-mail or
post replies, and I will summarize if there is interest.

Cheers!

___________________________________________________________________________
Brent Marykuca::Computing User Services::University of Victoria, BC, Canada
(marykuca@sol.UVic.CA)