New since Pathagoras 2025

Dramatic resizing of Instant Database Screen

Some users have requested (some vociferously so) that the individual text boxes of the Instant Database screen be made larger and easier to read. In the past, we allowed the user to make subtle changes to the font but that turned out to be unsatisfactory. So we went all in. The really dramatic (and satisfactory, according to our beta testing group) change is now available in v. 2025.1.. Check out this new 'resizing button.' Let me have your thoughts.

Default <<*AskOptions*. . .>> Values

A hashtag ('#') immediately in front of a designated multiple choice variable in the Instant Database system causes that choice to be initially selected when the IDB screen is displayed. (E.g., [apples/#bananas/cherries].  Now the same default designator can be used with <<*AskOptions* . . .  interviews. And you can even select multiple items, except of course if you are using the '(radio)' argument. This new feature can dramatically shorten the 'interview time.' Create 'almost always' documents, and only change a response when needed, in lieu of answering/selecting each item individually.

Better Translations of Dates and Extended Numbers

We are taking better advantage of Word Translate (which appears to be connected to Google® Translate) to provide better and more complete translation capabilities.

Pathagoras has always known how to convert a number such as '345000' into "Three Hundred Forty-Five Thousand Dollars ($345,000)". But now, by simply clicking one of the language option boxes on the Instant Database screen, you can get "Trois cent quarante-cinq mille dollars (345,000 $)" in French, "Trescientos cuarenta y cinco mil dólares ($345,000.00)" in Spanish, and "dreihundertundvierzig tausend Dollar ($ 345.000)" in German.

Need other languages. Just ask and I can make it happen.

Convert text 'titles' to checkboxes (beta)

Some users have asked "Is it possible to present the end user with just a series of checkboxes they can select to create a desired document? The Ask tables are nice, but are a bit overwhelming to the new user." Before, no. Now yes, with a caveat that this is still a beta item.

You would create the form by typing a series of key words or short phrases at the top of your document. (These words/phrases marry up to the !groupnames! you have for body-text optional blocks. On command, Pathagoras converts those words into to functional check-boxes. The 'converted' document is saved and used just like any other form document. When the document recalled by others, they would simply check (or leave unchecked) the appropriate boxes. When ready to apply the choices made, simply press <Alt-P> (for 'p'rocess).

Plus numerous other 'flow' and typo corrections that our astute users have suggested. Thanks to you all.