Alpha Five provides an easy-to-use database development tool for the amateur and professional programmer. With the introduction of Alpha Five, Version 5, a completely new level of capability is introduced. The built-in genies allow many common actions to be programmed with only the click of a single button while Action Scripting allows more complex actions by linking together simple steps all the while guided by on screen prompts. And the Xbasic language is always there for programming the really, really complex scripts. In working with the beta, I've been constantly amazed at all the new action scripting program steps that are available. Truly a quantum leap from the already great capability of Version 4. At this point in the conversion I've been able to program only in Action Scripting. Click here, type there and a complex script for manipulating data is easily developed. Even though Alpha 5 provides for programming, many databases can be developed without programming at all by relying on the extensive field rule capability, the report generator and the button genie.

While Alpha 5, Version 5 offers simplicity for the person who needs a simple database for a straightforward task, it has the capability of performing in extremely complex situations storing images in the database as well as text and numerical information. Calendar fields allow the selection of a date while showing the calendar on the screen; list fields allow information to be selected from static or dynamic lists or from other tables in the database; radio buttons allow selection of one of several values by clicking on a button; you can dress up your presentation by using built in styles which assure a consistent appearance in you forms; the possibilities seem endless.

Any praise of Alpha Five would be incomplete without also praising Alpha Software. The dedication to an excellent program is matched by the owners' dedication to their customers. The user community is equally dedicated to helping each other solve problems via the internet bulletin boards. Each day dozens of questions are asked and many dozens of answers and helpful hints are freely given.

Whether you're an programming for yourself or a professional who earns a living developing programs for others, you'll appreciate the capabilities of this program.