* saving changes

[Overloaded]

Hi,
When I exit FH, it asks me if I want to 'save changes'.  Isn't it saving changes as I make them (isn't that how databases usually work?)

Is it really asking if I want to back up the file?

Thanks
sarah

ID:5884

[Rusty]

Under 'Preferences', 'File/Load Save' you can set up an 'Autosave', if you exit before this time is up you will be asked if you want to save changes.

Hope that this helps.

Margaret.

PS Under 'Preferences', 'Backup' you can set up your default Backup folder.

[PeterR]

Sarah,
It is most important to note that FH only saves changes when instructed to do so, either when you initiate a save, or after the autosave interval, or if you click Yes when prompted when exiting.

[johnmorrisoniom]

A gedcom file isn't a database, it is a text file.
Changes are only saved when you save the file, or if you have autosave enabled., and then only at the set times, if there is anything to save.
when you exit, the backup it asks you to make, is just that. A compressed version of the last saved file.

[Overloaded]

Oh, boy.

It's always a matter of growing new ways of thinking when you start with a new tool!

Thanks

[AnneEast]

Thanks for drawing attention to this. I did know that FH doesn't automatically save but I had sort of 'forgotten'. I had a bit of a setback one day when we had a sudden power cut [cry].

I have now found where to set the Autosave!

Anne

[Bonzo]

A gedcom file isn't a database, it is a text file.

I thought FH would be using an xml file rather than a ged file ( I know an xml file is a text file as well ).

[DaveTomo]

Text files have been around since before 1980. I have moved text files between mainframe, mini, micro and handheld computers of many varieties over many years, without an error. They are unlikely to become unreadable in the near future.

XML has been around since 2001. There are lots of XML editors from lots of software developers.  Do you want to bet that they are ALL consistent and compliant (and not proprietary) about how they use the standard?  The only obvious advantage is if you want to use non-roman languages (Arabic, Greek, Chinese etc.). XML might make it a little easier to develop genealogical software IF EVERYONE can agree on a new GEDCOM standard.

FH does a brilliant job of managing GEDCOM files.  There are a few places where it is may be apparent that the data  is not in a relational database.  While ever Simon is keeping FH working I will stick with it and GEDCOM files.

DaveT
In Sunny South Yorkshire