BAG: tMemDataSet

Unlike some other memory tables, the TMemDataset component is BDE independent. This means it can be used with or without the BDE and will be compatible with any BDE replacement on the market.

Field structure can be borrowed from an existing tableor defined using a highly visual property editor. The fields definitions are stored in the DFM file so the application doesn't have to rely on any external definition files. Data can be imported, added, modified or deleted from the table. All TDataset Standard events are supported. For example, these events can be used to update a physical table on any change in the memory table. All standard field types are supportedexcept for blobs that will come with version 2.0.

The TMemdataset have persistencecapabilities. The data can be saved either in a streamor in a fileand be loaded back in the table. It also gives the component the possibility to stream out it's data from a server application to a client application using Sockets, DCOM or whatsoever. This gives basic 3-tierdata exchange mechanics. A demo application is available to show this feature.

One of the things that makes the TMemDataset unique is it's full memory indexsupport. Any number of indexes can be created either at run-time or at design-time. A 'OrderBy' property gives the developer a quick and easy way to create an index to sort the table on one ar many fields. All indexes are automatically maintainedby TMemDataset as the data is altered.

Here is a short list of the major benefits the component can bring to all of us:

Can quickly mirror a Query result set non-modifiable and let the user modify the Memory image. Then the real files can be updated on Post events gnerated from the memory table.
Can greatly simplify the implementation of a sortable grid via headers click.
TMemDataset can be mapped on a general bytes record that represents different structures all stored in the same table. One TMemDataset by record type. Then connect data-aware controls on TMemDataset for editing and uses the events to update the physical table. Clean and simple!
Simplifies Edit Forms by defining a specific record layout in a TMemDataset that matches the information that has to be inputted. The form can then benefit of the use of the data-aware components mechanics. This brings uniformity of field validations using TFields events.
Why use now a TStringGrid when you can put in a TMemDataset all information and let the TDBGrid take care of navigation and validation.
Can speed-up data access in certain situations
Keep the code short and clean by utilizing the data-aware capabilities for manipulations and data retrieving otherwise done by hand.
Use the streaming capabilities to exchange data from a server application to a client application on a LAN or the internet. Why not!.
....and lot more!

The TMemDataset is a shareware and is copyrighted. The component comes in two flavors:

Both registration includes unlimited upgrades and full support. For more information on registration please contact Alain Brunet.