Operation Manual

158 Adding Dynamic Web Objects
Whatever your source of data, once you've chosen it in WebPlus you can edit
the merge list (the actual data to be merged) by specifying which records to
include or exclude, and apply advanced filtering/sorting capabilities to refine the
data. You'll need to Insert placeholder fields on a placed repeating area on your
web page; data will then be merged into such repeating areas. In no time, you'll
be ready to Merge such that each repeating area is "regenerated" multiply within
a new site with data from each record appearing in turn.
As more advanced merging features, you can use merge anchors to hyperlink
between summary and main pages for each record. Additionally, merge fields
can be inserted into generated page titles to allow navigation between summary
lists/main pages. See Advanced database merge.
In e-commerce, it's possible to use database merging using an e-commerce Serif
database and repeating Buy Now forms or repeating Add to Shopping Cart
forms. Repeating areas can also be used but e-commerce forms offer
transactions directly with your shopping cart provider (e.g., PayPal, Mal's, etc.)
in the form of Buy Now/Add to Shopping Cart buttons. (See WebPlus Help.)
Creating a data source
You can create a new Serif Database (*.sdb) file easily within WebPlus. This
database, once populated, can be used as your data source which can be merged
into your web page.
To create a new Serif Database (*.sdb) file:
1. Select
Create new database from the Database Merge toolbar
(switch on first)..
2. With "Serif Databases (*.sdb)" shown in the Save as type list,
navigate to a folder and enter a file name for the new file, and click
Save.
3. From the Customize Database dialog, click the Insert... button.
4. In the dialog, create each field that makes up your new database by
providing a Field Name, clicking OK in turn.
5. The fields are displayed in the Customize Database dialog:
• To delete a field, select the field name and click Delete.