Contents

• Contents
• DATABASE DESCRIPTION
  • Introduction
    • History
    • Need for a database
    • Access mode
    • User's guide overview
  • Database Overview
    • Basic concepts
      • Database concept
      • Data types
      • The basic scheme
      • Star numbering
      • Star membership
    • Directory organisation
    • File organisation
    • Record structure
    • Data sources
    • Data content
    • Access to the information
    • Bibliography and references
    • On-line help and information
    • Facilities offered by the database
    • Graphics
    • Correction and updating
    • User's profile
    • Scientific use
    • Future plans
  • Database structure
    • Clusters
    • Programs
    • Description and documentation
    • Bibliography and references
    • Miscellanous
  • Query modes
    • Introduction
    • The command mode
      • General principles
      • Command and function shell scripts
      • A complementary approach
    • Menu mode
    • The prompt mode
    • The user graphical interface mode
  • Installing BDA
    • From tape to disk
    • The environment
      • Definition of environment variables
      • Meaning of environment variables
      • Checking the installation parameters
      • The file .bdarc
      • The file .alias.bda
    • Other settings
      • The file .cshrc
      • The .login file
      • The .logout file
      • The .openwin-menu file
    • Compilation of the C or Fortran programs
    • Graphics package (SM 2.3)
    • Tutorial of the database
    • References
    • Language of the database
    • Comments and questions
• References
• About this document ...