Pathagoras contains within its '4-corners' a very powerful, yet remarkably easy, way to collect and reuse data.

•By 'data,' we mean things like names, addresses, dates, quantities, colors, etc. Anything that is 'personal' to the client or customer and which you want to preserve for later use is 'data.'

   Pathagoras' internal database is called "Instant Database." It is so named because the feature can quickly create a recallable database record from the variables in an assembled document. Instant Database is fully discussed in the main Help Manual at this link.

   However, Pathagoras recognizes that many users already have 'data.' And you may wish that data to be made accessible to the typical user. In this publication, we provide several methods whereby you can link your source documents with your existing databases.

   We also provide below guidance on how you can 'feed' data from your external database into one or more Pathagoras' Instant Database records.

   But first, a caveat.

    Despite its availability, 'external database linking' is a rarely used feature of Pathagoras. Part of it is due to the extra setup required in creating a ink from one program to another. Even among those who we know to be sophisticated users both of Pathagoras and of external databases, the Instant Database is still by far the tool of choice for database functions.

   “Why” you may ask, “would anyone choose to forgo the use of already existing data?”  The main answer is that the data maintained by your external database likely is not the same data you need for the documents you are creating.

Take, for example, a Last Will & Testament. Your external database would probably contain the names and addresses of the Will's maker and perhaps his or her spouse, and perhaps (but less likely) the names of the children. But rarely would the external database contain the names of every beneficiary, or the names and addresses of the Executor or Guardians.

   When too many items needed to prepare the typical document are 'missing' from the external data source, use of that data simply becomes less attractive. (Avoiding the duplication of information is a noble goal. However noble, in practice, Pathagoras users, who got the program for its simplicity, have uniformly found that the goal is is not a sufficient reason to justify the extra effort of preparing and maintaining documents linked to external data for the fields it can provide. It simply is easier to retype a name or two into the Pathagoras' Instant Database an move one..

   Now, when the data stored in the external database is substantial and the remaining data that needed to complete the document is insignificant by comparison, then it makes sense to use the external databases as a primary information source. (The 'missing' data can still be collected using the Instant Database module. See our 'best of both worlds' discussion below.) If this is your situation, read on.