DotTalk++ / x64base Developer Manual

Assembled artifact — produced by the manifest-driven assembler from the declared bill of materials. This is a candidate build; acceptance is gated.

Manual id	`developer_manual_publication_v1`
Repository HEAD (context only)	`cc0761e8f`
Accepted reader baseline	`EA2E12A9D3E1` (accepted 2026-07-23T04:29:18Z)
Command-reference pages	191
Build date (UTC)	2026-07-23T07:23:14Z
Machine (maintainer-attested)	Alienware m16 R2 / Intel Core Ultra 9 185H

Provenance & attestation

This manual is assembled from source, HELP/metadata, SelfDoc reports, and reviewed manualgen sections. Proof labels travel with each part.

Accepted reader baseline: EA2E12A9D3E1, 4118 lines, 237 headings (2026-07-23T04:29:18Z).
Command reference: 191 pages (164 reader-linked + 19 supplemental + 8 post-baseline repair).
MDO lane: DOCFLUSH-20260716-001.
Machine attestation: MAINTAINER_ATTESTED (Alienware m16 R2). The individual run transcripts did not self-record the machine; this binding is a maintainer attestation made after the fact, not a value captured inside each run's output. Recorded as MAINTAINER_ATTESTED rather than silently auto-attached.

Preface — how to read this manual

To be authored.

Provenance & attestation
Preface — how to read this manual
Command Reference
- ALLTRIM
- APPEND
- AREA
- AREA51
- ASC
- ASCEND
- ASCII
- AT
- ATC
- AUTODBF
- BIBLETALK
- BOTTOM
- BROWSE
- BROWSER
- BUFFERING
- BUILDLMDB
- BUILDVECTORS
- CANARY
- CDX
- CHR
- CHRISTMAS
- CLOSE
- CMDREL
- CNX
- COBOL
- CODASYL
- COMMANDSHELP
- COMMIT
- CONCAT
- CONTINUE
- COPY
- CREATE
- CTOD
- DATE
- DECISION
- DEFCMD
- DEFFN
- DELETE
- DESCEND
- DIR
- DO
- DOTHELP
- DOTSCRIPT
- DRAWIO
- DTOC
- DUMP
- EDIT
- EDUCATIONAL_USE
- ELSE
- ENDIF
- ENDLOOP
- ENDSCAN
- ENDUNTIL
- ENDWHILE
- ERASE
- ERP
- ERSATZ
- EVAL
- EVALUATE
- EXAMPLE
- EXPFUNCS
- EXPORT
- EXPORTSQL
- EXPRESSION
- FIND
- FOXHELP
- FOXPRO
- FOXSTANDARD
- FOXTALK
- GLOSSARY
- GO
- GOTO
- GPS
- IDX
- IF
- IMAGE
- IMPORT
- IMPORTSQL
- INDEX
- INIT
- INTRO
- LEFT
- LEN
- LIST
- LMDB
- LMDB_UTIL
- LMDBDUMP
- LOCATE
- LOCK
- LOOP
- LOOP_BUFFER
- LOOPS
- LOWER
- LTRIM
- MCC
- MODEL
- NAVIGATION
- NORMALIZE
- ORDER
- PACK
- PADC
- PADL
- PADR
- PREDHELP
- PREDICATE
- PREDICATES
- PROJECTION
- PROJECTS
- PROPER
- PSHELL
- REBUILD
- RECALL
- REINDEX
- REL
- REL_ENUM
- REL_REFRESH
- RELATION
- RELATIONS
- REPLACE
- REPLICATE
- RETRO
- RIGHT
- ROLLBACK
- RTRIM
- RULE
- RUN
- SCAN
- SCAN_BUFFER
- SCHEMAS
- SCRIPT
- SCX
- SECHO
- SECURITY
- SEEK
- SELECT
- SFTP
- SHELLO
- SHOWINI
- SHUTDOWN
- SIX
- SKIP
- SMARTLIST
- SPACE
- SQL
- SQLERASE
- SQLHELP
- SQLITE
- SQLSEL
- SQLVER
- STATE
- STOP_ON_ERROR
- STR
- STRUCT
- STU_REPEAT
- STU_UPPER
- STUDENTECHO
- STUDENTHELLO
- STUFF
- SUBSTR
- TABLE_BUFFER
- TEXT
- TIME
- TOP
- TRIM
- TUPEXPORT
- TUPLE
- TUPLEDELTA
- TUPTALK
- TUPVALIDATE
- TURBOPACK
- TVISION
- UNDEFCMD
- UNDEFFN
- UNDELETE
- UNLOCK
- UNTIL
- UNTIL_BUFFER
- UPDATE
- UPPER
- USE
- USER
- VAL
- VALIDATE
- VDISK
- WEB
- WHILE
- WHILE_BUFFER
- WORKSPACE
- WSREPORT
- ZAP
- ZIP
Function Reference
Appendix: Review and Deferred: SET-family
- Commands in this section
- Notes for future prose pass
Error / Message Catalog
Tables, Records, and Data Model
- Purpose of this section
- Source-lane rule for this section
- Tables, records, and fields
- Schema and DDL
- Record views and memo fields
- Work areas as context, not the main topic
- Compatibility and bridge material
- Command and concept map
- What this section should not do yet
- Review notes before candidate generation
- Boundary
Command Surface, Dispatch, and Entry Variants
- Evidence lanes
- Authority boundaries
- Command surface
- Canonical commands
- Subcommands and command families
- Aliases and entry variants
- Parser dispatch and handlers
- Function bridge behavior
- AGGS boundary
- SET family boundary
- Generated command pages
- HELP and CMDHELPCHK
- Future META alignment
- Slow-lane canary tracking names
- Review notes before PIP-003
Expressions, Querying, and Aggregates
- Expression evaluation surfaces
- CALC and CALCWRITE
- Predicates, WHERE, and FOR
- LOCATE, CONTINUE, and SCAN
- COUNT and aggregate commands
- Direct aggregate verbs and AGGS
- Scalar functions versus aggregate commands
- Function command-line bridge
- Deleted-record filters
- Error and null behavior
- HELP FUNCTIONS and FUNCTION help
Indexing, Tags, Relations, and Views
- Indexing vocabulary
- Open index architecture note
- Logical order and active order
- Ownership reminder
- Tags and tag availability
- CDX, CNX, and LMDB boundary
- SET-family boundary and canonicalization canary
- SEEK and FIND active-order boundary
- Reindexing and rebuild behavior
- Relations and relation traversal
- Views and projection boundary
- ERSATZ and browser caution
- Known canaries
Messages, Errors, and Diagnostics
- Message vocabulary
- Typed message catalog direction
- SYSMSG and SYSTEM_MESSAGES
- HELP rows as diagnostic evidence
- SHARED_MSG caution
- CMDHELPCHK role
- Runtime diagnostic examples
- Severity vocabulary
- Parser warnings and syntax diagnostics
- No-active-table and not-found messages
- Message catalog and HELP alignment
HELP, Metadata, CMDHELPCHK, and Manualgen Alignment
- Core doctrine
- Assembly workflow versus truth authority
- HELP lane
- Metadata lane
- CMDHELPCHK lane
- SelfDoc lane
- Manualgen lane
- Source lane
- Runtime lane
- Temporary evidence lanes
- Crosswalk discipline
- Safety boundaries
Command Reference Assembly, Aliases, and Generated Page Hygiene
- Authority model for command reference assembly
- Duplicate command rows
- Aliases and variants
- Canonical command identity
- Slug collisions
- APPEND BLANK and APPEND_BLANK
- LOAD guard
- SET-family canonicalization
- Internal owner and public surface
- Metadata feeders
- Command-reference crosswalks
- Publication readiness
- No-delete and no-mutation safety
Promoted Draft Review, Header Normalization, and Publication Readiness
- Promoted draft workspace
- Inspectable files
- Review packets and inspection packets
- Candidate note headers
- Reviewed candidate status blocks
- Header normalization
- Substantive prose boundary
- Path repair and canonical path verification
- Slugs and section ids
- Section count
- Section order
- Final publication boundary
- Generated command pages and evidence artifacts
- HELP, CMDHELPCHK, and metadata boundaries
- Report-only publication readiness
- Human review
Runtime Evidence, Source Verification, and Canary Closure
- Evidence doctrine in practice
- Runtime evidence
- Source verification
- Runtime and source together
- Canary lifecycle
- Opening a canary
- Keeping canaries visible
- Closing a canary
- Legacy documents
- Smoke tests, shakedowns, regressions, builds, and releases
- REGRESSION and TEST as proof launchers
- HELP, CMDHELPCHK, and metadata in evidence practice
- SelfDoc and manualgen evidence
- Evidence crosswalks
- No-mutation safety
- Canary non-disappearance boundary
VDISK, RAM DBF, and Transient Storage
- What VDISK is
- Core workflow
- Commands and observability
- Ephemeral-data contract
- Configuration boundary
- Documentation and proof contract
Identity, Authentication, RBAC, and Security
- The current security model
- Session and authentication
- Authorization and deny precedence
- Enforcement points
- Legacy SECURITY boundary
- Promotion status
Runtime Configuration, Definitions, and HELP Controls
- Generated build vectors
- Runtime command and function definitions
- Script error policy
- HELP miss behavior
- Coverage rule
Diagrams
Appendices
Appendix — Working with AI: the Portal & Pseudo-Chat
- The AI Portal
- Pseudo-Chat — the return lane
- Roles and the turn cycle
- Where the details live
Glossary
Colophon — build provenance

Command Reference

191 command pages bound from the reference set.

ALLTRIM

Catalog/topic: FOX / ALLTRIM
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: FOXREF / CATALOG

Summary

Remove leading and trailing spaces from <cExpression>.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

ALLTRIM(<cExpression>)

Provenance

Topic key: FOX|ALLTRIM
Included HELP rows: 3
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

APPEND

Catalog/topic: DOT / APPEND
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Append a new record using current table defaults and active buffering rules.

Append one or more blank records to the current table, using smart append paths that maintain keys and active indexes, or raw append paths when requested.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

APPEND USAGE
APPEND
APPEND <count>
APPEND MANY <count>
APPEND RAW
APPEND RAW MANY <count>

Usage

APPEND USAGE
APPEND
APPEND <count>
APPEND MANY <count>
APPEND RAW
APPEND RAW MANY <count>

Note

APPEND with no arguments appends one blank record through the shared smart append path.
APPEND <count> is shorthand for APPEND MANY <count>.
APPEND MANY <count> performs smart batch append under one lock.
APPEND RAW appends one record without inline index update.
APPEND RAW MANY <count> performs raw batch append under one lock.
Count values must be positive integers.
APPEND is a table-data mutation command; do not classify it as read-only.
risk:
writes_dbf_records: yes
appends_records: yes
updates_indexes: smart append paths
raw_path_skips_inline_index_update: yes
one_lock_batch: MANY forms
requires_open_table: yes

APPEND_BLANK
REPLACE
MULTIREP
TABLE
COMMIT

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|APPEND
Included HELP rows: 34
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

AREA

Catalog/topic: DOT / AREA
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Report the current DotTalk++ work-area state.

Report the current work-area slot and table context
Report the current work-area slot and current area file/session state.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

AREA
AREA USAGE

Usage

AREA
AREA USAGE

Example

AREA

Note

This is a non-mutating inspection command
Use SELECT to change the current work area
AREA with no arguments reports the current work-area number, open file,
record count, current record, DBF flavor, runtime kind, logical name,
absolute path, and active order/index line.
AREA is read-only; it reports current area state and does not mutate table data.

DBAREA
DBAREAS
STATUS
STRUCT
WORKSPACE

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|AREA
Included HELP rows: 20
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260717T222026Z-28C704E0
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260717T230554Z-DB3F2DC8
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

AREA51

Catalog/topic: DOT / AREA51
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Developer sandbox / experimental command.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

AREA51

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|AREA51
Included HELP rows: 3
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

ASC

Catalog/topic: FOX / ASC
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: FOXREF / CATALOG

Summary

Return the ASCII code (0-255) of the first character of <cExpression>.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

ASC(<cExpression>)

Provenance

Topic key: FOX|ASC
Included HELP rows: 3
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

ASCEND

Catalog/topic: DOT / ASCEND
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Set ascending sort direction for the active order/tag.

Set the active order/tag direction to ascending for the current work area.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

ASCEND
ASCEND USAGE

Usage

ASCEND
ASCEND USAGE

Note

ASCEND requires an active order except for ASCEND USAGE.
ASCEND with no arguments mutates order direction to ascending.
ASCEND does not mutate table records or rebuild indexes.
risk:
mutates_order_state: yes
mutates_table_data: no
requires_active_order: yes except usage

DESCEND
SET ORDER
ORDER
include "xbase.hpp"

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|ASCEND
Included HELP rows: 18
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

ASCII

Catalog/topic: DOT / ASCII
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Display ASCII/character-code reference information for teaching and diagnostics.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

ASCII [USAGE|TABLE|<value>]

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|ASCII
Included HELP rows: 3
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

AT

Catalog/topic: FOX / AT
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: FOXREF / CATALOG

Summary

Return the 1-based position of <cSearch> within <cExpression> (case-sensitive).

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

AT(<cSearch>, <cExpression>[, <nOccur>])

Provenance

Topic key: FOX|AT
Included HELP rows: 3
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

ATC

Catalog/topic: FOX / ATC
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: F / T
Primary/confidence: FOXREF / CATALOG

Summary

Return the 1-based position of <cSearch> within <cExpression> (case-insensitive).

Status

implemented=no; supported=yes

Syntax

ATC(<cSearch>, <cExpression>[, <nOccur>])

Provenance

Topic key: FOX|ATC
Included HELP rows: 3
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

AUTODBF

Catalog/topic: DOT / AUTODBF
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Create or infer a DBF table from an input source using DotTalk++ automatic DBF-generation rules.

Create an X64 DBF from a CSV file and import the CSV rows into the newly created table. CSV headers may become field names; when there is no header, deterministic FIELDnnn names are generated.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

AUTODBF USAGE
AUTODBF <table> FROM <csvfile>
AUTODBF X64 <table> FROM <csvfile>
AUTODBF <table> FROM <csvfile> HEADER
AUTODBF <table> FROM <csvfile> NOHEADER
AUTODBF <table> FROM <csvfile> AUTO
AUTODBF <table> FROM <csvfile> TEXTONLY
AUTODBF <table> FROM <csvfile> INFER
AUTODBF <table> FROM <csvfile> OVERWRITE
AUTODBF [USAGE|<source> [TO <dbf>]]

Usage

AUTODBF USAGE
AUTODBF <table> FROM <csvfile>
AUTODBF X64 <table> FROM <csvfile>
AUTODBF <table> FROM <csvfile> HEADER
AUTODBF <table> FROM <csvfile> NOHEADER
AUTODBF <table> FROM <csvfile> AUTO
AUTODBF <table> FROM <csvfile> TEXTONLY
AUTODBF <table> FROM <csvfile> INFER
AUTODBF <table> FROM <csvfile> OVERWRITE

Argument

NOHEADER
Mined command argument/switch candidate. Promote only after validation against parser behavior or curated command docs.

Note

AUTODBF defaults to X64, AUTO header detection, INFER types, comma CSV.
AUTO is conservative: it chooses HEADER only when the first row looks like
names and later data strongly indicates typed data. Use HEADER or NOHEADER
to remove ambiguity.
Field names are normalized to command-safe x64 logical names, uniquified,
capped to the current x64 logical-name limit, and then passed through the
existing x64 descriptor fallback/mangling policy.
Long text is not auto-promoted to M yet; values must fit current fixed-field
x64base limits. This avoids silently writing memo object id 0.
Existing target DBFs are not overwritten unless OVERWRITE is supplied.
risk:
reads_files: yes
creates_files: yes
possible_overwrite: only with OVERWRITE
closes_current_area: yes after validation succeeds
opens_area: yes

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|AUTODBF
Included HELP rows: 40
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

BIBLETALK

Catalog/topic: DOT / BIBLETALK
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Use the BibleTalk educational seed database for quote, lookup, and teaching/demo workflows.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

BIBLETALK [USAGE|QUOTE|SEARCH <text>|BOOKS]

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|BIBLETALK
Included HELP rows: 3
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

BOTTOM

Catalog/topic: DOT / BOTTOM
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Move to the last record in the current table/order.

Move the current work-area cursor to the last logical record
Move the current work-area cursor to the last visible/logical record.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

BOTTOM
BOTTOM USAGE

Usage

BOTTOM
BOTTOM USAGE

Example

BOTTOM

Note

Uses the active order when an order is active
Equivalent user intent to GO BOTTOM / GO LAST
BOTTOM with no arguments moves to the last visible/logical record.
BOTTOM requires an open table except for BOTTOM USAGE.
BOTTOM uses the AutoByFilter last-record navigation selector.
BOTTOM mutates cursor position but does not mutate table data.
TALK ON prints the resulting record number when movement succeeds.
risk:
mutates_cursor: yes
mutates_table_data: no
requires_open_table: yes except usage

TOP
BOTTOM
FIRST
LAST
NEXT
PRIOR
SKIP
GOTO
GPS

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|BOTTOM
Included HELP rows: 29
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260717T222026Z-28C704E0
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260717T230554Z-DB3F2DC8
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

BROWSE

Catalog/topic: DOT / BROWSE
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Open the classic browse surface for the current table/work-area context.

Enter the refactored BROWSE module through the legacy global command symbol, preserving existing callers while delegating implementation.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

BROWSE USAGE
BROWSE
BROWSE EDIT

Usage

BROWSE USAGE
BROWSE
BROWSE EDIT

Note

BROWSE is a thin forwarder to the browse module.
BROWSE with no arguments enters interactive browse mode.
BROWSE EDIT requests edit-capable browse behavior where supported by the module.
Side effects depend on browse actions and delegated commands.
risk:
interactive: yes
mutates_data: possible through edit actions
delegates_to_browse_module: yes

BROWSER
BROWSETUI
LIST
DISPLAY
REPLACE
Public entrypoint from the new module
namespace {
static std::string browse_trim(std::string s)
{
while (!s.empty() && std::isspace(static_cast<unsigned char>(s.front()))) s.erase(s.begin());
while (!s.empty() && std::isspace(static_cast<unsigned char>(s.back()))) s.pop_back();
return s;
}
static std::string browse_upper(std::string s)
std::transform(s.begin(), s.end(), s.begin(),
[](unsigned char c) { return static_cast<char>(std::toupper(c)); });
static bool is_browse_usage_request(std::string raw)
std::string t = browse_upper(browse_trim(std::move(raw)));
if (t.rfind("BROWSE ", 0) == 0) t = browse_trim(t.substr(7));
return t == "USAGE" || t == "HELP" || t == "?";
static void print_browse_usage()
std::cout
<< "Usage:\n"

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|BROWSE
Included HELP rows: 40
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260717T222026Z-28C704E0
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260717T230554Z-DB3F2DC8
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

BROWSER

Catalog/topic: DOT / BROWSER
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Developer browser command (experimental).

Enter a minimal interactive browser with list, display, goto, edit, help, and quit commands, delegating work to existing command handlers.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

BROWSER USAGE
BROWSER
BROWSER EDIT

Usage

BROWSER USAGE
BROWSER
BROWSER EDIT

Note

BROWSER with no arguments enters interactive browse mode.
BROWSER EDIT displays edit mode in the banner; edit command is available inside the browser.
Inside BROWSER, L lists records, D displays current record, G moves to a record, E edits via REPLACE, H or question-mark shows help, and Q quits.
BROWSER itself is interactive; side effects come from delegated GOTO and REPLACE actions.
risk:
interactive: yes
mutates_record_pointer: GOTO actions
mutates_table_data: edit actions through REPLACE
delegates_to_replace: yes

BROWSE
BROWSETUI
LIST
DISPLAY
GOTO
REPLACE
---- Forward declarations of existing command handlers ---------------------
void cmd_LIST (xbase::DbArea&, std::istringstream&);
void cmd_DISPLAY(xbase::DbArea&, std::istringstream&);
void cmd_GOTO (xbase::DbArea&, std::istringstream&);
void cmd_REPLACE(xbase::DbArea&, std::istringstream&);
---- Helpers ---------------------------------------------------------------
static inline std::string trim(const std::string& s) {
size_t b = 0, e = s.size();
while (b < e && std::isspace(static_cast<unsigned char>(s[b]))) ++b;
while (e > b && std::isspace(static_cast<unsigned char>(s[e-1]))) --e;
return s.substr(b, e - b);
}
static inline std::string upper(std::string s) {
std::transform(s.begin(), s.end(), s.begin(),
[](unsigned char c){ return static_cast<char>(std::toupper(c)); });
return s;

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|BROWSER
Included HELP rows: 40
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260717T222026Z-28C704E0
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260717T230554Z-DB3F2DC8
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

BUFFERING

Catalog/topic: ED / BUFFERING
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: F / T
Primary/confidence: EDREF / CATALOG

Summary

Buffering means changes are staged before permanent commit.

Commands
TABLE ON
REPLACE ...
COMMIT
ROLLBACK (planned/deferred in some contexts)

Observed model
With TABLE ON:

Buffering means changes are staged before permanent commit.
Commands
TABLE ON
REPLACE ...
COMMIT
ROLLBACK (planned/deferred in some contexts)
Observed model
With TABLE ON:
TUPLE may show buffered values immediately
LIST may still show persisted/indexed values until COMMIT
Educational point
Buffering separates:
working state
persisted state
This is a classic database concept and an important teaching tool.

Status

implemented=no; supported=yes

Syntax

TABLE BUFFERING

Provenance

Topic key: ED|BUFFERING
Included HELP rows: 17
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

BUILDLMDB

Catalog/topic: DOT / BUILDLMDB
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Build or rebuild the LMDB backing store for the current CDX container; may mutate LMDB/index files but not table records.

Build or rebuild the LMDB backing store for a CDX container using one LMDB environment per table container and named databases for tags.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

BUILDLMDB USAGE
BUILDLMDB
BUILDLMDB YES
BUILDLMDB AUTO
BUILDLMDB NOPROMPT
BUILDLMDB CLEAN YES
BUILDLMDB FORCE YES
BUILDLMDB QUIET
BUILDLMDB SILENT
BUILDLMDB TINY
BUILDLMDB SMALL
BUILDLMDB MEDIUM
BUILDLMDB LARGE
BUILDLMDB XL
BUILDLMDB HUGE
BUILDLMDB MAPSIZE <size> YES
BUILDLMDB [HELP|?] [MAPSIZE <n[K|M|G]>|SIZE <n[K|M|G]>|TINY|SMALL|MEDIUM|LARGE|XL|HUGE] [YES|AUTO|NOPROMPT] [CLEAN|FORCE] [QUIET]

Usage

BUILDLMDB USAGE
BUILDLMDB
BUILDLMDB YES
BUILDLMDB AUTO
BUILDLMDB NOPROMPT
BUILDLMDB CLEAN YES
BUILDLMDB FORCE YES
BUILDLMDB QUIET
BUILDLMDB SILENT
BUILDLMDB TINY
BUILDLMDB SMALL
BUILDLMDB MEDIUM
BUILDLMDB LARGE
BUILDLMDB XL
BUILDLMDB HUGE
BUILDLMDB MAPSIZE <size> YES
BUILDLMDB CLEAN MAPSIZE <size> YES

Argument

NOPROMPT
Mined command argument/switch candidate. Promote only after validation against parser behavior or curated command docs.

Note

BUILDLMDB requires an open table except for usage/help requests.
The public CDX container resolves under INDEXES and the LMDB backend environment resolves under LMDB.
If an existing LMDB environment would be destructively rebuilt, explicit YES, AUTO, NOPROMPT, QUIET, or SILENT is required.
CLEAN and FORCE archive the existing environment before rebuild.
BUILDLMDB releases active index/order state before destructive rebuild.
BUILDLMDB rebuilds tag databases from current table data.

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|BUILDLMDB
Included HELP rows: 45
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

BUILDVECTORS

Catalog/topic: DOT / BUILDVECTORS
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Report the compiled engine capacity "build vectors" (AIF-044) — the selected maximums this binary was configured with, plus a fingerprint.

Syntax

BUILDVECTORS
BUILD VECTORS
BUILD INFO

Note

Values come from the generated build-vector authority.
The command is read-only.
The fingerprint distinguishes binaries built with different capacities.

ABOUT
VERSION

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|BUILDVECTORS
Included HELP rows: 16
HELP reference run: DOCFLUSH-20260722-001/help_meta_export_v5
Disposition run: POSTBASELINE_SUPPORTED_COVERAGE_REPAIR

CANARY

Status notice: PARTIAL; supported=F. Treat this page as limited or review-required evidence.

Catalog/topic: DOT / CANARY
Status: partial
Implemented/supported: T / F
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

CANARY is a registered DotTalk++ command; curated DOTREF support status and help summary are pending.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=no

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|CANARY
Included HELP rows: 2
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

CDX

Catalog/topic: DOT / CDX
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Inspect or manage CDX container metadata and tag directories. ramfs/VDISK-aware: under a mounted VDISK the container resolves from RAM (a native CDX-V64), so CREATE/ADDTAG/DROPTAG operate on the in-RA

Inspect or manage CDX container metadata and tag directories. ramfs/VDISK-aware: under a mounted VDISK the container resolves from RAM (a native CDX-V64), so CREATE/ADDTAG/DROPTAG operate on the in-RAM container with no file on disk (AIF-04
3).

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

CDX USAGE
CDX INFO [<path.cdx>]
CDX TAGS [<path.cdx>]
CDX CREATE [<path.cdx>]
CDX ADDTAG <name> [<path.cdx>]
CDX DROPTAG <name> [<path.cdx>]
CDX [INFO|TAGS|CREATE|ADDTAG|DROPTAG] [<path.cdx>]

Usage

CDX USAGE
CDX INFO [<path.cdx>]
CDX TAGS [<path.cdx>]
CDX CREATE [<path.cdx>]
CDX ADDTAG <name> [<path.cdx>]
CDX DROPTAG <name> [<path.cdx>]

Note

CDX with no arguments shows usage and does not default to INFO.
If no path is supplied, CDX first uses the active CDX path from order state when available.
Otherwise CDX derives <current_dbf_basename>.cdx through the INDEXES path slot.
CREATE refuses to overwrite an existing file.
INFO and TAGS are read-only inspection operations and require an existing file.
ADDTAG and DROPTAG mutate the CDX container tag directory and require an existing file.
CDX manages container header/tag metadata; backend tag build data persistence is owned elsewhere.
risk:
reads_index_file: INFO TAGS ADDTAG DROPTAG
creates_index_file: CREATE
overwrites_index_file: no, CREATE refuses existing target
mutates_index_metadata: ADDTAG DROPTAG
mutates_table_data: no
default_path_uses_order_state: yes
default_path_uses_indexes_slot: yes

CNX
INDEX
SET CDX
SET ORDER
REINDEX
include "xbase.hpp"
namespace fs = std::filesystem;
using cdxfile::CDXHandle;
namespace {
static inline std::string trim_copy(std::string s)
{

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|CDX
Included HELP rows: 42
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

CHR

Catalog/topic: FOX / CHR
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: FOXREF / CATALOG

Summary

Convert an integer ASCII code (0-255) to a 1-character string.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

CHR(<nAsciiCode>)

Provenance

Topic key: FOX|CHR
Included HELP rows: 3
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

CHRISTMAS

Catalog/topic: DOT / CHRISTMAS
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Display the DotTalk++ Christmas/holiday console splash screen.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

CHRISTMAS

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|CHRISTMAS
Included HELP rows: 3
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

CLOSE

Catalog/topic: DOT / CLOSE
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Close the current table, a selected area, or all open work areas.

Close the current work area, honoring dirty table-buffer prompts, clearing memo/order/table slot state, and clearing affected relation state.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

CLOSE USAGE
CLOSE
CLOSE ALL
CLOSE [ALL|<area>|<alias>]

Usage

CLOSE USAGE
CLOSE
CLOSE ALL

Note

CLOSE with no arguments closes the current work area.
CLOSE ALL clears all relations and closes every open work area.
CLOSE prompts or cancels through dirty table-buffer protection when needed.
CLOSE runs memo sidecar lifecycle hooks before clearing area identity.
CLOSE clears active order/index state.
CLOSE resets table buffering state for the slot to off, clean, and fresh.
CLOSE is a session/area mutation command; it does not directly mutate table records.
risk:
closes_area: yes
clears_order_state: yes
closes_memo_backend: yes
resets_table_buffer_state: yes
clears_relations_for_table: yes
clears_all_relations: CLOSE ALL
dirty_prompt_gate: yes
mutates_table_data: no

USE
WORKSPACE
TABLE
COMMIT
REL
namespace fs = std::filesystem;
Provided by the interactive shell.
extern "C" xbase::XBaseEngine* shell_engine(void);
namespace {
static int area_index_from_ref(xbase::DbArea& areaRef) {
xbase::XBaseEngine* eng = nullptr;
try { eng = shell_engine(); } catch (...) { eng = nullptr; }
if (!eng) return -1;
for (int i = 0; i < xbase::MAX_AREA; ++i) {
try {

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|CLOSE
Included HELP rows: 41
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

CMDREL

Status notice: PENDING; supported=F. Treat this page as limited or review-required evidence.

Catalog/topic: DOT / CMDREL
Status: pending
Implemented/supported: F / F
Primary/confidence: USAGE_CONTRACT / CURATED

Summary

Print the recipe for relating HELP COMMANDS to CMD_ARGS.

Usage

CMDREL

Note

CMDREL prints commands but does not execute them or alter relation state.

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|CMDREL
Included HELP rows: 3
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

CNX

Catalog/topic: DOT / CNX
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Index container command (CNX multi-tag support).

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

CNX USAGE
CNX INFO [<path.cnx>]
CNX TAGS [<path.cnx>]
CNX CREATE [<path.cnx>]
CNX ADDTAG <name> [<path.cnx>]
CNX DROPTAG <name> [<path.cnx>]
CNX WALK <tag> [<path.cnx>]
CNX TRACE <tag> [<path.cnx>]
CNX <name>

Usage

CNX USAGE
CNX INFO [<path.cnx>]
CNX TAGS [<path.cnx>]
CNX CREATE [<path.cnx>]
CNX ADDTAG <name> [<path.cnx>]
CNX DROPTAG <name> [<path.cnx>]
CNX WALK <tag> [<path.cnx>]
CNX TRACE <tag> [<path.cnx>]

Argument

NODE
Mined command argument/switch candidate. Promote only after validation against parser behavior or curated command docs.

Note

CNX with no arguments shows usage.
If no path is supplied, CNX first uses the active CNX path from order state when available.
Otherwise CNX derives <current_dbf_basename>.cnx through the INDEXES path slot.
CREATE refuses to overwrite an existing file.
INFO, TAGS, WALK, and TRACE are read-only inspection/diagnostic operations and require an existing file.
WALK/TRACE use root_page_off from the CNX tag directory and follow plausible child offsets with loop/depth protection.
ADDTAG and DROPTAG mutate the CNX container tag directory and require an existing file.
risk:
reads_index_file: INFO TAGS WALK TRACE ADDTAG DROPTAG
creates_index_file: CREATE
overwrites_index_file: no, CREATE refuses existing target
mutates_index_metadata: ADDTAG DROPTAG
mutates_table_data: no
diagnostic_tree_walk: WALK TRACE
default_path_uses_order_state: yes
default_path_uses_indexes_slot: yes

CDX
INDEX
SET CNX
SET ORDER

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|CNX
Included HELP rows: 41
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

COBOL

Catalog/topic: DOT / COBOL
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Display COBOL-oriented educational/demo material for historical data-processing context.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

COBOL [USAGE|HELP]

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|COBOL
Included HELP rows: 3
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

CODASYL

Catalog/topic: DOT / CODASYL
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Display CODASYL/network-database educational/demo material for historical database context.

Provide a thin CODASYL teaching veneer over already-open DotTalk++ work areas, simulating owner/member set traversal without a second storage engine.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

CODASYL USAGE
CODASYL HELP
CODASYL MODE ON
CODASYL MODE OFF
CODASYL LOAD <world>
CODASYL SETS
CODASYL SHOW SET <name>
CODASYL FIND OWNER <set> <value>
CODASYL FIND OWNER <owner_alias> <value>
CODASYL GET FIRST
CODASYL GET FIRST <set>
CODASYL GET FIRST <member_alias>
CODASYL GET NEXT
CODASYL GET NEXT <set>
CODASYL GET NEXT <member_alias>
CODASYL WALK
CODASYL WALK <set>
CODASYL WALK <member_alias>
CODASYL [USAGE|HELP]

Usage

CODASYL USAGE
CODASYL HELP
CODASYL MODE ON
CODASYL MODE OFF
CODASYL LOAD <world>
CODASYL SETS
CODASYL SHOW SET <name>
CODASYL FIND OWNER <set> <value>
CODASYL FIND OWNER <owner_alias> <value>
CODASYL GET FIRST
CODASYL GET FIRST <set>
CODASYL GET FIRST <member_alias>
CODASYL GET NEXT
CODASYL GET NEXT <set>
CODASYL GET NEXT <member_alias>
CODASYL WALK
CODASYL WALK <set>
CODASYL WALK <member_alias>
CODASYL STATUS

Note

CODASYL with no arguments shows usage.
This is a teaching adapter and does not create physical CODASYL storage.
It uses already-open work areas and named set definitions.
LOAD installs a predefined set map for a named lesson world.
FIND OWNER captures the current owner and builds a member snapshot.
GET FIRST and GET NEXT move through the simulated member ring.
WALK prints a simulated owner/member ring and preserves the member-area cursor best-effort.
STATUS reports CODASYL teaching state.

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|CODASYL
Included HELP rows: 49
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

COMMANDSHELP

Catalog/topic: DOT / COMMANDSHELP
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Command help (alias of CMDHELP).

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

COMMANDSHELP

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|COMMANDSHELP
Included HELP rows: 3
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

COMMIT

Catalog/topic: DOT / COMMIT
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Commit buffered TABLE updates to disk.

Notes (current shakedown observations):
- Clears TABLE stale state on success.
- May currently trigger full INX rebuild work as

Apply staged table-buffered changes
Apply buffered TABLE changes to the current area or all open buffered areas, locking records at commit time and reporting persistence-stage failures.
Commit buffered TABLE updates to disk.
Notes (current shakedown observations):
- Clears TABLE stale state on success.
- May currently trigger full INX rebuild work as part of the commit path (performance issue).

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

COMMIT
COMMIT ALL
COMMIT USAGE
COMMIT MANUAL
COMMIT INTERACTIVE
COMMIT AUTO
COMMIT ALL MANUAL
COMMIT ALL INTERACTIVE
COMMIT ALL AUTO

Usage

COMMIT USAGE
COMMIT
COMMIT ALL
COMMIT MANUAL
COMMIT INTERACTIVE
COMMIT AUTO
COMMIT ALL MANUAL
COMMIT ALL INTERACTIVE
COMMIT ALL AUTO

Example

COMMIT
COMMIT ALL

Note

Applies buffered table changes and clears stale state on success
Index maintenance should flow through the index subsystem rather than direct backend parsing
COMMIT with no arguments applies buffered changes for the current area.
COMMIT ALL applies buffered changes for all open buffered areas.
TABLE ON buffers changes; COMMIT applies them with record locking.
MANUAL, INTERACTIVE, and AUTO are accepted for compatibility.
COMMIT does not rebuild CDX or LMDB containers.
Legacy INX/IDX and CNX rebuild behavior remains only for legacy index families.
COMMIT is a data mutation command when buffers contain changes.

Warning

COMMIT is a mutation boundary; keep help wording conservative until runtime behavior is verified

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|COMMIT
Included HELP rows: 37
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

CONCAT

Catalog/topic: DOT / CONCAT
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Concatenate string arguments. (Available as CALC function; also usable as a command where wired.)

Concatenate one or more expressions into a single printed string
Concatenate one or more expressions into a single string and print the result.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

CONCAT <expr1>[, <expr2> ...]
STRCAT <expr1>[, <expr2> ...]
CONCAT(<expr1>, <expr2>, ...)
CONCAT(<c1>[, <c2> ...]) | CONCAT <args...>

Usage

CONCAT USAGE
CONCAT <expr1>[, <expr2> ...]
STRCAT <expr1>[, <expr2> ...]

Example

CONCAT "hello", " ", "world"
CONCAT FNAME, " ", LNAME
STRCAT("A", "B", "C")

Note

CONCAT is the shell command surface over the same string-function family used by CALC
When a table is open, bare identifiers can resolve as fields; otherwise they remain literal text
STRCAT is an alias of CONCAT
CONCAT accepts between 1 and 32 arguments.

Alias

STRCAT

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|CONCAT
Included HELP rows: 19
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

CONTINUE

Catalog/topic: DOT / CONTINUE
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Continue a running loop/scan block (scripting control flow).

Continue a previous LOCATE search, or continue with an explicit FOR predicate, following active order when present.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

CONTINUE

Usage

CONTINUE
CONTINUE USAGE
CONTINUE FOR <expr>

Note

CONTINUE with no arguments reuses the active LOCATE/CONTINUE predicate.
CONTINUE FOR <expr> searches forward from the current record using the supplied predicate.
CONTINUE follows active order when one is present; otherwise it scans physical order.
CONTINUE requires an open table except for CONTINUE USAGE.
CONTINUE mutates cursor/search state but does not mutate table data.

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|CONTINUE
Included HELP rows: 12
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260717T222026Z-28C704E0
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260717T230554Z-DB3F2DC8
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

COPY

Catalog/topic: DOT / COPY
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Copy table or data content into another target using DotTalk++ copy semantics.

Copy the current DBF, convert the current table to a target DBF flavor, or copy a filesystem file.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

COPY <source> TO <target>

Usage

COPY USAGE
COPY TO <DBFNAME> [WITH SIDECARS] [OVERWRITE]
COPY TO <DBFNAME> AS <MSDOS|DBASE|FOX26|FOXPRO|VFP|X64> [OVERWRITE]
COPY TO <DBFNAME> AS X64 VECTOR [OVERWRITE]
COPY FILE <SRC> TO <DST> [OVERWRITE]

Example

COPY TO students_copy
COPY TO students_x64 AS X64 VECTOR OVERWRITE
COPY TO students_vfp AS VFP
COPY TO students_backup WITH SIDECARS OVERWRITE
COPY FILE source.txt TO tmp\source_copy.txt OVERWRITE

Note

COPY USAGE prints usage and does not require an open table.
COPY TO requires an open table.
COPY FILE does not require an open table.
WITH SIDECARS applies only to binary COPY TO.
OVERWRITE is required when the destination already exists.

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|COPY
Included HELP rows: 19
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

CREATE

Catalog/topic: DOT / CREATE
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Create a new table, structure, or local project artifact through the implemented DotTalk++ creation surface.

Create a DBF table in the configured DBF path slot using the requested xBase/DBF flavor and field specification.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

CREATE [USAGE|<args...>]

Usage

CREATE USAGE
CREATE <name> (<field> <type>[, ...])
CREATE MSDOS <name> (<field> <type>[, ...])
CREATE DBASE <name> (<field> <type>[, ...])
CREATE FOX26 <name> (<field> <type>[, ...])
CREATE FOXPRO <name> (<field> <type>[, ...])
CREATE VFP <name> (<field> <type>[, ...])
CREATE X64 <name> (<field> <type>[, ...])

Example

CREATE students (sid N(6), lname C(20), fname C(15))
CREATE X64 teachers (teacher_id I, full_name C(80), bio M)
CREATE VFP ledger (acct C(12), amount Y, posted D)

Note

CREATE with no usable table/field specification shows usage and does not create a file.
Relative table names resolve through the configured DBF path slot.
CREATE clears active order state and closes the current area before writing the new table.
After a successful write, CREATE opens the created table in the current area.
If any field is M, CREATE attempts automatic memo attach after opening the table.
X64 CREATE applies descriptor fallback/name policy for DBF descriptor safety.
Long, duplicate, or descriptor-unsafe X64 field names may receive fallback tokens.
X64 logical/authoritative metadata names are preserved when they fit the current x64 metadata limits.
CREATE is a filesystem/schema mutation command; do not classify it as a read-only report command.

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|CREATE
Included HELP rows: 24
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

CTOD

Catalog/topic: FOX / CTOD
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: FOXREF / CATALOG

Summary

Convert a character date to a Date value using current SET DATE/SET CENTURY.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

CTOD(<cDate>)

Provenance

Topic key: FOX|CTOD
Included HELP rows: 3
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

DATE

Catalog/topic: FOX / DATE
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: FOXREF / CATALOG

Summary

Return the current system date.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

DATE()

Provenance

Topic key: FOX|DATE
Included HELP rows: 3
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

DECISION

Catalog/topic: ED / DECISION
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: F / T
Primary/confidence: EDREF / CATALOG

Summary

Programming Construct 2: Decision Flow

Definition
Decision flow chooses between alternatives based on a condition.

Current DotTalk++ form
IF <expr>
...
ELSE
...
ENDIF

Programming Construct 2: Decision Flow
Definition
Decision flow chooses between alternatives based on a condition.
Current DotTalk++ form
IF <expr>
...
ELSE
ENDIF
Concept
IF asks a yes/no question.
If true, the IF branch runs.
Otherwise, the ELSE branch runs, if present.
Example
IF GPA > 3.5
ECHO HONOR STUDENT
ECHO REGULAR STUDENT
Educational importance
This is how a script becomes selective instead of merely linear.
Typical uses
- react to a calculation
- guard a destructive operation
- separate normal and exceptional paths
Teaching point
Decision logic is about controlling execution, not merely testing truth.

Status

implemented=no; supported=yes

Syntax

DECISION / IF

Provenance

Topic key: ED|DECISION
Included HELP rows: 26
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

DEFCMD

Catalog/topic: DOT / DEFCMD
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Define an ephemeral, session-only scratch command without rebuilding or editing source.

Syntax

DEFCMD USAGE
DEFCMD LIST
DEFCMD <NAME> = <body-text>
DEFCMD <NAME> <body-text>

Example

DEFCMD PING = pong
DEFCMD GREET = hello there

Note

Scratch commands vanish on EXIT and are never written to disk.
A scratch command prints its stored body plus trailing arguments.
DEFCMD cannot shadow protected built-ins or overwrite non-scratch commands.
Remove a scratch command with UNDEFCMD.

UNDEFCMD
EXAMPLE

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|DEFCMD
Included HELP rows: 26
HELP reference run: DOCFLUSH-20260722-001/help_meta_export_v5
Disposition run: POSTBASELINE_SUPPORTED_COVERAGE_REPAIR

DEFFN

Catalog/topic: DOT / DEFFN
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Define an ephemeral, session-only expression function through the runtime custom-function seam.

Syntax

DEFFN USAGE
DEFFN LIST
DEFFN <NAME> = <body-text>
DEFFN <NAME> <body-text>

Example

DEFFN GREET = hello
? GREET() returns hello

Note

Custom functions vanish on EXIT and are never written to disk.
The current body returns stored text; arguments are accepted but ignored.
DEFFN cannot shadow a compiled built-in function.
Remove a custom function with UNDEFFN.

UNDEFFN
DEFCMD

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|DEFFN
Included HELP rows: 20
HELP reference run: DOCFLUSH-20260722-001/help_meta_export_v5
Disposition run: POSTBASELINE_SUPPORTED_COVERAGE_REPAIR

DELETE

Catalog/topic: DOT / DELETE
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Mark the current record deleted using current table semantics.

Mark the current record or selected records deleted, honoring filters and applying index delete snapshots in direct-write mode.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

DELETE

Usage

DELETE USAGE
DELETE
DELETE ALL
DELETE REST
DELETE NEXT <n>
DELETE FOR <field> <op> <value>

Note

DELETE with no arguments deletes the current record.
DELETE requires an open table except for DELETE USAGE.
DELETE honors active SET FILTER in ALL, REST, NEXT, and FOR scans.
DELETE snapshots target recnos before mutating to avoid active-index traversal mutation.
Direct-write mode captures index keys before delete and applies index delete snapshots after delete.
Buffered table mode leaves rebuild or final application to COMMIT.
DELETE marks fields stale best-effort and refreshes current navigation best-effort.
If index snapshot or apply fails, data delete may still succeed and a rebuild warning is emitted.

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|DELETE
Included HELP rows: 18
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

DESCEND

Catalog/topic: DOT / DESCEND
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Set descending sort direction for the active order/tag.

Set the active order/tag direction to descending for the current work area.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

DESCEND

Usage

DESCEND
DESCEND USAGE

Note

DESCEND requires an active order except for DESCEND USAGE.
DESCEND with no arguments mutates order direction to descending.
DESCEND does not mutate table records or rebuild indexes.

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|DESCEND
Included HELP rows: 9
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

DIR

Catalog/topic: DOT / DIR
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

List directory or file entries through the DotTalk++ shell surface.

List a directory or show a single file entry through DotTalk++ path resolution.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

DIR [<mask>|<path>]

Usage

DIR
DIR USAGE
DIR <path>
DIR <slot>

Note

DIR with no arguments lists the configured DBF path.
DIR <path> lists a directory or prints a single file entry.
Slot-style paths resolve through the common path resolver.
A trailing wildcard component (containing * or ?) filters the listing by

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|DIR
Included HELP rows: 12
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

DO

Status notice: PARTIAL; supported=F. Treat this page as limited or review-required evidence.

Catalog/topic: FOX / DO
Status: partial
Implemented/supported: F / F
Primary/confidence: FOXREF / CATALOG

Summary

Execute a program. (Use DOTSCRIPT instead.)

Status

implemented=no; supported=no

Syntax

DO <program> [WITH <args>]

Provenance

Topic key: FOX|DO
Included HELP rows: 3
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

DOTHELP

Catalog/topic: DOT / DOTHELP
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Show project-native DotTalk++ reference entries from the DOTREF catalog.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

DOTHELP [<term>]

Usage

DOTHELP
DOTHELP USAGE
DOTHELP <term>
HELP /DOT <term>

Note

DOTHELP with no arguments lists project-native commands and subsystems.
DOTHELP <term> prints a matching dotref entry or search matches.
DOTHELP USAGE prints usage only.
HELP /DOT <term> is the related HELP-surface access path.
DOTHELP is read-only.

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|DOTHELP
Included HELP rows: 12
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

DOTSCRIPT

Catalog/topic: DOT / DOTSCRIPT
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Run a DotTalk script file (test harness / automation).

Example:
DOTSCRIPT run_all_sql_tests.dts

Run a DotTalk++ script file, resolving bare names through script/test search locations, supporting @file notation, TRACE mode, and one-level subscript nesting.
Run a DotTalk script file (test harness / automation).
Example:
DOTSCRIPT run_all_sql_tests.dts

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

DOTSCRIPT <file.dts>

Usage

DOTSCRIPT USAGE
DOTSCRIPT <file>
DOTSCRIPT @<file>
DOTSCRIPT TRACE
DOTSCRIPT TRACE ON
DOTSCRIPT TRACE OFF
DOTSCRIPT TRACE <file>
DOTSCRIPT TRACE @<file>
DOTSCRIPT TRACE ON <file>
DOTSCRIPT TRACE OFF <file>
DOTSCRIPT TRACE ON @<file>
DOTSCRIPT TRACE OFF @<file>
DOTSCRIPT <file> OUT <transcript-file>
DOTSCRIPT <file> OUTPUT <transcript-file>
DOTSCRIPT TRACE <file> OUT <transcript-file>
DOTSCRIPT <file> OUT <transcript-file> APPEND

Note

DOTSCRIPT with no arguments shows usage.
DOTSCRIPT reads an external script file and executes each nonblank,
noncomment line through the shell command executor.
Script comments/blank lines are ignored when they begin with *, //, &&, or ; after trimming.
Bare script names try the typed name, .dts extension, scripts/, and tests/ candidates.
@file notation is accepted and unquoted before path resolution.
TRACE without a file reports the current trace state and usage.
TRACE ON/OFF changes global DOTSCRIPT trace state.
TRACE <file> runs a single script with trace enabled without changing global trace state.
Nesting is limited to main script plus one subscript.
DOTSCRIPT itself delegates side effects to the commands inside the script; it is not read-only.
TEST is intentionally not refactored in this patch; TEST may become a later consumer of shell_transcript.

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|DOTSCRIPT
Included HELP rows: 34
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

DRAWIO

Catalog/topic: DOT / DRAWIO
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Generate or manage Draw.io-oriented diagram artifacts for documentation and teaching workflows.

Launch diagrams.net, or list/open draw.io files from configured diagram paths.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

DRAWIO [USAGE|<args...>]

Usage

DRAWIO USAGE
DRAWIO
DRAWIO PATHS
DRAWIO LIST
DRAWIO LIST SYSTEM
DRAWIO LIST USER
DRAWIO LIST ALL
DRAWIO OPEN
DRAWIO OPEN <url-or-path>
DRAWIO OPEN SYSTEM <n|filename>
DRAWIO OPEN USER <n|filename>
DRAWIO OPEN ALL <n|filename>

Note

DRAWIO with no arguments launches the default diagrams.net URL.
DRAWIO OPEN with no target also launches the default diagrams.net URL.
DRAWIO LIST defaults to SYSTEM.
SYSTEM diagrams come from SETPATH SYSTEM_DIAGRAMS / DIAGRAMS.
USER diagrams come from SETPATH USER_DIAGRAMS.
DRAWIO does not mutate table data or workspace state.

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|DRAWIO
Included HELP rows: 22
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

DTOC

Catalog/topic: FOX / DTOC
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: FOXREF / CATALOG

Summary

Convert a Date value to a character string using current SET DATE/SET CENTURY.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

DTOC(<dDate>)

Provenance

Topic key: FOX|DTOC
Included HELP rows: 3
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

DUMP

Catalog/topic: DOT / DUMP
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Debug: print a structured dump of an internal value/state.

Dump every record from the current work area in legacy pipe-delimited form.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

DUMP

Usage

DUMP
DUMP USAGE

Note

DUMP requires an open table except for DUMP USAGE.
DUMP operates only on the current work area.
DUMP does not resolve paths and does not open files.
Deleted records are prefixed with an asterisk marker.
DUMP iterates by record number and reads each record.
DUMP is read-only for table data but moves the current cursor during output.

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|DUMP
Included HELP rows: 12
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

EDIT

Catalog/topic: FOX / EDIT
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: FOXREF / CATALOG

Summary

Edit a field/value interactively (where supported).

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

EDIT <field>

Provenance

Topic key: FOX|EDIT
Included HELP rows: 3
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

EDUCATIONAL_USE

Catalog/topic: ED / EDUCATIONAL_USE
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: F / T
Primary/confidence: EDREF / CATALOG

Summary

A practical study order

1. Open a table
USE STUDENTS
STRUCT
FIELDS
LIST 5

2. Learn navigation
TOP
SKIP 1
BOTTOM
RECNO

3. Learn ordering
SET INDEX TO students.cdx

A practical study order
1. Open a table
USE STUDENTS
STRUCT
FIELDS
LIST 5
1. Learn navigation
TOP
SKIP 1
BOTTOM
RECNO
1. Learn ordering
SET INDEX TO students.cdx
SET ORDER TO TAG LNAME
1. Learn predicates
LOCATE LNAME = Taylor
SMARTLIST 5 FOR GPA >= 3.5
1. Learn tuple projection
TUPLE *
TUPLE LNAME,FNAME
1. Learn relations
SET RELATION TO SID INTO ENROLL
REL LIST
1. Learn relation traversal
REL ENUM ...
1. Learn buffering
TABLE ON
REPLACE ...
COMMIT
1. Learn scripting
IF / ELSE / ENDIF
LOOP / ENDLOOP
SCAN / ENDSCAN
Teaching principle
Move from single table -> ordered navigation -> predicate logic ->
projection -> relations -> scripting.

Status

implemented=no; supported=yes

Syntax

HOW TO STUDY THIS SYSTEM

Provenance

Topic key: ED|EDUCATIONAL_USE
Included HELP rows: 38
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

ELSE

Catalog/topic: DOT / ELSE
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Begin the alternate branch of an IF block when the IF condition is false.

Empty translation-unit shim for ELSE command ownership.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

ELSE

Usage

ELSE usage is owned by the IF/ELSE/ENDIF command implementation.
This file intentionally exports no command handler.

Note

This file exists only because ELSE has a cmd_*.cpp translation unit in the
build tree. Do not add a second ELSE implementation here.

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|ELSE
Included HELP rows: 8
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

ENDIF

Catalog/topic: DOT / ENDIF
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

End an IF/ELSE conditional block.

Close an IF control block.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

ENDIF

Usage

ENDIF

Note

Syntax command paired with IF and ELSE. It does not mutate table data by itself.

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|ENDIF
Included HELP rows: 6
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

ENDLOOP

Catalog/topic: DOT / ENDLOOP
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

End a LOOP block (scripting).

End the active LOOP block and replay buffered commands through the shell executor.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

ENDLOOP

Usage

ENDLOOP
ENDLOOP USAGE

Note

ENDLOOP with no arguments executes the active LOOP buffer.
ENDLOOP requires an active LOOP block except for ENDLOOP USAGE.
ENDLOOP clears active loop state before replay.
ENDLOOP replays buffered commands through the registered loop executor.
ENDLOOP reports when no LOOP is active.
ENDLOOP may indirectly mutate data, session state, or files depending on buffered commands.

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|ENDLOOP
Included HELP rows: 12
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

ENDSCAN

Catalog/topic: DOT / ENDSCAN
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

End a SCAN block.

Close a SCAN loop block.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

ENDSCAN

Usage

ENDSCAN

Note

Syntax command paired with SCAN. It does not mutate table data by itself.

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|ENDSCAN
Included HELP rows: 6
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

ENDUNTIL

Catalog/topic: DOT / ENDUNTIL
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

End an UNTIL block (scripting).

Close an UNTIL loop/control block.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

ENDUNTIL

Usage

ENDUNTIL

Note

Syntax command paired with UNTIL where supported. It does not mutate table data by itself.

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|ENDUNTIL
Included HELP rows: 6
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

ENDWHILE

Catalog/topic: DOT / ENDWHILE
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

End a WHILE block (scripting control flow).

Close a WHILE loop block.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

ENDWHILE

Usage

ENDWHILE

Note

Syntax command paired with WHILE. It does not mutate table data by itself.

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|ENDWHILE
Included HELP rows: 6
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

ERASE

Catalog/topic: DOT / ERASE
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Erase a file or supported target through the DotTalk++ shell surface.

Physically delete a DBF table file plus known same-stem sidecars across DBF, INDEXES, and LMDB roots.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

ERASE <target>

Usage

ERASE USAGE
ERASE <table> [CONFIRM]
ERASE TABLE <table> [CONFIRM]

Example

ERASE TABLE clients
ERASE TABLE clients CONFIRM
ERASE students.dbf CONFIRM

Note

ERASE USAGE prints usage and does not inspect or delete files.
Without CONFIRM, ERASE performs a dry-run and lists files that would be deleted.
CONFIRM physically deletes the DBF, matching index containers/files, and matching LMDB backend directory when present.

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|ERASE
Included HELP rows: 13
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

ERP

Catalog/topic: DOT / ERP
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Display ERP-oriented educational/demo material connecting database concepts to business systems.

Translation-unit shim for ERP/LabTalk integration includes.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

ERP [USAGE|HELP]

Usage

This file currently does not export a command handler.
If ERP becomes user-facing from this file, add the runtime command handler and full usage contract together.

Note

Keep ERP application behavior owned by the ERP/LabTalk application layer.

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|ERP
Included HELP rows: 7
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

ERSATZ

Catalog/topic: DOT / ERSATZ
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Launch or drive the Ersatz relational browser/demo surface for workspace and relation-graph inspection.

Relational browser and tuple-stream helper for current workspace/session, with navigation, tree/grid rendering, workspace handoff, and delta baselines.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

ERSATZ [USAGE|<args...>]

Usage

ERSATZ
ERSATZ USAGE
ERSATZ SHOW
ERSATZ REFRESH
ERSATZ TREE
ERSATZ GRID
ERSATZ STATUS
ERSATZ ORDER
ERSATZ TOP
ERSATZ BOTTOM
ERSATZ NEXT
ERSATZ NEXT <n>
ERSATZ PREV
ERSATZ PREV <n>
ERSATZ SKIP <n>
ERSATZ ROOT
ERSATZ ROOT <alias>
ERSATZ LIMIT <n>
ERSATZ PATH <alias>
ERSATZ CLEARPATH
ERSATZ BACK
ERSATZ OPEN <workspace>
ERSATZ LOAD <name>
ERSATZ SAVE <name>
ERSATZ WLOAD <name>
ERSATZ DELTA MARK <name>
ERSATZ DELTA SHOW <name>
ERSATZ DELTA CLEAR <name>
ERSATZ DELTA CLEAR ALL
ERSATZ DELTA STATUS
ERSATZ RESET

Note

ERSATZ with no arguments renders the current relational browser snapshot.
SHOW, REFRESH, TREE, and GRID render the current browser session.
TOP, BOTTOM, NEXT, PREV, and SKIP navigate the root cursor and render.
ROOT, LIMIT, PATH, CLEARPATH, and BACK mutate browser session settings.
OPEN hands off to WORKSPACE.
LOAD, SAVE, and WLOAD read or write workspace files.
DELTA commands manage in-memory tuple-stream baselines.
RESET clears ERSATZ browser session state.
ERSATZ is not table-data mutation by itself, but it can mutate cursor/session/workspace state.

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|ERSATZ
Included HELP rows: 44
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260717T222026Z-28C704E0
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260717T230554Z-DB3F2DC8
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

EVAL

Catalog/topic: DOT / EVAL
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: F / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Evaluate an expression and print its value.

Status

implemented=no; supported=yes

Syntax

EVAL <expr>

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|EVAL
Included HELP rows: 3
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

EVALUATE

Catalog/topic: DOT / EVALUATE
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Evaluate an expression through the DotTalk++ expression layer and display the result.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

EVALUATE <expr>

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|EVALUATE
Included HELP rows: 3
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

EXAMPLE

Catalog/topic: DOT / EXAMPLE
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Show or run small DotTalk++ example/demo material for teaching and verification workflows.

Minimal example/test command used to verify token parsing and command routing.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

EXAMPLE [USAGE|<name>|LIST]

Usage

EXAMPLE USAGE
EXAMPLE TEST

Note

EXAMPLE with no arguments shows usage.
EXAMPLE TEST prints OK.
EXAMPLE is read-only and does not mutate table data.

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|EXAMPLE
Included HELP rows: 9
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

EXPFUNCS

Catalog/topic: DOT / EXPFUNCS
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Export the expression/function catalog to Markdown documentation.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

EXPFUNCS [MD [<path>]]

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|EXPFUNCS
Included HELP rows: 3
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

EXPORT

Catalog/topic: DOT / EXPORT
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Export to CSV.

Export the current DBF rowset, or an already-open named work area, to a delimited file.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

EXPORT <csv>

Usage

EXPORT USAGE
EXPORT [TO] <file> [CSV|PIPE]
EXPORT <open-area-token> TO <file> [CSV|PIPE]

Note

EXPORT [TO] <file> writes the current table to the named file.
EXPORT <open-area-token> TO <file> writes an already-open work area without changing
the user's selected area intentionally.
Named tokens may be an area number, #area, alias/name, logical name, DBF basename/stem,
filename, or full path, if those values resolve uniquely to an open area.
Named EXPORT does not auto-open tables from disk.
CSV is the default format; PIPE uses a pipe delimiter.
A missing extension is added automatically (.csv for CSV, .txt for PIPE).
EXPORT writes a header row.
EXPORT honors the active SET FILTER for the exported area.
EXPORT reads records in physical table order.
EXPORT may report file/write errors and still emit a summary when appropriate.

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|EXPORT
Included HELP rows: 19
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

EXPORTSQL

Catalog/topic: DOT / EXPORTSQL
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Export DotTalk++ table or workspace data through the SQL export helper surface.

Preview SQL export output and expose the file-export command surface.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

EXPORTSQL [USAGE|<args...>]

Usage

EXPORTSQL USAGE
EXPORTSQL PREVIEW <table>
EXPORTSQL FILE <table> TO <file>

Example

EXPORTSQL PREVIEW students
EXPORTSQL FILE students TO tmp\students.sql

Note

EXPORTSQL USAGE returns before file or table work.
EXPORTSQL hooks are currently preview/file command surfaces.

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|EXPORTSQL
Included HELP rows: 11
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

EXPRESSION

Catalog/topic: ED / EXPRESSION
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: F / T
Primary/confidence: EDREF / CATALOG

Summary

An expression is something the engine evaluates to produce a value.

Kinds of expressions
numeric
character
date
logical

Examples
1 + 2
UPPER("abc")
GPA + 0.01
DATE()

An expression is something the engine evaluates to produce a value.
Kinds of expressions
numeric
character
date
logical
Examples
1 + 2
UPPER("abc")
GPA + 0.01
DATE() + 2
LNAME = "TAYLOR"
Commands using expressions
CALC
EVAL
REPLACE
IF
LOCATE
SMARTLIST
Teaching point
Expressions produce values.
Predicates are expressions whose value is true or false.

Status

implemented=no; supported=yes

Syntax

EXPRESSIONS

Provenance

Topic key: ED|EXPRESSION
Included HELP rows: 24
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

FIND

Catalog/topic: DOT / FIND
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Find text or values using the active order when possible, with scan fallback when needed.

Seek an exact value using the active index/order
Find text in the current table, delegating to SEEK when the active order can satisfy the request and otherwise scanning the selected field.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

SEEK <expr>
SEEK <expr> IN <alias>
FIND <text> [IN <field>]

Usage

FIND USAGE
FIND <text>
FIND <field> <text>
FIND <text> IN <field>

Example

SEEK "SMITH"
SEEK 1001
SEEK DTOS(DATE())

Note

Requires an active table and normally an active order/index
Successful SEEK intentionally moves the current record pointer
Command wording should stay at the CDX/tag/order level; LMDB is a backend detail
FIND requires an open table except for FIND USAGE.
FIND with one text argument delegates to SEEK when an order is active.
FIND with a field delegates to SEEK only when that field is the active tag.
Otherwise FIND scans the requested field using ordered or physical traversal.
FIND honors active SET FILTER visibility.
FIND positions on the found record when successful.
FIND restores the prior cursor when not found.

Warning

Do not document direct LMDB path parsing as public SEEK behavior

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|FIND
Included HELP rows: 25
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260717T222026Z-28C704E0
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260717T230554Z-DB3F2DC8
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

FOXHELP

Catalog/topic: DOT / FOXHELP
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

List or search command help topics.

Examples:
FOXHELP
FOXHELP WORKSPACE
FOXHELP REL

Notes:
Uses the help catalogs and any HELP DBFs.

List or search the static FoxPro-style command catalog.
List or search command help topics.
Examples:
FOXHELP
FOXHELP WORKSPACE
FOXHELP REL
Notes:
Uses the help catalogs and any HELP DBFs.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

FOXHELP [<term>]

Usage

FOXHELP
FOXHELP USAGE
FOXHELP <name>
FOXHELP <search>
FH
FH <name>
FH <search>

Note

FOXHELP with no arguments lists the FoxPro-style command subset.
FOXHELP <name> prints an exact catalog item when found.
FOXHELP <search> searches the catalog and prints matching items.
FH is a short alias for FOXHELP.
FOXHELP is a read-only help/report command.

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|FOXHELP
Included HELP rows: 22
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

FOXPRO

Catalog/topic: DOT / FOXPRO
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

DotTalk++ UI / browser command.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

FOXPRO

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|FOXPRO
Included HELP rows: 3
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

FOXSTANDARD

Catalog/topic: DOT / FOXSTANDARD
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Display FoxPro/xBase standard-reference or compatibility teaching material.

Render static historical FoxPro-standard reference topics.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

FOXSTANDARD [USAGE|HELP|<topic>]

Usage

FOXSTANDARD USAGE
FOXSTANDARD <command>
FOXSTANDARD ALL
FOXSTANDARD TOPICS
FOXSTANDARD LIST

Note

FOXSTANDARD with no arguments shows usage.
FOXSTANDARD ALL, TOPICS, and LIST render the available topic list.
FOXSTANDARD <command> renders the static reference for that command.
FOXSTANDARD is separate from the live HELP and command catalogs.

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|FOXSTANDARD
Included HELP rows: 13
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

FOXTALK

Catalog/topic: DOT / FOXTALK
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Legacy alias for the ArcticTalk Turbo Vision TUI shell.

Example:
FOXTALK

Notes:
Intended for keyboard-driven browsing and diagnostics.
Exits back

Legacy alias for the ArcticTalk Turbo Vision TUI shell.
Example:
FOXTALK
Notes:
Intended for keyboard-driven browsing and diagnostics.
Exits back to the DotTalk++ CLI.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

FOXTALK

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|FOXTALK
Included HELP rows: 8
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

GLOSSARY

Catalog/topic: ED / GLOSSARY
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: F / T
Primary/confidence: EDREF / CATALOG

Summary

Quick glossary

Alias
Name used to refer to a table/work area.

Buffer
Temporary staged change area before persistence.

Child
Related table reached from a parent.

Current area
The ac

Quick glossary
Alias
Name used to refer to a table/work area.
Buffer
Temporary staged change area before persistence.
Child
Related table reached from a parent.
Current area
The active work area.
Current record
The row at the current record pointer.
Enum / enumerate
Emit results one by one.
Field
A named value within a record.
Index
Ordered access path.
Metadata
Structural information about data.
Order
Current sequence used for navigation.
Parent
Table from which relation traversal begins.
Predicate
True/false expression.
Projection
Selection of fields/columns for output.
Record
One row.
Relation
Parent-child matching rule between tables.
Schema
Structural definition of a table/dataset.
Sequential flow
Execute one command after another.
State
The live session condition.
Tuple
Logical projected row.
Work area
Active open-table slot.

Status

implemented=no; supported=yes

Syntax

GLOSSARY

Provenance

Topic key: ED|GLOSSARY
Included HELP rows: 43
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

GO

Catalog/topic: DOT / GO
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Execute a DotTalk++ command line (dispatch to command handlers).

Move to a record or navigation endpoint
Refresh the current record, move to table/order endpoints, move to an absolute record number, or skip relative to the current record.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

GO
GO TOP
GO BOTTOM
GO FIRST
GO LAST
GO [TO] <recno>
GO RECORD <recno>
GO +<n>
GO -<n>
GO <commandLine>

Usage

GO
GO USAGE
GO TOP
GO BOTTOM
GO FIRST
GO LAST
GO TO <recno>
GO RECORD <recno>
GO <recno>
GO +<n>
GO -<n>

Example

GO
GO TOP
GO TO 10
GO RECORD 25
GO +5
GO -1

Note

GO with no arguments refreshes or reports the current record context
TOP and FIRST are synonyms
BOTTOM and LAST are synonyms
Relative movement uses the current work-area cursor
GO with no arguments refreshes/re-reads the current record through the navigation layer.
GO TOP/BOTTOM/FIRST/LAST move to logical endpoints.
GO <recno>, GO TO <recno>, and GO RECORD <recno> navigate absolutely.
GO +/-<n> delegates to relative skip.
GO USAGE prints usage before navigation.

Warning

IN <alias> is not supported yet

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|GO
Included HELP rows: 41
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260717T222026Z-28C704E0
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260717T230554Z-DB3F2DC8
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

GOTO

Catalog/topic: DOT / GOTO
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Move the current work area to a specific record or boundary position.

Move to a record or navigation endpoint
Move the current work-area cursor to an absolute record number, first record, or last record through the shared navigation layer.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

GO
GO TOP
GO BOTTOM
GO FIRST
GO LAST
GO [TO] <recno>
GO RECORD <recno>
GO +<n>
GO -<n>
GOTO <recno>|TOP|BOTTOM

Usage

GOTO USAGE
GOTO <recno>
GOTO FIRST
GOTO LAST

Example

GO
GO TOP
GO TO 10
GO RECORD 25
GO +5
GO -1

Note

GO with no arguments refreshes or reports the current record context
TOP and FIRST are synonyms
BOTTOM and LAST are synonyms
Relative movement uses the current work-area cursor
GOTO requires a target argument except for GOTO USAGE.
GOTO FIRST and GOTO LAST use endpoint navigation.
GOTO <recno> uses absolute record navigation.
GOTO mutates cursor position but does not mutate table data.

Warning

IN <alias> is not supported yet

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|GOTO
Included HELP rows: 33
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260717T222026Z-28C704E0
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260717T230554Z-DB3F2DC8
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

GPS

Catalog/topic: DOT / GPS
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Report current session/navigation position and work-area orientation diagnostics.

Report current work-area position, including area slot, table label, physical record number, and computed logical row.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

Usage

GPS
GPS USAGE

Note

GPS with no arguments reports cursor position.
GPS with no open table reports the current area and no-table state.
GPS computes logical row by iterating visible ordered records.
GPS is read-only for table data but may temporarily move the cursor while computing logical row.

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|GPS
Included HELP rows: 10
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

IDX

Catalog/topic: DOT / IDX
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Memory-only educational index lab for teaching sort and index concepts without writing persistent index files.

Memory-only educational index lab for teaching sorting and index concepts without writing persistent INX/CNX/CDX files.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

IDX [USAGE|LIST|DROP <tag>|DROP ALL|ON <field|#n> TAG <name> [SORT <algo>|<algo>] [ASC|DESC]]

Usage

IDX
IDX USAGE
IDX ON <field|#n> TAG <name>
IDX ON <field|#n> TAG <name> SORT <algo>
IDX ON <field|#n> TAG <name> <algo>
IDX ON <field|#n> TAG <name> ASC
IDX ON <field|#n> TAG <name> DESC
IDX LIST
IDX DROP <tag>
IDX DROP ALL

Example

IDX ON LNAME TAG lname_std
IDX ON LNAME TAG lname_bubble BUBBLE
IDX ON LNAME TAG lname_bubble2 SORT BUBBLE DESC

Note

IDX with no arguments prints help/usage.
IDX is memory-only and does not write .inx files.
IDX does not participate in SET ORDER, REINDEX, WORKSPACE restore, IndexManager, or IIndexBackend.
Use INDEX for persistent index files.
SORT algorithms currently include STD and BUBBLE.

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|IDX
Included HELP rows: 22
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

IF

Catalog/topic: DOT / IF
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Begin a conditional DotScript block; execute the following block when the logical expression is true.

Start an IF/ELSE/ENDIF conditional block using the shell's shared boolean expression evaluator and control-flow stack.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

IF <logical_expr>

Usage

IF USAGE
IF <bool-expr>
ELSE
ELSE USAGE
ENDIF
ENDIF USAGE

Example

IF GPA >= 3.0
ECHO HONORS
ELSE
ECHO REGULAR
ENDIF

Note

IF USAGE prints usage and does not modify the IF stack.
IF evaluates only when the outer IF stack allows execution.
ELSE flips the active branch for the current IF frame.
ENDIF exits the current IF frame.
Effects of commands inside the active branch are owned by those commands.

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|IF
Included HELP rows: 20
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

IMAGE

Catalog/topic: DOT / IMAGE
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Inspect image file metadata or open a supported image file in the operating-system viewer.

Inspect image file metadata or open a supported image file in the operating system viewer.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

IMAGE [USAGE|INFO <file>|<file>]

Usage

IMAGE USAGE
IMAGE DEFAULT
IMAGE <file>
IMAGE INFO DEFAULT
IMAGE INFO <file>

Note

IMAGE with no arguments prints usage.
IMAGE USAGE prints usage and does not open a viewer.
IMAGE DEFAULT opens "arctic fox.png" beside the running executable.
IMAGE INFO DEFAULT reports metadata for the default image.
IMAGE INFO <file> prints file extension, size, and recognized-image status.
IMAGE <file> opens the OS viewer on Windows.
Non-Windows viewer launch is currently not implemented.
IMAGE does not mutate table data.

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|IMAGE
Included HELP rows: 17
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

IMPORT

Catalog/topic: DOT / IMPORT
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Import from CSV.

Import records from a CSV file into the current open table by matching CSV headers to field names case-insensitively.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

IMPORT <csv>

Usage

IMPORT USAGE
IMPORT <csvfile>

Note

IMPORT requires an open table except for IMPORT USAGE.
IMPORT appends .csv to the file name when the extension is omitted.
The first CSV row is interpreted as headers.
Headers are mapped to current table fields case-insensitively.
Each data row appends a blank record, sets mapped fields, and writes the record.
Unmapped CSV columns are ignored.
IMPORT mutates table data by appending records.

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|IMPORT
Included HELP rows: 13
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

IMPORTSQL

Catalog/topic: DOT / IMPORTSQL
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Import or bridge SQL data into DotTalk++ through the SQL import helper surface.

Preview, validate, infer schema, create/import table data from delimited files.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

IMPORTSQL [USAGE|<args...>]

Usage

IMPORTSQL USAGE
IMPORTSQL PREVIEW <file> [DELIM PIPE|TAB|COMMA]
IMPORTSQL VALIDATE <file> [DELIM PIPE|TAB|COMMA]
IMPORTSQL SCHEMA <file> [DELIM PIPE|TAB|COMMA]
IMPORTSQL CREATE <file> TO <table> [DELIM PIPE|TAB|COMMA]
IMPORTSQL FILE <file> TO <table> [DELIM PIPE|TAB|COMMA]
IMPORTSQL MAP <subcommand> <mapfile>

Example

IMPORTSQL PREVIEW data\students.psv
IMPORTSQL VALIDATE data\students.csv DELIM COMMA
IMPORTSQL CREATE data\students.psv TO students
IMPORTSQL FILE data\students.psv TO students

Note

IMPORTSQL USAGE returns before file/table work.
IMPORTSQL PREVIEW/VALIDATE/SCHEMA read input files.
IMPORTSQL CREATE/FILE may create tables and import records.

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|IMPORTSQL
Included HELP rows: 18
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

INDEX

Catalog/topic: DOT / INDEX
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

General index-management command surface for the current table.

Build an INX index file from the current table using a field key, tag/file name, optional direction, and optional INX format.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

INDEX [ON <field> TAG <name> | STATUS | LIST]

Usage

INDEX USAGE
INDEX ON <field> TAG <name>
INDEX ON <field> TAG <name> ASC
INDEX ON <field> TAG <name> DESC
INDEX ON <field> TAG <name> 1INX
INDEX ON <field> TAG <name> 2INX
INDEX ON <field> TAG <name> ASC 1INX
INDEX ON <field> TAG <name> DESC 2INX

Example

INDEX ON LNAME TAG students
INDEX ON LNAME TAG students DESC
INDEX ON LNAME TAG students ASC 1INX
INDEX ON LNAME TAG students DESC 2INX

Note

INDEX requires an open table except for INDEX USAGE, INDEX HELP, and INDEX question-mark.
Deleted records are excluded.
Default direction is ASC.
Default output format is 2INX, matching REINDEX.
Optional direction and format tokens may appear in either order.
Field-number tokens are also accepted by the parser, but omitted from mineable usage rows because hash syntax is a source-comment marker.
2INX uses fixed-length keys, uppercases character fields, and writes a pos-by-recno table.
TAG must name an INX file target; non-.inx extensions are refused.
INDEX writes an index file through the INDEXES path resolver and does not mutate table records.

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|INDEX
Included HELP rows: 25
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

INIT

Catalog/topic: DOT / INIT
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Initialize default paths, perform best-effort stale-lock cleanup, and process startup ini scripts.

Initialize runtime paths, cleanup stale locks, and run system/user init scripts from the executable directory.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

INIT [USAGE]

Usage

INIT
INIT USAGE

Note

INIT with no arguments initializes default paths when needed and reports path slots.
INIT cleans stale DBF locks best-effort.
INIT runs dottalkpp.ini and init.ini from the executable directory when present.
INIT USAGE prints usage and does not initialize paths, cleanup locks, or run scripts.
Script commands run through the shell command executor and may have their own side effects.

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|INIT
Included HELP rows: 11
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

INTRO

Catalog/topic: ED / INTRO
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: F / T
Primary/confidence: EDREF / CATALOG

Summary

DotTalk++ Educational Reference

Purpose
EDREF is the instructional help catalog for learning DotTalk++ as a system.

What belongs here
- programming concepts shown by DotScript and command fl

DotTalk++ Educational Reference
Purpose
EDREF is the instructional help catalog for learning DotTalk++ as a system.
What belongs here
- programming concepts shown by DotScript and command flow
- data concepts such as tables, records, fields, indexes, and relations
- engine concepts such as metadata, tuple projection, ordering, buffering
- practical examples written in the style of DotTalk++ commands
What does not belong here
- FoxPro compatibility syntax reference itself
- raw command catalog material already kept in foxref.hpp / dotref.hpp
Teaching approach
This file explains the system in plain language.
It is meant to answer:
"What is this feature for?"
"How do I think about it?"
"What is the simplest example?"
"How does it relate to the larger engine?"

Status

implemented=no; supported=yes

Syntax

INTRO

Provenance

Topic key: ED|INTRO
Included HELP rows: 20
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

LEFT

Catalog/topic: FOX / LEFT
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: FOXREF / CATALOG

Summary

Return the left-most <nChars> characters of <cExpression>.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

LEFT(<cExpression>, <nChars>)

Provenance

Topic key: FOX|LEFT
Included HELP rows: 3
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

LEN

Catalog/topic: FOX / LEN
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: FOXREF / CATALOG

Summary

Return the length (character count) of <cExpression>.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

LEN(<cExpression>)

Provenance

Topic key: FOX|LEN
Included HELP rows: 3
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

LIST

Catalog/topic: DOT / LIST
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

List records from the current table using DotTalk++ command semantics.

List records from the current work area
Display rows from the current work area using classic LIST-style output, honoring active order/index state and optional filtering modes.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

LIST
LIST ALL
LIST DELETED
LIST FIELDS <fieldlist>
LIST FOR <expr>
LIST WHILE <expr>
LIST NEXT <n>
LIST REST
LIST [ALL] [FIELDS <list>] [FOR <expr>]

Usage

LIST
LIST USAGE
LIST TOP
LIST BOTTOM
LIST ALL
LIST <limit>
LIST DELETED
LIST FOR <predicate>
LIST TOP <limit>
LIST BOTTOM <limit>

Example

LIST
LIST FIELDS LNAME,FNAME
LIST FOR GPA >= 3.5
LIST NEXT 10

Note

Developer inspection command; SMARTLIST is the preferred order-aware listing path
Should preserve the current cursor unless a handler explicitly documents movement
Filtering is expression/predicate-aware where wired
LIST requires an open table except for LIST USAGE.
LIST with no arguments displays from the current cursor position.
LIST ALL starts at the top and removes the default output limit.
TOP and BOTTOM move to an endpoint before listing.
DELETED selects deleted records using physical traversal.
FOR applies an expression predicate after normalization.
Active order/index state is honored when possible; LIST falls back to physical order with a note.
LIST is read-only for table data and restores cursor position best-effort.

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|LIST
Included HELP rows: 38
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260717T222026Z-28C704E0
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260717T230554Z-DB3F2DC8
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

LMDB

Catalog/topic: DOT / LMDB
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Inspect or manage per-area LMDB-backed index/storage wiring where supported.

Inspect and control the per-area LMDB backed CDX index backend through the current DbArea IndexManager.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

LMDB [USAGE|INFO|OPEN|USE|SEEK|DUMP|SCAN|CLOSE] ...

Usage

LMDB USAGE
LMDB INFO
LMDB OPEN <container.cdx>
LMDB OPEN <envdir.cdx.d>
LMDB OPEN <stem>
LMDB USE <tag>
LMDB SEEK <key>
LMDB DUMP
LMDB DUMP <max>
LMDB SCAN <low> <high>
LMDB CLOSE

Note

LMDB is a thin wrapper over the current area IndexManager and CDX backend.
LMDB does not use LMDB_UTIL or any shared global LMDB environment.
Bare stems are resolved through the INDEXES path slot.
OPEN attaches the CDX container and updates legacy order state.
USE selects an active tag and updates legacy active-tag state.
SEEK searches the selected tag and reports the matching record number.
DUMP and SCAN inspect the selected tag.
CLOSE closes the current area index manager and clears order state.
LMDB mutates index/order session state but not table records.

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|LMDB
Included HELP rows: 24
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

LMDB_UTIL

Catalog/topic: DOT / LMDB_UTIL
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Developer/diagnostic LMDB utility surface for low-level backend inspection and maintenance workflows.

Deprecated disabled LMDB utility command that points users to the per-area LMDB command.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

LMDB_UTIL [USAGE|<args...>]

Usage

LMDB_UTIL
LMDB_UTIL USAGE

Note

LMDB_UTIL is deprecated and disabled.
LMDB_UTIL intentionally does not open LMDB environments or transactions.
Use LMDB INFO, LMDB OPEN, LMDB USE, LMDB SEEK, LMDB DUMP, LMDB SCAN, and LMDB CLOSE instead.
This avoids cross-area contamination and reader-slot conflicts.

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|LMDB_UTIL
Included HELP rows: 10
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

LMDBDUMP

Catalog/topic: DOT / LMDBDUMP
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Developer/diagnostic surface for dumping or inspecting LMDB-backed index/storage state.

Open an LMDB environment read-only and dump keys and values for diagnostics, with optional named DB, grep, limit, and start-key controls.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

LMDBDUMP [USAGE|<args...>]

Usage

LMDBDUMP USAGE
LMDBDUMP <env_path>
LMDBDUMP <env_path> --db <name>
LMDBDUMP <env_path> -db <name>
LMDBDUMP <env_path> --grep <ascii>
LMDBDUMP <env_path> -grep <ascii>
LMDBDUMP <env_path> --trydb
LMDBDUMP <env_path> --limit <n>
LMDBDUMP <env_path> --start <key>
LMDBDUMP <env_path> --starthex <hex>

Example

LMDBDUMP indexes\students.cdx.d
LMDBDUMP indexes\students.cdx.d --trydb
LMDBDUMP indexes\students.cdx.d --grep MILLER --limit 50
LMDBDUMP indexes\students.cdx.d --db lname --start M --limit 200

Note

LMDBDUMP opens the supplied LMDB environment read-only.
LMDBDUMP does not depend on the xindex backend or current work area.
--start treats the key as ASCII unless it begins with 0x.
--starthex accepts hex bytes.
--trydb scans main DB keys and probes named DB candidates.
LMDBDUMP is diagnostic and does not mutate table or index data.

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|LMDBDUMP
Included HELP rows: 24
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

LOCATE

Catalog/topic: DOT / LOCATE
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Position on the first record matching a predicate or simple field comparison.

Locate the first record matching a predicate, using simple CDX fast-path when possible and selector-backed scanning otherwise.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

LOCATE FOR <expr> | LOCATE <field> <op> <value>

Usage

LOCATE USAGE
LOCATE FOR <expr>
LOCATE <field> <op> <value>

Example

LOCATE FOR LNAME = Smith
LOCATE LNAME = Smith
LOCATE FOR BALANCE > 100

Note

LOCATE requires an open table except for LOCATE USAGE.
LOCATE with no predicate shows usage.
LOCATE clears previous LOCATE and CONTINUE bridge state before searching.
Simple predicates on the active CDX tag may use the CDX fast path.
Complex predicates are evaluated through the selector and expression path.
LOCATE positions on the first matching record.
LOCATE updates locate state and CONTINUE bridge state after a match.
LOCATE is read-only for table data but mutates cursor/search state.

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|LOCATE
Included HELP rows: 18
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260717T222026Z-28C704E0
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260717T230554Z-DB3F2DC8
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

LOCK

Catalog/topic: DOT / LOCK
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Lock the current record (or table) for editing.

Acquire record or table locks for the current table and inspect lock status or lock ownership.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

LOCK [RECORD|TABLE|<recno>...]

Usage

LOCK USAGE
LOCK
LOCK <n>
LOCK ALL
LOCK TABLE
LOCK STATUS
LOCK WHO <n>

Note

LOCK requires an open table except for LOCK USAGE.
LOCK with no arguments locks the current record.
LOCK <n> locks record n.
LOCK ALL and LOCK TABLE lock the entire table.
LOCK STATUS reports table and current-record lock state.
LOCK WHO <n> reports the owner of record n when a lock is recorded.
LOCK mutates lock state but does not mutate table data.

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|LOCK
Included HELP rows: 18
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

LOOP

Catalog/topic: DOT / LOOP
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Begin a LOOP block (scripting).

Start buffering commands for later replay by ENDLOOP, with optional quiet mode and numeric repetition labels.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

LOOP FOR <n> TIMES

Usage

LOOP
LOOP USAGE
LOOP QUIET
LOOP <n>
LOOP <n> TIMES
LOOP FOR <n>
LOOP FOR <n> TIMES
LOOP FOR <label>
LOOP OVERRIDE <label>

Note

LOOP with no arguments starts command buffering and replays once at ENDLOOP.
LOOP <n>, LOOP <n> TIMES, and LOOP FOR <n> replay buffered commands n times.
LOOP QUIET suppresses buffering and ENDLOOP status messages.
LOOP FOR <label> stores a nonnumeric label and currently replays once.
ENDLOOP executes buffered commands through the pluggable shell executor.
The loop implementation skips buffered ENDLOOP lines during replay.
Iteration count is clamped to the hard maximum when necessary.
LOOP mutates script execution state and may indirectly mutate anything its buffered commands mutate.

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|LOOP
Included HELP rows: 21
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

LOOP_BUFFER

Catalog/topic: DOT / LOOP_BUFFER
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Developer/diagnostic helper surface for inspecting or testing buffered LOOP control-flow behavior.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

LOOP_BUFFER [USAGE|<args...>]

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|LOOP_BUFFER
Included HELP rows: 3
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

LOOPS

Catalog/topic: ED / LOOPS
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: F / T
Primary/confidence: EDREF / CATALOG

Summary

Programming Construct 3: Iteration / Looping

Definition
A loop repeats work.

DotTalk++ loop families
LOOP ... ENDLOOP
WHILE ... ENDWHILE
UNTIL ... ENDUNTIL
SCAN ... ENDSCAN

1. L

Programming Construct 3: Iteration / Looping
Definition
A loop repeats work.
DotTalk++ loop families
LOOP ... ENDLOOP
WHILE ... ENDWHILE
UNTIL ... ENDUNTIL
SCAN ... ENDSCAN
1. LOOP
Repeats a fixed number of times.
Example
LOOP 3 TIMES
ECHO HELLO
ENDLOOP
1. WHILE
Repeats while a condition stays true.
Example concept
WHILE counter < 10
...
ENDWHILE
1. UNTIL
Repeats until a condition becomes true.
1. SCAN
Record-oriented loop over table rows.
SCAN
TUPLE *
ENDSCAN
Teaching point
LOOP / WHILE / UNTIL are general control-flow constructs.
SCAN is a data-aware loop specialized for table traversal.

Status

implemented=no; supported=yes

Syntax

LOOPS

Provenance

Topic key: ED|LOOPS
Included HELP rows: 32
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

LOWER

Catalog/topic: FOX / LOWER
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: FOXREF / CATALOG

Summary

Convert <cExpression> to lower-case.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

LOWER(<cExpression>)

Provenance

Topic key: FOX|LOWER
Included HELP rows: 3
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

LTRIM

Catalog/topic: FOX / LTRIM
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: FOXREF / CATALOG

Summary

Remove leading spaces from <cExpression>.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

LTRIM(<cExpression>)

Provenance

Topic key: FOX|LTRIM
Included HELP rows: 3
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

MCC

Catalog/topic: DOT / MCC
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Load the MCC v32 demo workspace by running DotScript x32 and WORKSPACE LOAD mcc.dtschemas.

Load the MCC v32 demo workspace as a one-command starter demo.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

Usage

MCC
MCC USAGE

Note

MCC prepares and loads the MCC sample workspace for demonstration.
MCC runs DotScript x32 to set the v32 DBF and INDEX paths.
MCC then runs WORKSPACE LOAD mcc.dtschemas.
Equivalent manual sequence is DOTSCRIPT x32, then WORKSPACE LOAD mcc.dtschemas.
MCC is a convenience command and does not directly open tables or create relations itself.
Table/session/relation restoration remains owned by WORKSPACE.
Environment/path setup remains owned by DotScript.
DO X32 is a command-surface shortcut for DotScript x32; MCC should be documented as using DotScript.

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|MCC
Included HELP rows: 14
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

MODEL

Catalog/topic: ED / MODEL
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: F / T
Primary/confidence: EDREF / CATALOG

Summary

How to think about DotTalk++

DotTalk++ is best understood as four layers working together:

1. Command Layer
The CLI accepts commands such as:
USE
SELECT
LIST
SET

How to think about DotTalk++
DotTalk++ is best understood as four layers working together:
1. Command Layer
The CLI accepts commands such as:
USE
SELECT
LIST
SET ORDER
SET RELATION
REL ENUM
1. Data Layer
The engine works with:
tables
records
fields
indexes
relations
1. Logic Layer
DotScript and command execution provide:
sequential flow
decision flow
looping flow
expression evaluation
1. View / Projection Layer
Results are shown through:
DISPLAY
TUPLE
SMARTLIST
browser commands
A practical mental model
Table = stored rows
Record = one row
Field = one column value in a row
Index = alternate ordered path through rows
Relation = parent-child path between tables
Tuple = projected logical row, possibly across multiple tables

Status

implemented=no; supported=yes

Syntax

SYSTEM MODEL

Provenance

Topic key: ED|MODEL
Included HELP rows: 38
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

Catalog/topic: ED / NAVIGATION
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: F / T
Primary/confidence: EDREF / CATALOG

Summary

Navigation means moving the current record pointer.

Common navigation commands
TOP
BOTTOM
SKIP
GOTO
SEEK
FIND
LOCATE

Important idea
Many commands are pointer-sensitiv

Navigation means moving the current record pointer.
Common navigation commands
TOP
BOTTOM
SKIP
GOTO
SEEK
FIND
LOCATE
Important idea
Many commands are pointer-sensitive.
They use "current row" as their starting context.
Teaching point
Navigation is to a database session what cursor movement is to an editor.

Status

implemented=no; supported=yes

Syntax

NAVIGATION

Provenance

Topic key: ED|NAVIGATION
Included HELP rows: 16
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

NORMALIZE

Catalog/topic: DOT / NORMALIZE
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Normalize/clean an input expression or text (developer utility).

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

NORMALIZE <expr>

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|NORMALIZE
Included HELP rows: 3
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

ORDER

Catalog/topic: ED / ORDER
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: F / T
Primary/confidence: EDREF / CATALOG

Summary

Order means the currently active navigation sequence.

Examples
physical order
LNAME order
FNAME order

Commands
SET ORDER TO TAG LNAME
SET ORDER TO 0
ASCEND
DESCEND
TO

Order means the currently active navigation sequence.
Examples
physical order
LNAME order
FNAME order
Commands
SET ORDER TO TAG LNAME
SET ORDER TO 0
ASCEND
DESCEND
TOP
BOTTOM
SEEK
FIND
Educational point
TOP is not an abstract idea.
TOP means "first row in the current order."
So:
TOP in physical order may differ from
TOP in indexed order.
This is one of the most important database-learning moments in DotTalk++.

Status

implemented=no; supported=yes

Syntax

ORDER AND NAVIGATION

Provenance

Topic key: ED|ORDER
Included HELP rows: 23
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

PACK

Catalog/topic: DOT / PACK
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Permanently remove deleted records from the current table.

Physically remove deleted records by rewriting the current DBF; x64 memo tables rebuild both DBF and DTX sidecar with remapped memo ids.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

PACK

Usage

PACK USAGE
PACK

Example

PACK

Note

PACK USAGE prints usage before open-table checks.
PACK rewrites the current DBF with only non-deleted records and closes the table on success.
PACK supports x64 M(8) memo tables by rebuilding DBF and DTX together.
Legacy memo tables are refused.
Index containers must be rebuilt/rebound after PACK.

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|PACK
Included HELP rows: 12
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

PADC

Catalog/topic: FOX / PADC
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: F / T
Primary/confidence: FOXREF / CATALOG

Summary

Center-pad to length <nLen>.

Status

implemented=no; supported=yes

Syntax

PADC(<cExpression>, <nLen>[, <cFill>])

Provenance

Topic key: FOX|PADC
Included HELP rows: 3
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

PADL

Catalog/topic: FOX / PADL
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: F / T
Primary/confidence: FOXREF / CATALOG

Summary

Left-pad to length <nLen>.

Status

implemented=no; supported=yes

Syntax

PADL(<cExpression>, <nLen>[, <cFill>])

Provenance

Topic key: FOX|PADL
Included HELP rows: 3
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

PADR

Catalog/topic: FOX / PADR
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: F / T
Primary/confidence: FOXREF / CATALOG

Summary

Right-pad to length <nLen>.

Status

implemented=no; supported=yes

Syntax

PADR(<cExpression>, <nLen>[, <cFill>])

Provenance

Topic key: FOX|PADR
Included HELP rows: 3
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

PREDHELP

Catalog/topic: DOT / PREDHELP
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Help for predicates/expressions and filtering.

Report predicate syntax, operators, functions, and filtering examples.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

PREDHELP [<topic>]

Usage

PREDHELP
PREDICATES

Note

PREDICATES is the registered descriptive alias of PREDHELP.

Alias

PREDICATES

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|PREDHELP
Included HELP rows: 8
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

PREDICATE

Catalog/topic: ED / PREDICATE
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: F / T
Primary/confidence: EDREF / CATALOG

Summary

A predicate is a true/false expression.

Examples
GPA > 3.5
LNAME = "TAYLOR"
GPA >= 2 AND GPA <= 4

Used by
IF
LOCATE
COUNT
WHERE
SMARTLIST
SET FILTER

Boolean logi

A predicate is a true/false expression.
Examples
GPA > 3.5
LNAME = "TAYLOR"
GPA >= 2 AND GPA <= 4
Used by
IF
LOCATE
COUNT
WHERE
SMARTLIST
SET FILTER
Boolean logic words
AND
OR
NOT
Teaching point
Predicates are the language of selection.
They control decisions, filters, and searches.

Status

implemented=no; supported=yes

Syntax

PREDICATES AND BOOLEAN LOGIC

Provenance

Topic key: ED|PREDICATE
Included HELP rows: 21
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

PREDICATES

Catalog/topic: DOT / PREDICATES
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

List supported predicates/operators for filtering.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

PREDICATES

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|PREDICATES
Included HELP rows: 3
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

PROJECTION

Catalog/topic: ED / PROJECTION
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: F / T
Primary/confidence: EDREF / CATALOG

Summary

Projection means choosing which columns/fields to show.

Examples
TUPLE LNAME,FNAME
LIST FIELDS LNAME,FNAME
REL ENUM ... TUPLE STUDENTS.SID,TEACHERS.LNAME

Educational point
Projection

Projection means choosing which columns/fields to show.
Examples
TUPLE LNAME,FNAME
LIST FIELDS LNAME,FNAME
REL ENUM ... TUPLE STUDENTS.SID,TEACHERS.LNAME
Educational point
Projection is one of the three great data operations:
selection = which rows
ordering = in what sequence
projection = which columns

Status

implemented=no; supported=yes

Syntax

PROJECTION

Provenance

Topic key: ED|PROJECTION
Included HELP rows: 12
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

PROJECTS

Catalog/topic: DOT / PROJECTS
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Inspect or manage DotTalk++ project/workflow entries and project-oriented local state.

List, create, inspect, tree, or delete project skeleton directories under the configured PROJECTS slot.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

PROJECTS [USAGE|LIST|OPEN <name>|STATUS]

Usage

PROJECTS
PROJECTS USAGE
PROJECTS LIST
PROJECTS CREATE <name> [DATA|FEATURE|HYBRID]
PROJECTS INFO <name>
PROJECTS TREE <name>
PROJECTS DELETE <name> [CONFIRM]

Example

PROJECTS
PROJECTS CREATE demo DATA
PROJECTS INFO demo
PROJECTS TREE demo
PROJECTS DELETE demo
PROJECTS DELETE demo CONFIRM

Note

PROJECTS with no arguments lists known projects.
CREATE writes project skeleton folders and a manifest.
DELETE is dry-run unless CONFIRM is supplied.
PROJECTS USAGE prints usage and does not create/delete files.

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|PROJECTS
Included HELP rows: 21
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

PROPER

Catalog/topic: FOX / PROPER
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: F / T
Primary/confidence: FOXREF / CATALOG

Summary

Convert <cExpression> to Proper Case (title case).

Status

implemented=no; supported=yes

Syntax

PROPER(<cExpression>)

Provenance

Topic key: FOX|PROPER
Included HELP rows: 3
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

PSHELL

Catalog/topic: DOT / PSHELL
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Invoke or document the PowerShell/platform-shell helper surface where enabled by the runtime policy.

PowerShell reference catalog presentation helper used by the PSHELL command.
Display the PowerShell/PSHELL helper reference and search the curated PowerShell one-liner catalog.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

PSHELL [USAGE|<command...>]

Usage

User-visible PSHELL usage is owned by cmd_pshell_help.cpp.
This file provides show_pshell_help(...) and catalog formatting support.
PSHELL
PSHELL USAGE
PSHELL LIST-CATEGORIES
PSHELL <category>
PSHELL <term>

Example

PSHELL
PSHELL PYTHON
PSHELL PY-VENV-CREATE
PSHELL CLEAN

Note

PSHELL is read-only reference output; it does not execute PowerShell.
Keep command dispatch/usage gating in cmd_pshell_help.cpp.
PSHELL with no arguments displays the grouped PSHELL reference.
PSHELL USAGE prints command usage without searching the catalog.
PSHELL is read-only and does not execute PowerShell commands.

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|PSHELL
Included HELP rows: 21
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

REBUILD

Catalog/topic: DOT / REBUILD
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Rebuild table/index/help-related derived state where supported by the current target context.

Rebuild a CNX container for the current table, using the active CNX or a supplied CNX name/path and clearing TABLE stale state on success.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

REBUILD [USAGE|ALL|<target>]

Usage

REBUILD USAGE
REBUILD
REBUILD <name-or-path.cnx>

Note

REBUILD with no arguments uses the current CNX or defaults to <table>.cnx.
REBUILD requires an open table except for REBUILD USAGE.
REBUILD prompts to COMMIT dirty TABLE buffers before rebuilding.
REBUILD refuses to continue if the table remains dirty after COMMIT.
REBUILD opens the CNX tag directory once for reporting.
The CNX backend rebuilds all tags in the container in one rebuild call.
On success, TABLE STALE is cleared for the current area when table buffering is enabled.

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|REBUILD
Included HELP rows: 14
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

RECALL

Catalog/topic: DOT / RECALL
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Unmark the current deleted record when supported by the current table state.

Clear deleted flags on the current record or selected deleted records.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

RECALL

Usage

RECALL USAGE
RECALL
RECALL ALL
RECALL REST
RECALL NEXT <n>
RECALL FOR <expr>
UNDELETE

Example

RECALL
RECALL ALL
RECALL REST
RECALL NEXT 10
RECALL FOR LNAME = "SMITH"

Note

RECALL USAGE prints usage before open-table checks.
RECALL with no arguments recalls the current record.
RECALL target selection is deleted-only.
RECALL rebuilds index entries for recalled records best-effort.
UNDELETE is the registered compatibility alias of RECALL.

Alias

UNDELETE

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|RECALL
Included HELP rows: 22
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

REINDEX

Catalog/topic: DOT / REINDEX
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Rebuild index files for the current table (or all open tables). ramfs/VDISK-aware: under a mounted VDISK, REINDEX CDX rebuilds the native CDX-V64 (RUN8) container in RAM with no LMDB and no file on di

Canonical rebuild dispatcher for INX, CNX, CDX/LMDB, and student index families, choosing a default family by table flavor when no family is given.
Rebuild index files for the current table (or all open tables). ramfs/VDISK-aware: under a mounted VDISK, REINDEX CDX rebuilds the native CDX-V64 (RUN8) container in RAM with no LMDB and no file on disk (AIF-043).

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

REINDEX [ALL]

Usage

REINDEX USAGE
REINDEX
REINDEX INX
REINDEX INX <tagfile>
REINDEX CNX
REINDEX CNX <name-or-path.cnx>
REINDEX CDX
REINDEX CDX YES
REINDEX CDX AUTO
REINDEX CDX NOPROMPT
REINDEX CDX CLEAN
REINDEX CDX FORCE
REINDEX CDX QUIET
REINDEX SIX
REINDEX SIX <tagfile>
REINDEX SCX
REINDEX SCX <tagfile>
REINDEX ALL
REINDEX CUSTOM
REINDEX <tagfile>

Note

REINDEX with no arguments chooses the default family by open table flavor.
v64-like tables default to CDX through BUILDLMDB.
v32-like tables default to INX.
With no table open, the fallback default is CDX.
REINDEX INX rebuilds a legacy single-tag INX file.
REINDEX CNX delegates to REBUILD.
REINDEX CDX delegates to BUILDLMDB.
REINDEX ALL excludes SIX and SCX by design.
REINDEX CUSTOM runs SIX and SCX student families.
REINDEX <tagfile> is treated as REINDEX INX <tagfile> for compatibility.
Dirty TABLE buffers may prompt for COMMIT before supported rebuild paths.

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|REINDEX
Included HELP rows: 35
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

REL

Catalog/topic: DOT / REL
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Relations engine commands (native DotTalk++ relation graph).

Subcommands:
REL LIST
REL LIST ALL
REL REFRESH
REL ENUM [LIMIT <n>] <child1> [<child2> ...] TUPLE <tuple-expr>
REL SAV

Manage and inspect the DotTalk++ relation graph
Dispatch relation list, refresh, join, enumeration, persistence, add, and clear operations.
Relations engine commands (native DotTalk++ relation graph).
Subcommands:
REL LIST
REL LIST ALL
REL REFRESH
REL ENUM [LIMIT <n>] <child1> [<child2> ...] TUPLE <tuple-expr>
REL SAVE [path] | REL SAVE AS <dataset>
REL LOAD [path] | REL LOAD AS <dataset>
REL ADD <parent> <child> ON <field>[,<field>...]
REL CLEAR <parent>|ALL
Examples:
REL ADD STUDENTS ENROLL ON SID
REL ADD ENROLL CLASSES ON CLS_ID
REL ENUM LIMIT 10 ENROLL CLASSES TASSIGN TEACHERS TUPLE ;
STUDENTS.SID,STUDENTS.LNAME,ENROLL.CLS_ID,CLASSES.CID,TEACHERS.LNAME
Conceptual Model:
REL maintains a directed relation graph between work areas.
REL ADD defines edges.
REL REFRESH recalculates relation state.
REL ENUM traverses the graph and emits tuple rows.
Traversal Behavior:
REL ENUM performs depth-first traversal of the relation chain.
Each successful path produces one tuple row.
Example chain:
STUDENTS -> ENROLL -> CLASSES -> TASSIGN -> TEACHERS
Matching:
Current implementation uses same-name field equality:
parent.FIELD == child.FIELD
Notes:
REL is the native DotTalk++ relation system.
FoxPro-style SET RELATION commands map into this backend.
REL ENUM is the row enumeration engine used by relational
browsers and tuple views.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

REL LIST
REL LIST ALL
REL REFRESH
REL ADD <parent> <child> ON <field>
REL ADD <parent> <child> ON <parentField> TO <childField>
REL CLEAR <parent>
REL CLEAR ALL
REL ENUM [LIMIT <n>] <path...> TUPLE <projection>
REL SAVE [path]
REL LOAD [path]
REL <subcommand> ...

Usage

REL
REL USAGE
REL LIST [ALL]
REL REFRESH
REL JOIN [LIMIT <n>] [<child1> <child2> ...] TUPLE <expr>
REL ENUM [LIMIT <n>] [<child1> <child2> ...] TUPLE <expr>
REL SAVE [path] | REL SAVE AS <dataset>
REL LOAD [path] | REL LOAD AS <dataset>
REL ADD <parent> <child> ON <field>[,<field>...]
REL ADD <parent> <child> ON <parent_field> TO <child_field>
REL CLEAR <parent>|ALL

Example

REL LIST
REL ADD STUDENTS ENROLL ON SID
REL ADD SYS_CMD SYS_SUBCMD ON CAN_NAME TO PARENT
REL REFRESH
REL ENUM LIMIT 10 ENROLL CLASSES TUPLE STUDENTS.SID,CLASSES.CID

Note

REL is the native relation backend
FoxPro-style SET RELATION syntax routes into this model where implemented
REL ENUM traverses relation paths and emits tuple projections
REL forwards each subcommand to the owning relation handler.
REL ADD and REL CLEAR mutate relation definitions; REL REFRESH refreshes relation state.

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|REL
Included HELP rows: 68
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

REL_ENUM

REL ENUM

Catalog/topic: DOT / REL ENUM
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: F / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Traverse a relation chain and emit tuple rows.

Syntax:
REL ENUM [LIMIT <n>] <child1> [<child2> ...] TUPLE <tuple-expr>

Example:
REL ENUM LIMIT 5 ENROLL CLASSES TASSIGN TEACHERS
TUPLE

Traverse a relation chain and emit tuple rows.
Syntax:
REL ENUM [LIMIT <n>] <child1> [<child2> ...] TUPLE <tuple-expr>
Example:
REL ENUM LIMIT 5 ENROLL CLASSES TASSIGN TEACHERS
TUPLE STUDENTS.SID,STUDENTS.LNAME,TEACHERS.LNAME
Execution Model:
1. Current selected area is the root.
1. Each child token represents the next relation edge.
1. Traversal expands matches depth-first.
Example traversal:
STUDENTS
-> ENROLL
-> CLASSES
-> TASSIGN
-> TEACHERS
Each complete path emits one tuple row.
LIMIT:
LIMIT applies to emitted rows, not intermediate matches.
Projection:
The TUPLE clause defines which fields are emitted.
Used By:
SIMPLEBROWSER
SMARTBROWSER
relational tuple views.

Status

implemented=no; supported=yes

Syntax

REL ENUM [LIMIT <n>] <path...> TUPLE <tuple-expr>

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|REL ENUM
Included HELP rows: 27
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

REL_REFRESH

Catalog/topic: DOT / REL_REFRESH
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Refresh relation state for the current workspace through the native REL backend.

Refresh active relations for the current parent area.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

REL_REFRESH

Usage

REL_REFRESH

Note

This command currently has no usage-only branch; invoking it performs the refresh.
Use REL USAGE or RELATIONS USAGE for non-mutating documentation access.

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|REL_REFRESH
Included HELP rows: 7
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

RELATION

Catalog/topic: ED / RELATION
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: F / T
Primary/confidence: EDREF / CATALOG

Summary

A relation connects a parent table to a child table.

Example
STUDENTS -> ENROLL ON SID
ENROLL -> CLASSES ON CLS_ID

Meaning
If the current STUDENTS row has SID = 50000020,
the child

Manage and inspect the DotTalk++ relation graph
A relation connects a parent table to a child table.
Example
STUDENTS -> ENROLL ON SID
ENROLL -> CLASSES ON CLS_ID
Meaning
If the current STUDENTS row has SID = 50000020,
the child ENROLL rows with that SID are related rows.
Public surfaces
SET RELATION TO SID INTO ENROLL
REL ADD STUDENTS ENROLL ON SID
REL LIST
REL LIST ALL
REL REFRESH
Teaching point
Relations are the backbone of multi-table thinking.
They let a current parent row lead you into matching child rows.

Status

implemented=no; supported=yes

Syntax

REL LIST
REL LIST ALL
REL REFRESH
REL ADD <parent> <child> ON <field>
REL ADD <parent> <child> ON <parentField> TO <childField>
REL CLEAR <parent>
REL CLEAR ALL
REL ENUM [LIMIT <n>] <path...> TUPLE <projection>
REL SAVE [path]
REL LOAD [path]
RELATIONS

Example

REL LIST
REL ADD STUDENTS ENROLL ON SID
REL ADD SYS_CMD SYS_SUBCMD ON CAN_NAME TO PARENT
REL REFRESH
REL ENUM LIMIT 10 ENROLL CLASSES TUPLE STUDENTS.SID,CLASSES.CID

Note

REL is the native relation backend
FoxPro-style SET RELATION syntax routes into this model where implemented
REL ENUM traverses relation paths and emits tuple projections

Provenance

Topic key: ED|RELATION
Included HELP rows: 37
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

RELATIONS

Catalog/topic: DOT / RELATIONS
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Compatibility-facing relation listing surface backed by the native REL engine.

Examples:
RELATIONS
RELATIONS ALL

Notes:
RELATIONS and REL LIST point at the same relation-state reporting

Manage and inspect the DotTalk++ relation graph
Inspect and manage active relation definitions, relation files, and relation enumeration helpers.
Compatibility-facing relation listing surface backed by the native REL engine.
Examples:
RELATIONS
RELATIONS ALL
Notes:
RELATIONS and REL LIST point at the same relation-state reporting lane.
Prefer REL for the canonical DotTalk++ relation command family.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

REL LIST
REL LIST ALL
REL REFRESH
REL ADD <parent> <child> ON <field>
REL ADD <parent> <child> ON <parentField> TO <childField>
REL CLEAR <parent>
REL CLEAR ALL
REL ENUM [LIMIT <n>] <path...> TUPLE <projection>
REL SAVE [path]
REL LOAD [path]
RELATIONS [USAGE|ALL]

Usage

RELATIONS
RELATIONS USAGE
RELATIONS ALL
SET RELATIONS
SET RELATIONS USAGE
SET RELATIONS ADD <parent> <child> ON f1[,f2...] [TO child_f1[,child_f2...]]
SET RELATIONS CLEAR <parent|ALL>

Example

REL LIST
REL ADD STUDENTS ENROLL ON SID
REL ADD SYS_CMD SYS_SUBCMD ON CAN_NAME TO PARENT
REL REFRESH
REL ENUM LIMIT 10 ENROLL CLASSES TUPLE STUDENTS.SID,CLASSES.CID
RELATIONS
RELATIONS ALL
SET RELATIONS ADD STUDENTS ENROLL ON SID
SET RELATIONS CLEAR ALL

Note

REL is the native relation backend
FoxPro-style SET RELATION syntax routes into this model where implemented
REL ENUM traverses relation paths and emits tuple projections
RELATIONS USAGE prints usage and does not inspect or mutate relation state.
SET RELATIONS USAGE prints usage and does not mutate the relation graph.
SET RELATIONS ADD/CLEAR mutate relation definitions.
RELATIONS ALL reports a recursive tree rooted at the current parent.

Alias

REL_LIST

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|RELATIONS
Included HELP rows: 45
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

REPLACE

Catalog/topic: DOT / REPLACE
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Replace one field in the current record using table-buffer and memo-aware semantics.

Replace one field in the current record by field name or field index, preserving RHS expression evaluation, type validation, memo conversion, and table-buffer semantics.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

REPLACE <field> WITH <value>

Usage

REPLACE USAGE
REPLACE <field_index> WITH <value>
REPLACE <field_name> WITH <value>

Example

REPLACE LNAME WITH "Smith"
REPLACE 3 WITH TODAY
REPLACE NOTES WITH "updated memo text"

Note

REPLACE requires an open table and a current record.
REPLACE resolves fields by standard field index/name rules.
RHS values pass through the expression/RHS evaluator and legacy string/date function handling.
X64 memo text is converted into stored object-id text before DBF storage.
Field values are validated and normalized before storage.
When TABLE buffering is ON, REPLACE records a buffered field change and marks the field stale/dirty.
When TABLE buffering is OFF, REPLACE writes immediately through DbArea storage.
COMMIT owns durable application of buffered table changes.
REPLACE is a table-data mutation command; do not classify it as read-only.

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|REPLACE
Included HELP rows: 19
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

REPLICATE

Catalog/topic: FOX / REPLICATE
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: FOXREF / CATALOG

Summary

Repeat <cExpression> <nTimes> times.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

REPLICATE(<cExpression>, <nTimes>)

Provenance

Topic key: FOX|REPLICATE
Included HELP rows: 3
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

RETRO

Catalog/topic: DOT / RETRO
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Display ASCII-safe retro computer and system splash screens.

Display retro computer/system splash screens with system-specific terminal profiles.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

RETRO [USAGE|LIST|SHOW <system>|<system>|HELP]

Usage

RETRO USAGE
RETRO LIST
RETRO LIST LONG
RETRO STYLES
RETRO MODES
RETRO SHOW <system>
RETRO SHOW <system> NATIVE
RETRO SHOW <system> ASCII
RETRO SHOW <system> LEGACY
RETRO SHOW <system> STYLE <style>
RETRO SHOW <system> NOCLEAR
RETRO SHOW <system> NOCAPTION
RETRO <system>
RETRO <system> INFO
RETRO HELP

Example

RETRO C64
RETRO C64 ASCII NOCLEAR
RETRO C64 STYLE GREEN
RETRO IBMPC NATIVE
RETRO IBMPC STYLE MDA
RETRO VT100
RETRO AMIGA NATIVE
RETRO GBC NATIVE
RETRO PS2 NATIVE
RETRO XBOX NATIVE
RETRO C64 INFO

Note

NATIVE uses a system-specific profile and default ANSI style.
ASCII uses the system-specific plate without ANSI color.
LEGACY uses the older framed catalog plate where available.
STYLE overrides the NATIVE default color treatment.
NOCLEAR is useful for DotScript logs, tests, and transcript capture.
RETRO writes console output only and does not mutate table data.

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|RETRO
Included HELP rows: 36
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

RIGHT

Catalog/topic: FOX / RIGHT
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: FOXREF / CATALOG

Summary

Return the right-most <nChars> characters of <cExpression>.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

RIGHT(<cExpression>, <nChars>)

Provenance

Topic key: FOX|RIGHT
Included HELP rows: 3
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

ROLLBACK

Catalog/topic: DOT / ROLLBACK
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Discard staged TABLE/buffered changes without committing them; operational behavior depends on the current buffering state.

Discard buffered/uncommitted table changes for the current area or all areas.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

ROLLBACK [USAGE|HELP|?]

Usage

ROLLBACK USAGE
ROLLBACK
ROLLBACK ALL

Example

ROLLBACK
ROLLBACK ALL

Note

ROLLBACK USAGE returns before modifying buffer state.
ROLLBACK without arguments clears buffered state for the current area.
ROLLBACK ALL clears buffered state across all areas.
ROLLBACK best-effort notes a ROLLBACK marker in the durable journal for the area.

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|ROLLBACK
Included HELP rows: 13
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

RTRIM

Catalog/topic: FOX / RTRIM
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: FOXREF / CATALOG

Summary

Remove trailing spaces from <cExpression>.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

RTRIM(<cExpression>)

Provenance

Topic key: FOX|RTRIM
Included HELP rows: 3
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

RULE

Catalog/topic: DOT / RULE
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Inspect or manage validation-rule metadata and rule-oriented helper workflows.

Inspect rule catalog paths, bindings, and field constraints for the current work area.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

RULE [USAGE|<args...>]

Usage

RULE
RULE USAGE
RULE STATUS
RULE SHOW <field|ALL>
RULE LIST
RULE PATHS

Example

RULE
RULE STATUS
RULE SHOW GPA
RULE SHOW ALL
RULE LIST
RULE PATHS

Note

RULE with no arguments reports rule status.
RULE USAGE prints usage and does not require an open table.
RULE is diagnostic/read-only; it does not create, edit, or bind rules.

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|RULE
Included HELP rows: 19
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

RUN

Status notice: PARTIAL; supported=F. Treat this page as limited or review-required evidence.

Catalog/topic: FOX / RUN
Status: partial
Implemented/supported: F / F
Primary/confidence: FOXREF / CATALOG

Summary

Run an OS command (FoxPro).

Status

implemented=no; supported=no

Syntax

RUN /N <command> | RUN <file>

Provenance

Topic key: FOX|RUN
Included HELP rows: 3
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

SCAN

Catalog/topic: DOT / SCAN
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Iterate records using a SCAN block (record loop).

Buffer and execute a SCAN...ENDSCAN record loop over the current logical rowset.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

SCAN [ALL|DELETED] [FOR <pred>] [WHILE <pred>] [NEXT <n>|REST]

Usage

SCAN
SCAN USAGE
SCAN FOR <expr>
ENDSCAN
ENDSCAN USAGE

Note

SCAN with no arguments starts buffering a scan block on the current area.
SCAN FOR <expr> adds a predicate to the scan loop.
ENDSCAN executes buffered body lines through the canonical command executor.
Deleted records and active SET FILTER visibility are honored by the scan gate.
Active order traversal uses shared order_iterator when available, with physical fallback.
ENDSCAN restores the user's cursor best-effort after execution.

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|SCAN
Included HELP rows: 15
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

SCAN_BUFFER

Catalog/topic: DOT / SCAN_BUFFER
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Developer/diagnostic helper surface for inspecting or testing buffered SCAN/table-iteration behavior.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

SCAN_BUFFER [USAGE|<args...>]

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|SCAN_BUFFER
Included HELP rows: 3
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

SCHEMAS

Catalog/topic: DOT / SCHEMAS
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Deprecated compatibility shim for WORKSPACE.

Current mapping:
SCHEMAS -> WORKSPACE
SCHEMAS OPEN <arg> -> WORKSPACE OPEN <arg>
SCHEMAS CLOSE

Manage live work-area/session state
Deprecated compatibility shim that routes old SCHEMAS commands to WORKSPACE.
Deprecated compatibility shim for WORKSPACE.
Current mapping:
SCHEMAS -> WORKSPACE
SCHEMAS OPEN <arg> -> WORKSPACE OPEN <arg>
SCHEMAS CLOSE -> WORKSPACE CLOSE
Notes:
Use WORKSPACE for live work-area/session operations.
Use DDL for schema/definition operations.
SCHEMAS remains only so older DotScript files continue to run.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

WORKSPACE
WORKSPACE OPEN DBF
WORKSPACE OPEN <dir>
WORKSPACE ADD <file.dbf>
WORKSPACE CLOSE
WORKSPACE SAVE <name>
WORKSPACE LOAD <name>
SCHEMAS [OPEN <DBF|dir>|CLOSE]

Usage

SCHEMAS
SCHEMAS USAGE
SCHEMAS OPEN <arg>
SCHEMAS CLOSE

Example

WORKSPACE
WORKSPACE CLOSE
WORKSPACE OPEN DBF
WORKSPACE ADD students
WORKSPACE SAVE mcc
WORKSPACE LOAD mcc.dtschemas

Note

WORKSPACE owns live areas, aliases, orders, and relation/session layout
WORKSPACE OPEN replaces area membership; WORKSPACE ADD preserves existing areas
DDL owns schema/definition work
SCHEMAS remains a compatibility shim for older scripts
SCHEMAS with no arguments still routes to WORKSPACE list behavior.
SCHEMAS OPEN <arg> routes to WORKSPACE OPEN <arg>.
SCHEMAS CLOSE routes to WORKSPACE CLOSE.
SCHEMAS USAGE prints compatibility guidance and does not route to WORKSPACE.
WORKSPACE owns live area/session behavior; DDL owns schema/definition work.

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|SCHEMAS
Included HELP rows: 39
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260717T222026Z-28C704E0
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260717T230554Z-DB3F2DC8
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

SCRIPT

Catalog/topic: ED / SCRIPT
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: F / T
Primary/confidence: EDREF / CATALOG

Summary

DotScript is the scripting surface of DotTalk++.

Purpose
- automate repetitive commands
- build regression tests
- teach execution flow
- preserve reproducible scenarios

Why it matte

DotScript is the scripting surface of DotTalk++.
Purpose
- automate repetitive commands
- build regression tests
- teach execution flow
- preserve reproducible scenarios
Why it matters educationally
DotScript turns interactive use into programming.
DotScript demonstrates
sequential execution
decision blocks
loops
command composition
testing discipline

Status

implemented=no; supported=yes

Syntax

DOTSCRIPT

Provenance

Topic key: ED|SCRIPT
Included HELP rows: 16
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

SCX

Catalog/topic: DOT / SCX
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Student/local SCX index-file lab command for creating, tagging, building, listing, and inspecting SCX index files.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

SCX [USAGE|CREATE <file>|ADDTAG <file> <name> FIELD <n> [DESC]|BUILD <file>|TAGS <file>|INFO <file>]

Usage

SCX USAGE
SCX CREATE <file>
SCX ADDTAG <file> <name> FIELD <n>
SCX ADDTAG <file> <name> FIELD <n> DESC
SCX BUILD <file>
SCX TAGS <file>
SCX INFO <file>

Note

SCX with no arguments prints usage.
CREATE writes a new SCX container/file.
ADDTAG mutates SCX tag metadata.
BUILD builds SCX contents from the current area.
TAGS and INFO inspect SCX metadata.
SCX is separate from the ordinary command-surface CNX/CDX/LMDB abstractions.

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|SCX
Included HELP rows: 16
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

SECHO

Catalog/topic: DOT / SECHO
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Scripted/student echo helper for emitting text from teaching, demo, or test scripts.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

SECHO [USAGE|<text...>]

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|SECHO
Included HELP rows: 3
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

SECURITY

Catalog/topic: DOT / SECURITY
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Inspect DotTalk++ security policy/runtime rules and manage the current shell-session role identity and assignment view.

Display x64Base security policy/runtime diagnostics or run built-in security self-tests.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

SECURITY [USAGE|SHOW|SELFTEST|RUNTIME|LOGIN <role> [AS <worker>]|WHOAMI|ASSIGNMENTS|LOGOUT]

Usage

SECURITY USAGE
SECURITY SHOW
SECURITY SELFTEST
SECURITY RUNTIME
SECURITY LOGIN <DEVELOPER|TEACHER|STUDENT> [AS <worker>]
SECURITY WHOAMI
SECURITY ASSIGNMENTS
SECURITY LOGOUT

Note

SECURITY with no arguments prints usage.
SHOW displays the active policy and profile roots.
SELFTEST runs built-in security tests.
RUNTIME describes runtime enforcement rules.
LOGIN establishes a role/session identity for the current shell session.
WHOAMI reports the active shell-session role identity.
ASSIGNMENTS reports the assignment lane bound to the active role.
LOGOUT clears the active shell-session role identity.
SECURITY does not mutate table data.

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|SECURITY
Included HELP rows: 21
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

SEEK

Catalog/topic: DOT / SEEK
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Seek through the active order or by scanning a requested field.

Seek an exact value using the active index/order
Seek a value through the active order/tag or by scanning a specified field.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

SEEK <expr>
SEEK <expr> IN <alias>
SEEK <value> [IN <field>] | SEEK <field> = <value>

Usage

SEEK USAGE
SEEK <value> IN <field> [TRACE ON|OFF]
SEEK <field> = <value> [TRACE ON|OFF]
SEEK <field> <value> [TRACE ON|OFF]
SEEK <value>
SEEK TRACE ON
SEEK TRACE OFF

Example

SEEK "SMITH"
SEEK 1001
SEEK DTOS(DATE())

Note

Requires an active table and normally an active order/index
Successful SEEK intentionally moves the current record pointer
Command wording should stay at the CDX/tag/order level; LMDB is a backend detail
SEEK USAGE works without an open table.
Bare SEEK with no open table preserves existing behavior and prints (empty).
SEEK <value> uses the active order/tag when one is set.
SET NEAR affects near-match reporting policy.
SEEK may temporarily move the cursor while searching and leaves the cursor on a found/near match.

Warning

Do not document direct LMDB path parsing as public SEEK behavior

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|SEEK
Included HELP rows: 26
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260717T222026Z-28C704E0
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260717T230554Z-DB3F2DC8
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

SELECT

Catalog/topic: DOT / SELECT
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Select the active DotTalk++ work area by number or logical name.

Select the current work area by numeric slot or by work-area/table name.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

SELECT <area-or-alias>

Usage

SELECT USAGE
SELECT <n>
SELECT <name>
SELECT <table.dbf>

Note

SELECT with no arguments prints usage with the current valid slot range.
SELECT USAGE prints usage and does not change the current area.
Numeric selection uses the current workarea slot count.
Name selection matches workarea labels and open DBF base names case-insensitively.
SELECT mutates current-area/session state but does not mutate table data.

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|SELECT
Included HELP rows: 13
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260717T222026Z-28C704E0
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260717T230554Z-DB3F2DC8
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

SFTP

Catalog/topic: DOT / SFTP
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

File-transfer helper surface for SFTP-oriented workflows where enabled by local policy.

Wrap the system OpenSSH sftp client for LS, GET, and PUT file transfer.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

SFTP [USAGE|<args...>]

Usage

SFTP USAGE

Note

SFTP USAGE prints usage and does not start the sftp client.
This command stages a temporary sftp batch file and invokes the system sftp client.
Password embedding in URLs is deliberately not supported.
Set DOTTALK_ALLOW_HOST_COMMANDS=1 and DOTTALK_ALLOW_NETWORK=1 to enable transfer.

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|SFTP
Included HELP rows: 9
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

SHELLO

Catalog/topic: DOT / SHELLO
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Small shell/student hello demonstration command for teaching command wiring and output.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

SHELLO [USAGE|<text...>]

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|SHELLO
Included HELP rows: 3
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

SHOWINI

Catalog/topic: DOT / SHOWINI
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Display DotTalk++ initialization/configuration files and resolved startup settings.

Display a table-specific .ini file, either derived from the current table or from an explicit file/path.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

SHOWINI [USAGE|SYSTEM|USER|ALL]

Usage

SHOWINI
SHOWINI USAGE
SHOWINI <table-or-ini>
SHOWINI PATH <ini-file>

Example

SHOWINI
SHOWINI students
SHOWINI students.ini

Note

SHOWINI with no arguments derives the .ini path from the current table.
SHOWINI USAGE prints usage before open-table checks or file reads.
SHOWINI reads .ini files and prints parsed sections/keys; it does not write files.

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|SHOWINI
Included HELP rows: 14
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

SHUTDOWN

Catalog/topic: DOT / SHUTDOWN
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Run DotTalk++ shutdown processing, including shutdown.ini when present.

Run the optional shutdown.ini script from the executable directory.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

SHUTDOWN

Usage

SHUTDOWN
SHUTDOWN USAGE

Note

SHUTDOWN with no arguments looks for shutdown.ini beside the executable and executes it when present.
SHUTDOWN USAGE prints usage and does not execute shutdown.ini.
Each non-empty shutdown.ini line is executed through the shell command executor.
UTF-8 BOM and trailing carriage returns are handled.
SHUTDOWN may indirectly mutate data, session state, or files depending on script contents.

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|SHUTDOWN
Included HELP rows: 11
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

SIX

Catalog/topic: DOT / SIX
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Experimental or compatibility index-related surface for SIX-style indexing concepts and diagnostics.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

SIX [USAGE|<args...>]

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|SIX
Included HELP rows: 3
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

SKIP

Catalog/topic: DOT / SKIP
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Move relative to the current record in the active work area.

Move the current work-area cursor forward or backward
Move the current work-area cursor forward or backward using filter-aware navigation selection.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

SKIP
SKIP <n>
SKIP +<n>
SKIP -<n>
SKIP [<n>]

Usage

SKIP
SKIP USAGE
SKIP <n>

Example

SKIP
SKIP 5
SKIP -1

Note

Default movement is one record forward
Uses active logical order when one is active
SKIP with no arguments moves forward one logical record.
SKIP <n> moves forward when n is positive and backward when n is negative.
SKIP 0 rereads the current record.
SKIP requires an open table except for SKIP USAGE.
Navigation uses the shared filter-aware selector.
SKIP mutates cursor position but does not mutate table data.

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|SKIP
Included HELP rows: 23
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260717T222026Z-28C704E0
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260717T230554Z-DB3F2DC8
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

SMARTLIST

Catalog/topic: DOT / SMARTLIST
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

LIST-style output with SQL-grade filtering (order-aware).

Examples:
SMARTLIST 20 FOR gpa >= 3.5
SMARTLIST ALL FOR lname LIKE "SMI%"

Notes:
Evaluat

Order-aware list output with predicate support
Filter-aware, order-aware table listing with optional projections, tuple output, debug tracing, deleted-record modes, and predicate filtering.
LIST-style output with SQL-grade filtering (order-aware).
Examples:
SMARTLIST 20 FOR gpa >= 3.5
SMARTLIST ALL FOR lname LIKE "SMI%"
Notes:
Evaluates filters using the expression/predicate pipeline.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

SMARTLIST
SMARTLIST <n>
SMARTLIST ALL
SMARTLIST DELETED
SMARTLIST FOR <expr>
SMARTLIST DEBUG
SMARTLIST [ALL|DELETED|<n>] [DEBUG] [FOR <expr>]

Usage

SMARTLIST
SMARTLIST USAGE
SMARTLIST <fields>
SMARTLIST ALL
SMARTLIST <limit>
SMARTLIST NEXT <n>
SMARTLIST FIRST <n>
SMARTLIST DELETED
SMARTLIST DEBUG
SMARTLIST TUPLES
SMARTLIST FOR <pred>

Example

SMARTLIST
SMARTLIST 20
SMARTLIST ALL FOR GPA >= 3.5
SMARTLIST FOR LNAME LIKE "SMI%"

Note

Preferred listing command for user-facing ordered output
Respects active order and active filter where available
Uses expression/predicate services rather than ad-hoc string matching
SMARTLIST requires an open table except for SMARTLIST USAGE.
SMARTLIST with no arguments preserves existing behavior and prints usage before continuing with default listing.
Field projections are comma-separated.
ALL removes the output limit.
NEXT and FIRST limit scan scope.
DELETED selects deleted records.
TUPLES emits tuple bridge output.
DEBUG emits order/filter diagnostics.
FOR applies predicate filtering.
SMARTLIST restores the original cursor best-effort after listing.
SMARTLIST is read-only for table data.

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|SMARTLIST
Included HELP rows: 45
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260717T222026Z-28C704E0
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260717T230554Z-DB3F2DC8
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

SPACE

Catalog/topic: FOX / SPACE
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: FOXREF / CATALOG

Summary

Return a character string containing <nSpaces> spaces.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

SPACE(<nSpaces>)

Provenance

Topic key: FOX|SPACE
Included HELP rows: 3
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

SQL

Catalog/topic: DOT / SQL
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Execute an SQL statement using the configured SQL engine.

Evaluate SQL-like COUNT/FOR predicates over the current DBF work area.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

SQL <statement>

Usage

SQL USAGE
SQL [COUNT] [ALL|DELETED] [FOR <expr> | <expr>] [VERBOSE]

Example

SQL COUNT
SQL COUNT ALL
SQL COUNT DELETED
SQL COUNT FOR GPA >= 3.0
SQL LNAME = "SMITH"
SQL VERBOSE COUNT FOR GPA >= 3.0

Note

SQL USAGE prints usage before open-table checks.
SQL reads records and may temporarily move the cursor.
SQL does not mutate table data.

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|SQL
Included HELP rows: 15
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

SQLERASE

Catalog/topic: DOT / SQLERASE
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

SQL helper surface for erase/drop/delete-style SQL maintenance workflows where enabled.

Mark records deleted using SQL-like ERASE FROM <table> WHERE <expr> syntax.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

SQLERASE [USAGE|<args...>]

Usage

SQLERASE USAGE
SQLERASE FROM <table> WHERE <expr>

Example

SQLERASE FROM STUDENTS WHERE SID = 1001
SQLERASE FROM STUDENTS WHERE GPA < 1.0

Note

SQLERASE USAGE prints usage before open-table checks.
WHERE is required to reduce accidental destructive operations.
SQLERASE mutates table data by marking matching records deleted.

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|SQLERASE
Included HELP rows: 11
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

SQLHELP

Catalog/topic: DOT / SQLHELP
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Show SQL-oriented help and guidance for DotTalk++ SQL bridge workflows.

Display or search the SQL helper/reference catalog.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

SQLHELP [USAGE|<topic>]

Usage

SQLHELP
SQLHELP USAGE
SQLHELP LIST-CATEGORIES
SQLHELP <category>
SQLHELP <term>

Example

SQLHELP
SQLHELP INDEXING
SQLHELP CREATE-INDEX
SQLHELP LIST-CATEGORIES

Note

SQLHELP with no arguments displays the grouped SQL reference.
SQLHELP USAGE prints command usage without searching the catalog.
SQLHELP is read-only and does not execute SQL.

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|SQLHELP
Included HELP rows: 16
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

SQLITE

Catalog/topic: DOT / SQLITE
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

SQLite integration.

Examples:
SQLITE DB data\sql_regression.sqlite
SQLITE EXEC CREATE TABLE t(x INT)
SQLITE EXEC INSERT INTO t(x) VALUES (1)
SQ

Thin SQLite command wrapper for status, connection management, Bible seed helpers, metadata inspection, SELECT queries, and EXEC statements.
SQLite integration.
Examples:
SQLITE DB data\sql_regression.sqlite
SQLITE EXEC CREATE TABLE t(x INT)
SQLITE EXEC INSERT INTO t(x) VALUES (1)
SQLITE SELECT * FROM t
Notes:
Used for regression testing and DBF↔︎SQL bridging experiments.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

SQLITE <subcommand> ...

Usage

SQLITE
SQLITE USAGE
SQLITE STATUS
SQLITE CWD
SQLITE PWD
SQLITE VERSION
SQLITE OPEN <file>

Note

SQLITE with no arguments reports connection status and brief usage.
SQLITE USAGE, HELP, and question mark print detailed usage.
OPEN and DB connect to a SQLite database and create it if needed.
BIBLE and BIBLECHECK open/check the canonical Bible seed database when found.
EXEC runs non-SELECT SQL and may mutate the external SQLite database.
SELECT prints query rows and caps output for CLI responsiveness.
SQLITE is independent of DBF open/order state.

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|SQLITE
Included HELP rows: 25
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

SQLSEL

Catalog/topic: DOT / SQLSEL
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Execute an SQL SELECT and display results.

Evaluate SQL-like selection predicates over the current DBF work area.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

SQLSEL <expr>

Usage

SQLSEL USAGE
SQLSEL [COUNT] [ALL|DELETED] [FOR <expr> | <expr>]

Example

SQLSEL COUNT
SQLSEL COUNT ALL
SQLSEL COUNT FOR GPA >= 3.0
SQLSEL LNAME = "SMITH"

Note

SQLSEL USAGE prints usage before open-table checks.
SQLSEL reads records and may temporarily move the cursor.
SQLSEL does not mutate table data.

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|SQLSEL
Included HELP rows: 13
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

SQLVER

Catalog/topic: DOT / SQLVER
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Report SQLite availability and version.

Report whether SQLite support is available and print the linked SQLite library version when available.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

SQLVER

Usage

SQLVER
SQLVER USAGE

Note

SQLVER with no arguments reports SQLite availability/version.
SQLVER is read-only and does not open SQLite databases.

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|SQLVER
Included HELP rows: 8
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

STATE

Catalog/topic: ED / STATE
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: F / T
Primary/confidence: EDREF / CATALOG

Summary

State is one of the most important DotTalk++ concepts.

Definition
State means the current internal condition of the session.

Examples of session state
- current work area
- current table

State is one of the most important DotTalk++ concepts.
Definition
State means the current internal condition of the session.
Examples of session state
- current work area
- current table
- current record pointer
- active order/tag
- active filter
- relation graph
- buffering on/off
- path settings
Why it matters
Commands do not operate in a vacuum.
They operate against the current state.
Example
SELECT STUDENTS
SET ORDER TO TAG LNAME
SEEK TAYLOR
Here SEEK depends on:
- STUDENTS being current
- an order being active
- the key format of that order
Teaching point
Learning DotTalk++ means learning stateful programming.

Status

implemented=no; supported=yes

Syntax

ENGINE STATE

Provenance

Topic key: ED|STATE
Included HELP rows: 27
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

STOP_ON_ERROR

Catalog/topic: DOT / STOP_ON_ERROR
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Set or report the severity threshold at which a running DotScript aborts.

Syntax

STOP_ON_ERROR
STOP_ON_ERROR OFF | WARNING | ERROR
STOP_ON_ERROR USAGE

Note

With no argument, the command reports the current threshold.
OFF never aborts; WARNING aborts on warning-or-worse; ERROR aborts on errors.
DOTTALK_ERRORSTOP supplies the startup default.
SET ERRORSTOP TO <severity> is the compatibility form.
The threshold is evaluated against canonical errors recorded through the messaging path.

ERROR_STATUS
SET ERRORSTOP

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|STOP_ON_ERROR
Included HELP rows: 20
HELP reference run: DOCFLUSH-20260722-001/help_meta_export_v5
Disposition run: POSTBASELINE_SUPPORTED_COVERAGE_REPAIR

STR

Catalog/topic: FOX / STR
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: FOXREF / CATALOG

Summary

Convert numeric <nExpr> to a character string (optionally controlling width/decimals).

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

STR(<nExpr>[, <nLen>[, <nDec>]])

Provenance

Topic key: FOX|STR
Included HELP rows: 3
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

STRUCT

Catalog/topic: DOT / STRUCT
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Display table structure.

Display the structure of the current table
Report DBF field structure and index/container information for the current area or all open areas.
Minimal translation unit reserved for future STRUCT helper code.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

STRUCT

Usage

STRUCT
STRUCT USAGE
STRUCT INDEX
STRUCT FIELDS
STRUCT ALL
STRUCT ALL INDEX
STRUCT ALL VERBOSE
This file intentionally does not export cmd_STRUCT().
STRUCT command behavior and usage are owned by the actual STRUCT command implementation.

Example

STRUCT

Note

Shows field-level structure for the current area
Non-mutating inspection command
STRUCT with no arguments reports field and index information for the current area.
STRUCT INDEX is explicit index-info mode; index info is included by default.
STRUCT FIELDS suppresses index info and reports fields only.
STRUCT ALL reports all open areas.
STRUCT ALL VERBOSE includes verbose CNX tag information where available.
STRUCT is read-only; it reports structure/index metadata and does not mutate table data.
Keeping this file minimal avoids duplicate cmd_STRUCT definitions.
Future shared STRUCT helpers may live here without adding command dispatch.

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|STRUCT
Included HELP rows: 26
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

STU_REPEAT

Catalog/topic: DOT / STU_REPEAT
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Student/demo repeat command used to teach argument handling, loops, and command output.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

STU_REPEAT [USAGE|<text...>]

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|STU_REPEAT
Included HELP rows: 3
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

STU_UPPER

Catalog/topic: DOT / STU_UPPER
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Student/demo uppercase command used to teach string handling and command output.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

STU_UPPER [USAGE|<text...>]

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|STU_UPPER
Included HELP rows: 3
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

STUDENTECHO

Catalog/topic: DOT / STUDENTECHO
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Student/demo echo command used to teach command registration, argument handling, and output.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

STUDENTECHO [USAGE|<text...>]

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|STUDENTECHO
Included HELP rows: 3
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

STUDENTHELLO

Catalog/topic: DOT / STUDENTHELLO
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Student/demo hello command used to teach the simplest command registration and output path.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

STUDENTHELLO [USAGE]

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|STUDENTHELLO
Included HELP rows: 3
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

STUFF

Catalog/topic: FOX / STUFF
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: F / T
Primary/confidence: FOXREF / CATALOG

Summary

Replace <nLen> characters of <cExpr> starting at <nStart> with <cRepl>.

Status

implemented=no; supported=yes

Syntax

STUFF(<cExpr>, <nStart>, <nLen>, <cRepl>)

Provenance

Topic key: FOX|STUFF
Included HELP rows: 3
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

SUBSTR

Catalog/topic: FOX / SUBSTR
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: FOXREF / CATALOG

Summary

Return substring of <cExpr> starting at <nStart> for <nLen> characters (or to end).

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

SUBSTR(<cExpr>, <nStart>[, <nLen>])

Provenance

Topic key: FOX|SUBSTR
Included HELP rows: 3
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

TABLE_BUFFER

Catalog/topic: DOT / TABLE_BUFFER
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Developer/diagnostic helper surface for inspecting or testing TABLE buffering and stale-field behavior.

Inspect or change per-area table-buffer state.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

TABLE_BUFFER [USAGE|<args...>]

Usage

TABLE_BUFFER
TABLE_BUFFER USAGE
TABLE_BUFFER STATUS [ALL]
TABLE_BUFFER BUFFER ON|OFF|DIRTY|CLEAN|STALE|FRESH|STATUS|DUMP|TESTADD|RESET

Note

No arguments reports current buffer state. State-changing subcommands mutate session buffer metadata.

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|TABLE_BUFFER
Included HELP rows: 9
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

TEXT

Catalog/topic: DOT / TEXT
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Text-oriented helper command surface for demonstration, teaching, or local text workflows.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

TEXT [USAGE|<args...>]

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|TEXT
Included HELP rows: 3
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

TIME

Catalog/topic: FOX / TIME
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: FOXREF / CATALOG

Summary

Return the current system time as a character string (HH:MM:SS).

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

TIME()

Provenance

Topic key: FOX|TIME
Included HELP rows: 3
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

TOP

Catalog/topic: DOT / TOP
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Move to the first record in the current table/order.

Move the current work-area cursor to the first logical record
Move the current work-area cursor to the first visible/logical record using the shared filter-aware navigation selector.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

Usage

TOP
TOP USAGE

Example

Note

Uses the active order when an order is active
Equivalent user intent to GO TOP / GO FIRST
TOP with no arguments moves to the first visible record.
TOP requires an open table except for TOP USAGE.
TOP mutates cursor position but does not mutate table data.
TALK ON prints the resulting record number.

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|TOP
Included HELP rows: 14
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260717T222026Z-28C704E0
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260717T230554Z-DB3F2DC8
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

TRIM

Catalog/topic: FOX / TRIM
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: FOXREF / CATALOG

Summary

Remove trailing spaces from <cExpression> (alias/compat; see RTRIM).

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

TRIM(<cExpression>)

Provenance

Topic key: FOX|TRIM
Included HELP rows: 3
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

TUPEXPORT

Catalog/topic: DOT / TUPEXPORT
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Export tuple/projection output through the tuple export helper surface.

Export tuple graph rows to a CSV file using a tuple spec, optional field list, and optional FOR predicate.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

TUPEXPORT [USAGE|<args...>]

Usage

TUPEXPORT USAGE
TUPEXPORT CSV <path>
TUPEXPORT CSV <path> <tuple-spec>
TUPEXPORT CSV <path> FIELDS <field-list>
TUPEXPORT CSV <path> * FOR <expr>

Example

TUPEXPORT CSV tmp\students.csv
TUPEXPORT CSV tmp\students_names.csv FIELDS LNAME,FNAME
TUPEXPORT CSV tmp\students_major.csv STUDENTS.,MAJORS. FOR MAJORS.NAME = "CS"

Note

TUPEXPORT USAGE prints usage before open-table checks or file writes.
TUPEXPORT writes/truncates the requested CSV file.
Tuple cursor/workspace cursor state is restored best-effort.

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|TUPEXPORT
Included HELP rows: 15
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

TUPLE

Catalog/topic: DOT / TUPLE
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Build one tuple row from fields across work areas.

Examples:
TUPLE * (all fields from current area)
TUPLE LNAME,FNAME (selected fields from

Build and print a tuple row from the canonical tuple builder using a tuple field specification and optional output flags.
Build one tuple row from fields across work areas.
Examples:
TUPLE * (all fields from current area)
TUPLE LNAME,FNAME (selected fields from current area)
TUPLE #11.* (all fields from area 11)
TUPLE #9.*,#11.LNAME (mix of areas)
Notes:
#n prefixes a work area slot; "*" means all fields for that area.
Output fields are separated by ASCII Unit Separator (0x1F).

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

TUPLE <spec>

Usage

TUPLE
TUPLE USAGE
TUPLE <spec>
TUPLE <spec> --HEADER
TUPLE <spec> --AREA-PREFIX
TUPLE <spec> --NO-ECHO
TUPLE <spec> --STRICT
TUPLE <spec> --HEADER-ONLY
TUPLE <spec> --VALUES-ONLY
TUPLE <spec> DEBUG
TUPLE <spec> --DEBUG
TUPLE <spec> --NULL <token>

Example

TUPLE
TUPLE LNAME,FNAME
TUPLE STUDENTS.LNAME,STUDENTS.FNAME
TUPLE * --HEADER
TUPLE * --VALUES-ONLY

Note

TUPLE with no arguments uses the default star spec.
TUPLE delegates tuple truth to tuple_builder.
TUPLE can print formatted output, raw unit-separated values, or both.
--HEADER prints a header row before values.
--AREA-PREFIX prefixes header columns with area context.
--NO-ECHO preserves legacy raw-only scripting behavior.
--VALUES-ONLY prints raw unit-separated values only.
DEBUG and --DEBUG print the raw unit-separated row before formatted output.
--STRICT asks the tuple builder to reject loose field matches.
TUPLE is read-only for table data.

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|TUPLE
Included HELP rows: 39
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

TUPLEDELTA

Catalog/topic: DOT / TUPLEDELTA
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Tuple diagnostic helper surface for comparing projected tuple output or tuple-state deltas.

Compare two named tuple streams and report insert, delete, and update deltas. The loader remains a skeleton until tuple stream storage is finalized.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

TUPLEDELTA [USAGE|<args...>]

Usage

TUPLEDELTA USAGE
TUPLEDELTA <baseline-stream> <current-stream>

Note

TUPLEDELTA requires two stream names except for TUPLEDELTA USAGE.
Tuple stream loading is not implemented in this skeleton.
REC_ID or PRIMARY UNIQUE is intended to be the identity key.
Field-level diffing is intentionally stubbed for now.
TUPLEDELTA is diagnostic and does not mutate table or index data.

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|TUPLEDELTA
Included HELP rows: 11
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

TUPTALK

Catalog/topic: DOT / TUPTALK
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

DotTalk++ tuple/logical-row command.

Tuple-based normalization test harness and live DBF capture tool for building, normalizing, dumping, exporting, and pushing tuple entries.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

TUPTALK

Usage

TUPTALK
TUPTALK USAGE
TUPTALK RESET
TUPTALK ADD <type> <len> <raw>
TUPTALK ADD <type> <len> <dec> <raw>
TUPTALK LIST
TUPTALK NORMALIZE
TUPTALK DUMP
TUPTALK EXPORT CSV
TUPTALK EXPORT TSV
TUPTALK EXPORT CSV <path>
TUPTALK EXPORT TSV <path>
TUPTALK PUSH <field>
TUPTALK PUSH ALL
TUPTALK PUSH ALL FILTER <mask>
TUPTALK PUSH FILTER <mask>
TUPTALK PUSH ROW

Example

TUPTALK PUSH LASTNAME
TUPTALK PUSH 3
TUPTALK PUSH ALL
TUPTALK PUSH ALL FILTER CND
TUPTALK PUSH ROW

Note

TUPTALK with no arguments shows usage/help and buffer status.
TT is wired as a shell alias for TUPTALK.
ADD creates a test entry from raw text and schema type metadata.
NORMALIZE fills normalized values using value_normalize.
PUSH captures fields or rows from the current DBF record.
EXPORT writes CSV or TSV when a path is supplied or uses default behavior.
TUPTALK mutates its process-local scratch buffer and may write export files.

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|TUPTALK
Included HELP rows: 33
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

TUPVALIDATE

Catalog/topic: DOT / TUPVALIDATE
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Tuple validation helper surface for checking tuple projection, relation-walk, or logical-row consistency.

Validate tuple graph rows for the current table using the tuple graph cursor and relation-aware tuple validation layer.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

TUPVALIDATE [USAGE|<args...>]

Usage

TUPVALIDATE
TUPVALIDATE USAGE
TUPVALIDATE *
TUPVALIDATE <tuple-spec>
TUPVALIDATE * FOR <expr>
TUPVALIDATE * FOR <expr> MAX <n>
TUPVALIDATE * FOR <expr> TRACE

Example

TUPVALIDATE LNAME,FNAME
TUPVALIDATE STUDENTS.,MAJORS. FOR MAJORS.NAME = CS

Note

TUPVALIDATE with no arguments validates the default star tuple spec.
TUPVALIDATE USAGE prints usage and does not require an open table.
The tuple graph cursor uses active ordering and relation context.
Validation checks tuple cells against their source work areas when available.
Cursor restoration is reported after validation.
TUPVALIDATE is read-only for table data but moves cursors during validation.

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|TUPVALIDATE
Included HELP rows: 19
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

TURBOPACK

Catalog/topic: DOT / TURBOPACK
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Turbo Vision / pack-related utility.

Fast byte-oriented compaction for plain non-memo, non-x64 DBF tables.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

TURBOPACK

Usage

TURBOPACK USAGE
TURBOPACK

Example

TURBOPACK

Note

TURBOPACK USAGE prints usage before open-table checks.
TURBOPACK is a fast path for plain DBF tables only.
Memo tables and x64 tables are refused; use PACK instead.
TURBOPACK closes the table on success.
Index containers must be rebuilt/rebound after TURBOPACK.

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|TURBOPACK
Included HELP rows: 12
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

TVISION

Catalog/topic: DOT / TVISION
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Turbo Vision diagnostics / demos.

Confirm Turbo Vision/TUI support is linked; this is currently a stub.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

TVISION

Usage

TVISION
TVISION USAGE

Example

TVISION

Note

TVISION with no arguments prints the current TUI support status.
TVISION USAGE prints usage.
This command does not launch a TUI yet.

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|TVISION
Included HELP rows: 10
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

UNDEFCMD

Catalog/topic: DOT / UNDEFCMD
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Remove a scratch command previously defined with DEFCMD.

Syntax

UNDEFCMD USAGE
UNDEFCMD <NAME>

Note

Only DEFCMD scratch commands can be removed.
Protected built-ins and unrelated extensions are never removed.

DEFCMD

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|UNDEFCMD
Included HELP rows: 10
HELP reference run: DOCFLUSH-20260722-001/help_meta_export_v5
Disposition run: POSTBASELINE_SUPPORTED_COVERAGE_REPAIR

UNDEFFN

Catalog/topic: DOT / UNDEFFN
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Remove a session custom function previously defined with DEFFN.

Syntax

UNDEFFN USAGE
UNDEFFN <NAME>

Note

Only DEFFN custom functions can be removed.
Compiled built-in functions are never removed.

DEFFN

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|UNDEFFN
Included HELP rows: 10
HELP reference run: DOCFLUSH-20260722-001/help_meta_export_v5
Disposition run: POSTBASELINE_SUPPORTED_COVERAGE_REPAIR

UNDELETE

Catalog/topic: DOT / UNDELETE
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Compatibility alias for RECALL to unmark the current deleted record.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

UNDELETE

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|UNDELETE
Included HELP rows: 3
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

UNLOCK

Catalog/topic: DOT / UNLOCK
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Release a previously acquired lock (optionally all locks).

Release the current record lock, a specified record lock, or the table lock.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

UNLOCK [ALL]

Usage

UNLOCK USAGE
UNLOCK
UNLOCK <recno>
UNLOCK ALL
UNLOCK TABLE

Example

UNLOCK
UNLOCK 10
UNLOCK ALL
UNLOCK TABLE

Note

UNLOCK USAGE returns before open-table checks.
UNLOCK with no arguments unlocks the current record.
UNLOCK ALL and UNLOCK TABLE release the table lock.

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|UNLOCK
Included HELP rows: 16
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

UNTIL

Catalog/topic: DOT / UNTIL
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Begin an UNTIL block (scripting).

Buffer and execute an UNTIL...ENDUNTIL loop from the current record until a boolean expression becomes true.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

UNTIL <expr>

Usage

UNTIL USAGE
UNTIL <bool-expr> [QUIET]
ENDUNTIL
ENDUNTIL USAGE

Example

UNTIL EOF()
TUPLE LNAME,FNAME,GPA
ENDUNTIL

Note

UNTIL USAGE and ENDUNTIL USAGE do not start or execute a loop.
UNTIL starts buffering; the shell must route body lines to UNTIL_BUFFER.
ENDUNTIL executes buffered body lines through the canonical loop executor.
Execution starts at the current record and advances one record per iteration.
Buffered body command effects are owned by those commands.

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|UNTIL
Included HELP rows: 16
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

UNTIL_BUFFER

Catalog/topic: DOT / UNTIL_BUFFER
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Developer/diagnostic helper surface for inspecting or testing buffered UNTIL control-flow behavior.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

UNTIL_BUFFER [USAGE|<args...>]

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|UNTIL_BUFFER
Included HELP rows: 3
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

UPDATE

Catalog/topic: DOT / UPDATE
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Update data rows (scripting/SQL helper; see command usage).

Update records in the current DBF work area using SQL-like SET/WHERE syntax.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

UPDATE <statement>

Usage

UPDATE USAGE
UPDATE SET <field>=<value>[, ...] [WHERE <expr>]

Example

UPDATE SET GPA=3.5 WHERE SID = 1001
UPDATE SET MAJOR="CSCI" WHERE MAJOR = "CS"

Note

UPDATE USAGE prints usage before open-table checks.
UPDATE without WHERE may update all visible records depending on implementation.
Use WHERE intentionally.

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|UPDATE
Included HELP rows: 11
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

UPPER

Catalog/topic: FOX / UPPER
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: FOXREF / CATALOG

Summary

Convert <cExpression> to upper-case.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

UPPER(<cExpression>)

Provenance

Topic key: FOX|UPPER
Included HELP rows: 3
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

USE

Catalog/topic: DOT / USE
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Open a DBF table in the active DotTalk++ work area.

Open a DBF table into the current work area, with duplicate-open guard, memo auto-attach, optional index auto-attach, and NOINDEX physical-order mode.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

USE <table> [ALIAS <name>] [NOINDEX]

Usage

USE USAGE
USE <table>
USE <table.dbf>
USE <path\table.dbf>
USE <table> NOINDEX
USE <table> NOIDX

Note

USE requires a table name or path; no usable argument shows usage.
Relative logical names resolve through the configured DBF path slot.
USE prevents duplicate opens of the same DBF path across work areas.
USE clears stale order/tag/container state and closes the current area before opening the new DBF.
USE opens the target DBF and populates DbArea metadata.
USE auto-attaches memo storage when memo fields are present.
USE auto-attaches flavor-appropriate indexes when present, unless NOINDEX/NOIDX is specified.
USE prefers the configured INDEXES slot and falls back to the DBF directory.
NOINDEX/NOIDX opens the table in physical order and skips index auto-attach.
USE is a session/area mutation command; it changes the current work area binding but should not mutate table records.

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|USE
Included HELP rows: 20
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260717T222026Z-28C704E0
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260717T230554Z-DB3F2DC8
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

USER

Catalog/topic: DOT / USER
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Inspect and administer identity, authentication, roles, permissions, authorization grants, and effective session state.

Syntax

USER LIST | ROLES | PERMS | WHOAMI
USER CAN <permission.key> [FOR <member.key>]
USER STORE
USER ADD <key> [HUMAN|AI|SERVICE] [role.key]
USER REQUEST <permission.key> FOR <member.key> [reason]
USER REQUESTS | GRANTS
USER APPROVE <id> [HOURS n] | DENY <id> | REVOKE <id>
USER GRANT <permission.key> TO <member.key> [HOURS n]
USER UNGRANT <permission.key> FROM <member.key>
USER DELETE <member.key>
USER LOGIN <member.key> [secret] | LOGOUT
USER PASSWD <member.key> <secret> | TOKEN <member.key>
USER AS [member.key] | ENFORCE <permission.key>
USER SAVE [dir] | LOAD [dir] | VERIFY [dir]

Security model

A session has an authenticated principal and an effective acting member.
The console boots as unauthenticated member.public; owner powers require login.
Owner-only mutations are authentication-gated.
AI and service members authenticate with owner-issued, rotatable tokens.
Permission eligibility, explicit authorization, session state, and runtime security policy are evaluated separately.
Deny takes precedence; host-shell execution also respects DOTTALK_ALLOW_HOST_COMMANDS.
A degraded identity store remains read-only.

Persistence and proof

Identity metadata is persisted in the identity DBF family when the store is writable.
USER STORE reports boot origin, writability, and active counts.
USER VERIFY performs the APH-5 save, reload, and comparison proof.
USER mutations affect identity metadata and authorization state, not application-table records.

Legacy boundary

SECURITY LOGIN is a legacy diagnostic role selector. It is not authenticated USER identity and grants no RBAC access. Use USER LOGIN, LOGOUT, and WHOAMI for effective security state.

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|USER
Included HELP rows: 68
HELP reference run: DOCFLUSH-20260722-001/help_meta_export_v5
Disposition run: POSTBASELINE_SUPPORTED_COVERAGE_REPAIR

VAL

Catalog/topic: FOX / VAL
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: FOXREF / CATALOG

Summary

Convert a numeric-looking character expression to a number.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

VAL(<cExpression>)

Provenance

Topic key: FOX|VAL
Included HELP rows: 3
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

VALIDATE

Catalog/topic: DOT / VALIDATE
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Schema/sidecar validation command.

Route validation subcommands such as VALIDATE UNIQUE to their handlers.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

VALIDATE <path>

Usage

VALIDATE USAGE
VALIDATE UNIQUE USAGE
VALIDATE UNIQUE FIELD <name> [IGNORE DELETED] [REPAIR] [REPORT TO <path>]

Example

VALIDATE UNIQUE FIELD SID
VALIDATE UNIQUE FIELD EMAIL IGNORE DELETED
VALIDATE UNIQUE FIELD SID REPAIR
VALIDATE UNIQUE FIELD SID REPORT TO tmp\sid_dupes.txt

Note

VALIDATE with no arguments prints usage.
VALIDATE USAGE prints usage and does not scan or repair records.
VALIDATE UNIQUE is delegated to the UNIQUE validator.
REPAIR may mutate field values; use it intentionally.

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|VALIDATE
Included HELP rows: 15
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

VDISK

Catalog/topic: DOT / VDISK
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Manage the in-process RAM virtual disk used by in-memory X64 DBF tables, native CDX-V64 indexes, and related transient storage.

Syntax

VDISK USAGE
VDISK MOUNT | ON
VDISK UNMOUNT | OFF | CLEAR
VDISK STATUS
VDISK CONFIG

Storage behavior

MOUNT points DBF, INDEXES, and LMDB slots under the relocatable RAM slot.
CREATE X64, USE, CDX, SET ORDER, and REINDEX can then operate with no corresponding table or index file on disk.
STATUS reports the RAM root, mount state, bytes used, and resident files.
The default RAM root is <DATA>/ram; use SET PATH RAM <path> before MOUNT to relocate it.

Ephemeral-data warning

UNMOUNT, OFF, and CLEAR drop every resident RAM file. VDISK is process-local and ephemeral; treat those actions as destructive to in-memory data.

Configuration boundary

The optional bin/vdisk.ini configuration is a local, review-required extension until its source/config files are committed. Core VDISK and ramfs behavior are supported and runtime-proven independently of that extension.

SET PATH
CDX
SET ORDER
REINDEX

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|VDISK
Included HELP rows: 37
HELP reference run: DOCFLUSH-20260722-001/help_meta_export_v5
Disposition run: POSTBASELINE_SUPPORTED_COVERAGE_REPAIR

WEB

Catalog/topic: DOT / WEB
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Web-oriented helper command surface for local documentation, preview, or integration workflows where enabled.

Open, fetch, or inspect web URLs using the default handler or WinHTTP.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

WEB [USAGE|<args...>]

Usage

WEB USAGE
WEB DEFAULT
WEB RETRO
WEB OPEN <url|DEFAULT|RETRO>
WEB LAUNCH <url|DEFAULT|RETRO>
WEB GET <url|DEFAULT|RETRO>
WEB HEAD <url|DEFAULT|RETRO>
WEB FETCH <url|DEFAULT|RETRO> TO <file>

Example

WEB DEFAULT
WEB RETRO

Note

WEB USAGE prints usage and does not launch a browser, make a network request, or write files.
WEB DEFAULT opens x64base.com.
WEB RETRO opens the Flying Toasters page.
DEFAULT and RETRO are accepted anywhere a URL operand is accepted.
WEB OPEN/LAUNCH use the OS default URL handler.
WEB GET/HEAD use HTTP request support where implemented.
WEB FETCH writes the response body to the requested file.

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|WEB
Included HELP rows: 21
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

WHILE

Catalog/topic: DOT / WHILE
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Begin a WHILE block (scripting).

Buffer and execute a WHILE...ENDWHILE loop from the current record while a boolean expression remains true.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

WHILE <expr>

Usage

WHILE USAGE
WHILE <bool-expr> [QUIET]
ENDWHILE
ENDWHILE USAGE

Example

WHILE GPA >= 3.0
TUPLE LNAME,FNAME,GPA
ENDWHILE

Note

WHILE USAGE and ENDWHILE USAGE do not start or execute a loop.
WHILE starts buffering; the shell must route body lines to WHILE_BUFFER.
ENDWHILE executes buffered body lines through the canonical loop executor.
Execution starts at the current record and advances one record per iteration.
Buffered body command effects are owned by those commands.

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|WHILE
Included HELP rows: 16
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

WHILE_BUFFER

Catalog/topic: DOT / WHILE_BUFFER
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Developer/diagnostic helper surface for inspecting or testing buffered WHILE control-flow behavior.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

WHILE_BUFFER [USAGE|<args...>]

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|WHILE_BUFFER
Included HELP rows: 3
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

WORKSPACE

Catalog/topic: DOT / WORKSPACE
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Canonical live work-area/session command.

Usage:
WORKSPACE
List current open work areas.

WORKSPACE CLOSE
Close all work areas and clea

Manage live work-area/session state
Report and manage live work-area/session layout.
Canonical live work-area/session command.
Usage:
WORKSPACE
List current open work areas.
WORKSPACE CLOSE
Close all work areas and clear relation state.
WORKSPACE OPEN DBF
Scan the configured DBF path slot and open tables into areas 0..N.
WORKSPACE OPEN <dir>
Scan a specific directory and open DBFs into areas 0..N.
WORKSPACE SAVE <name>
Save a workspace layout where supported.
WORKSPACE LOAD <name>
Restore a saved workspace layout where supported.
Notes:
WORKSPACE owns live areas, aliases, index/tag bindings, and relation/session layout.
DDL owns schema/definition work.
WSREPORT owns verbose diagnostics.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

WORKSPACE
WORKSPACE OPEN DBF
WORKSPACE OPEN <dir>
WORKSPACE ADD <file.dbf>
WORKSPACE CLOSE
WORKSPACE SAVE <name>
WORKSPACE LOAD <name>
WORKSPACE [OPEN <DBF|dir>|CLOSE|SAVE <name>|LOAD <name>]

Usage

WORKSPACE
WORKSPACE USAGE
WORKSPACE ALL
WORKSPACE OPEN DBF
WORKSPACE OPEN <dir>
WORKSPACE OPEN <file.dbf>
WORKSPACE ADD <file.dbf>
WORKSPACE ADD <target> CNX [FALLBACK] [TABLE]
WORKSPACE ADD <target> INX|IDX [FALLBACK] [TABLE]
WORKSPACE ADD <target> CDX [FALLBACK] [TABLE]
WORKSPACE OPEN <target> CNX [FALLBACK] [recursive] [TABLE]
WORKSPACE OPEN <target> INX|IDX [FALLBACK] [recursive] [TABLE]
WORKSPACE OPEN <target> CDX [FALLBACK] [recursive] [TABLE]
WORKSPACE CLOSE
WORKSPACE CLOSE <n> [m ...]
WORKSPACE CLOSE <name|file|stem|alias>[,...]
WORKSPACE SAVE <file>
WORKSPACE LOAD <file>
WORKSPACE TUPLES [LIMIT <n>] [OFFSET <n>] [AREA <n>]

Example

WORKSPACE
WORKSPACE CLOSE
WORKSPACE OPEN DBF
WORKSPACE ADD students
WORKSPACE SAVE mcc
WORKSPACE LOAD mcc.dtschemas

Note

WORKSPACE owns live areas, aliases, orders, and relation/session layout
WORKSPACE OPEN replaces area membership; WORKSPACE ADD preserves existing areas
DDL owns schema/definition work
SCHEMAS remains a compatibility shim for older scripts

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|WORKSPACE
Included HELP rows: 58
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260717T222026Z-28C704E0
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260717T230554Z-DB3F2DC8
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

WSREPORT

Catalog/topic: DOT / WSREPORT
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Workspace report / diagnostics.

Print a workspace/status report covering open areas, LMDB/order summary, and table-buffer state.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

WSREPORT

Usage

WSREPORT
WSREPORT USAGE
WSREPORT ALL

Note

WSREPORT with no arguments reports the current workspace and current area.
WSREPORT ALL includes all open work areas in the area/index summary.
WSREPORT USAGE prints usage and does not inspect areas.
WSREPORT is read-only.

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|WSREPORT
Included HELP rows: 11
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

ZAP

Catalog/topic: DOT / ZAP
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Delete all records from the current table.

Remove all records from the current non-memo DBF while preserving structure.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

Usage

ZAP USAGE
ZAP

Example

Note

ZAP USAGE prints usage before open-table checks.
ZAP rewrites the current DBF with zero records and closes the table on success.
ZAP currently refuses memo tables.
Index containers must be rebuilt/rebound afterward.

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|ZAP
Included HELP rows: 11
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

ZIP

Catalog/topic: DOT / ZIP
Status: supported
Implemented/supported: T / T
Primary/confidence: DOTREF / CATALOG

Summary

Archive helper command surface for ZIP-oriented local packaging or inspection workflows.

List, create, or extract ZIP archives through the configured ZIP backend.

Status

implemented=yes; supported=yes

Syntax

ZIP [USAGE|<args...>]

Usage

ZIP USAGE
ZIP LIST <archive.zip>
ZIP CREATE <archive.zip> <path>
ZIP EXTRACT <archive.zip> [target_dir]

Example

ZIP LIST backups.zip
ZIP CREATE source_bundle.zip src
ZIP EXTRACT source_bundle.zip tmp\source_bundle

Note

ZIP USAGE prints usage and does not touch archive files.
ZIP LIST reads an archive and prints entries.
ZIP CREATE writes an archive, adding .zip when needed.
ZIP EXTRACT writes files under the target directory or current directory.

Provenance

Topic key: DOT|ZIP
Included HELP rows: 15
HELP reference run: MANRUN-20260723T040750Z-ADA15580
Disposition run: MANRUN-20260723T041125Z-D8D11490
Authority: candidate_only; publication_authority_claimed=0

Function Reference

63 core functions harvested from function_catalog.cpp (FunctionDoc table). Student/extension functions self-register from src/ext/fn and are not enumerated here.

Function	Category	Args	Summary
`ABS`	Numeric	1..1	Return the absolute value of a numeric expression.
`ACOS`	Numeric	1..1	Return the arc-cosine of a numeric value.
`ALLTRIM`	String	1..1	Trim leading and trailing spaces from a string value.
`ASC`	String	1..1	Return the character code of the first character in a string.
`ASIN`	Numeric	1..1	Return the arc-sine of a numeric value.
`AT`	Search	2..3	Return the 1-based position of a substring occurrence.
`ATAN`	Numeric	1..1	Return the arc-tangent of a numeric value.
`ATC`	Search	2..3	Return the 1-based position of a substring occurrence, case-insensitive.
`BETWEEN`	Numeric	3..3	Return whether a numeric value lies within an inclusive lower and upper bound.
`CDOW`	Date	1..1	Return the day-of-week name for a date.
`CEILING`	Numeric	1..1	Return the smallest integer greater than or equal to the numeric value.
`CHR`	String	1..1	Return the single-character string for a numeric character code.
`CHRTRAN`	String	3..3	Replace characters in a string by position-mapped translation.
`CMONTH`	Date	1..1	Return the month name for a date.
`CONCAT`	Construction	1..32	Concatenate all arguments into a single string.
`COS`	Numeric	1..1	Return the cosine of an angle expressed in radians.
`CTOD`	Date	1..1	Convert a character string to a date value.
`DATE`	Date	0..0	Return the current system date.
`DATEADD`	Date	2..2	Return a new date shifted by a specified interval.
`DATEDIFF`	Date	2..2	Return the difference between two date values.
`DATETIME`	Date	0..0	Return the current date/time value.
`DAY`	Date	1..1	Return the day-of-month component of a date.
`DOW`	Date	1..1	Return the day-of-week number for a date.
`DTOC`	Date	1..2	Convert a date value to character form.
`DTOS`	Date	1..1	Convert a date value to sortable character form.
`EMPTY`	Logical	1..1	Return whether a value is empty according to expression-engine rules.
`EXP`	Numeric	1..1	Return e raised to the power of the supplied numeric value.
`FLOOR`	Numeric	1..1	Return the largest integer less than or equal to the numeric value.
`GOMONTH`	Date	2..2	Return a date shifted by a specified number of months.
`INT`	Numeric	1..1	Return the integer portion of a numeric value.
`LEFT`	String	2..2	Return the leftmost characters of a string.
`LEN`	Numeric	1..1	Return the length of a string value.
`LIKE`	Logical	2..2	Match a value against a wildcard pattern.
`LOG`	Numeric	1..1	Return the natural logarithm of a numeric value.
`LOG10`	Numeric	1..1	Return the base-10 logarithm of a numeric value.
`LOWER`	String	1..1	Convert text to lowercase.
`LTRIM`	String	1..1	Trim leading spaces from a string value.
`MAX`	Numeric	2..32	Return the largest value from two or more numeric expressions.
`MIN`	Numeric	2..32	Return the smallest value from two or more numeric expressions.
`MOD`	Numeric	2..2	Return the remainder from dividing one numeric value by another.
`MONTH`	Date	1..1	Return the month component of a date.
`NOW`	Date	0..0	Return the current date/time value.
`RAND`	Numeric	0..0	Return a pseudo-random numeric value.
`RAT`	Search	2..2	Return the 1-based position of the last occurrence of a substring.
`REPLICATE`	Construction	2..2	Repeat a string value a specified number of times.
`RIGHT`	String	2..2	Return the rightmost characters of a string.
`ROUND`	Numeric	1..2	Round a numeric value to a specified number of decimal places.
`RTRIM`	String	1..1	Trim trailing spaces from a string value.
`SECONDS`	Date	0..0	Return the current time expressed as seconds-of-day or equivalent engine-specific seconds value.
`SIN`	Numeric	1..1	Return the sine of an angle expressed in radians.
`SOUNDEX`	Search	1..1	Return a four-character phonetic Soundex code for a character expression.
`SPACE`	Construction	1..1	Return a string containing the requested number of spaces.
`SQRT`	Numeric	1..1	Return the square root of a numeric value.
`STR`	Conversion	1..3	Convert a numeric value to a formatted string.
`STRTRAN`	String	3..3	Replace occurrences of a substring within a string.
`SUBSTR`	String	2..3	Return a substring starting at a 1-based position.
`TAN`	Numeric	1..1	Return the tangent of an angle expressed in radians.
`TIME`	Date	0..0	Return the current system time.
`TODAY`	Date	0..0	Return the current system date.
`TRANSFORM`	Conversion	1..2	Convert a value to display-oriented character form.
`UPPER`	String	1..1	Convert text to uppercase.
`VAL`	Conversion	1..1	Extract the leading numeric portion of a string.
`YEAR`	Date	1..1	Return the year component of a date.

Appendix: Review and Deferred: SET-family

Status: SECTION_SKELETON_DRAFT_REPAIRED / REVIEW_REQUIRED

Purpose: Skeleton section generated from the revised manual TOC draft.

Promotion boundary:

This section is a structural draft.
Linked command pages are evidence-backed drafts, not final prose.
Review before promotion into the finished Developer Manual.

Commands in this section

SET - deferred
SET CASE - deferred
SET FILTER - deferred
SET INDEX - deferred
SET ORDER - deferred
SET PATH - deferred
SET RELATION - deferred
SET UNIQUE - deferred
SET VAR - aliases: SET VAR! - deferred
SETCASE - deferred
SETCDX - deferred
SETCNX - deferred
SETFILTER - deferred
SETINDEX - deferred
SETLMDB - deferred
SETNEAR - deferred
SETORDER - deferred
SETPATH - deferred

Notes for future prose pass

Add narrative explanation for this section after command-page sampling.
Keep runtime-proven evidence separate from design intent.
Preserve command/help/catalog provenance when promoting prose.

Error / Message Catalog

Canonical error codes use an HRESULT-style 32-bit packing (severity · facility · code) defined in src/cli/xbase_error_codes.cpp.

Severities: success=0, warning=1, error=2.

Facilities (subsystems):

Facility	Value
`general`	0x0001
`dbf64`	0x0002
`fpt64`	0x0003
`security`	0x0004
`cli`	0x0005
`io`	0x0006
`runtime`	0x0007

Review candidate. The full code→message enumeration is sourced from src/cli/message_catalog.cpp, src/cli/help_errors.cpp, and src/help/helpdata_messages.cpp; harvesting the complete message table is a later refinement of assembler:message-catalog. The severity/facility taxonomy above is source-derived and final.

Tables, Records, and Data Model

Pippets used:

PIP-004 Reviewed Candidate Pippet
PIP-003 Evidence Review Pippet
PIP-011 Source Reference Inventory Pippet

Evidence lineage:

MDO-120 original draft
MDO-128 source-lane repaired draft
MDO-133 field-note drift repaired v4 draft
MDO-134 evidence review gate

Repair reason:

MDO-121 detected evidence/prose drift in the first Tables, Records, and Data Model draft.
MDO-128 recovers or rebuilds the repair plan, then generates the source-lane repaired draft.

Evidence class:

Repaired draft assembled from MDO-120 draft intent, MDO-121 evidence gate where available, source-lane crosswalk or recovered repair plan, and registry v4.
Runtime behavior remains the source of truth.
This draft does not mutate HELP, META, CMDHELPCHK, catalogs, source files, or production SelfDoc metadata.

Purpose of this section

This section explains the table, record, field, schema, memo, and record-view vocabulary that later manual sections depend on. It follows the Getting Started and Workspaces sections: the reader should already know how the system starts, how areas frame context, and why the manual carries evidence boundaries.

The repaired draft is deliberately conservative. It does not assume every linked evidence page is the same kind of source. Some pages support current DotTalk command prose, some are educational concepts, some are compatibility references, and some need additional review before being described as runtime behavior.

Source-lane rule for this section

A DOTREF/current evidence item may support command-facing prose after evidence review. An EDREF concept item explains vocabulary or teaching structure. A FOXREF compatibility item must be gated before being described as current runtime behavior. SQL or shell reference lanes should be routed to bridge or appendix material.

This rule prevents concept pages such as TABLE_RECORD_FIELD from being documented as if they were ordinary runtime commands, and prevents compatibility-only material from being promoted as current DotTalk behavior without proof.

Tables, records, and fields

The core data model starts with tables, records, and fields. TABLE supports table-level vocabulary. RECORD and RECNO support record identity and record-position vocabulary. FIELDS and FIELDMGR support field-level vocabulary and field-management evidence.

TABLE_RECORD_FIELD is concept evidence for the relationship among tables, records, and fields. It should explain the model, not be presented as a user command unless a separate runtime command page proves that behavior.

Schema and DDL

SCHEMA and DDL belong together in this section because they describe structure. SCHEMA supports table-structure vocabulary. DDL supports definition-level or schema-language vocabulary. This draft keeps DDL wording structural and avoids claiming specific DDL behavior until command evidence and runtime examples are reviewed.

Record views and memo fields

RECORDVIEW supports record-oriented presentation or view vocabulary. MEMO supports memo-field discussion. Memo behavior is a sensitive storage and persistence topic, so final prose should distinguish visible memo fields from backend memo storage and should not overclaim persistence details without runtime evidence.

Work areas as context, not the main topic

WORKAREA may appear in the evidence set, but the main explanation of work areas belongs in the already promoted Workspaces section. Here, WORKAREA should be used only to remind the reader that table and record commands operate in a current area/session context.

Compatibility and bridge material

Compatibility evidence appears in this section and must be handled cautiously:

DBAREAS: appears as compatibility evidence. Do not promote it as current DotTalk behavior without runtime proof.

Compatibility evidence can support historical or compatibility notes, but it should not be promoted as current DotTalk behavior without runtime proof.

Command and concept map

DBAREA [DOT_COMMAND_EVIDENCE / DOTREF]: is current/DotTalk reference evidence and may support command prose after evidence review.
DBAREAS [COMPATIBILITY_EVIDENCE / FOXREF]: appears as compatibility evidence. Do not promote it as current DotTalk behavior without runtime proof.
DDL [DOT_COMMAND_EVIDENCE / DOTREF]: describes schema-definition language or definition-level behavior. Treat it as structural doctrine, not a simple record command.
FIELDMGR [DOT_COMMAND_EVIDENCE / DOTREF]: belongs to field-management evidence. Use it to discuss how field metadata and field-level operations are organized, not as ordinary user prose without review.
FIELDS [DOT_COMMAND_EVIDENCE / DOTREF]: supports field-list and field-description discussion.
MEMO [DOT_COMMAND_EVIDENCE / DOTREF]: supports memo/large-object field discussion. Keep memo storage details conservative unless command evidence or runtime transcripts prove more.
RECNO [DOT_COMMAND_EVIDENCE / DOTREF]: supports record-position vocabulary.
RECORD [DOT_COMMAND_EVIDENCE / DOTREF]: supports current-record or record-identity vocabulary.
RECORDVIEW [DOT_COMMAND_EVIDENCE / DOTREF]: supports record-oriented presentation or viewing vocabulary.
SCHEMA [DOT_COMMAND_EVIDENCE / DOTREF]: supports table-structure and schema vocabulary.
TABLE [DOT_COMMAND_EVIDENCE / DOTREF]: supports table-level vocabulary.
TABLE_RECORD_FIELD [CONCEPT_EVIDENCE / EDREF_CONCEPT]: is concept evidence for the relationship among tables, records, and fields. Do not treat it as a runtime command unless separately proven.
WORKAREA [CONCEPT_EVIDENCE / EDREF_CONCEPT]: is concept or workspace-adjacent evidence. Mention only as context and keep detailed work-area behavior in the Workspaces section.

What this section should not do yet

Do not document unrelated commands from the first draft that are not in the linked evidence set.
Do not treat EDREF concept pages as ordinary runtime commands.
Do not treat FOXREF compatibility entries as current DotTalk behavior without runtime evidence.
Do not add examples for mutating or destructive behavior until syntax and runtime transcripts are sampled.
Do not move detailed workspace/session behavior out of the Workspaces section.

Review notes before candidate generation

Rerun PIP-003 evidence review on this repaired draft.
Confirm the drift rows from MDO-121 are cleared or intentionally explained.
Confirm the command/concept split is acceptable.
Confirm MEMO wording does not overclaim backend persistence.
Confirm DDL wording stays structural until examples are proven.

Boundary

repaired prose draft only
no reviewed candidate generated
no final prose promotion
no generated command page deletion
no HELP mutation
no META mutation
no CMDHELPCHK mutation
no catalog apply
no source edits
no production SelfDoc metadata promotion

Command Surface, Dispatch, and Entry Variants

Pippets used:

PIP-001 Target Selection
MDO-166 Target Selection
MDO-167 Draft Fill

Evidence boundary:

Runtime proves behavior.
Source defines implementation and subsystem ownership.
HELP explains.
Metadata organizes.
CMDHELPCHK validates.
SelfDoc preserves provenance.
Manualgen assembles.

Slow-lane warning:

This section touches parser dispatch, public command surface, internal command-family ownership, aliases, variants, subcommands, function bridge behavior, and generated command-reference canaries.
Do not send this directly to generic PIP-003.
Run a slow-lane command-surface review first.

Evidence tokens under review:

COMMANDS
SYSCMD
SYSSUBCMD
SYSENTVAR
CMDKEY
CAN_NAME
QUAL_NAME
TOKEN
HANDLER
VIS
PUB_SURF
DISP_REACH
HELP
CMDHELPCHK
parser
dispatch
handler
command surface
entry variant
alias
subcommand
canonical command
AGGS
SET family
FUNCTION bridge

Draft notes:

This is conservative manual prose for slow-lane evidence review.
Generated command draft pages remain draft evidence, not final command reference prose.
Public command surface must be separated from internal owner/family scaffolding.
AGGS is treated as internal/family-owner evidence unless explicitly accepted as a public command surface.
SET-family canonicalization remains deferred unless separately repaired or accepted.
Function bridge behavior must preserve scalar/function entry while respecting command ownership.
SYSCMD, SYSSUBCMD, SYSENTVAR, SYSARGS, SYSHELP, SYSMSG, and SYSFUNC remain future/current feeders even when sparse.

Purpose of this section

This section explains how the Developer Manual should talk about command surface, parser dispatch, command handlers, canonical command identity, aliases, entry variants, subcommands, and function-bridge entry.

It follows Navigation, Indexing, Expressions, and Messages because those sections repeatedly depended on command/function routing and ownership boundaries. The manual now needs a section that explains how commands should be described without collapsing public command surface, internal command-family owners, generated command evidence, parser dispatch, and future metadata feeders into one authority.

The goal is not to publish the final command reference. The goal is to preserve a safe model for developer prose: command surface is what the user can intentionally invoke; dispatch is how input reaches implementation; metadata organizes identity and variants; HELP explains; CMDHELPCHK validates; runtime/source evidence still decides behavior and ownership.

Evidence lanes

This draft uses several evidence lanes.

Current command evidence lane:

COMMANDS
generated command pages
HELP command topics
CMDHELPCHK reports
HELP_COMMANDS exports where available

Current metadata evidence lane:

SYSCMD
SYSSUBCMD
SYSENTVAR
SYSARGS
SYSHELP
SYSMSG
SYSFUNC

Dispatch concept lane:

parser
dispatch
handler
command surface
public command
internal family owner
entry variant
alias
subcommand
canonical command
function bridge

Canary lane:

AGGS internal owner exposure;
SET family canonicalization;
command/function bridge behavior;
generated command duplicate and slug-collision evidence;
sparse metadata feeder coverage;
aliases and variants that should not be collapsed into canonical commands without review.

Authority boundaries

The same doctrine applies here:

Runtime proves behavior.
Source defines implementation and subsystem ownership.
HELP explains command surface and intended usage.
Metadata organizes canonical identity, variants, arguments, handlers, visibility, and help alignment.
CMDHELPCHK validates HELP/catalog consistency.
SelfDoc preserves provenance.
Manualgen assembles.

The command-surface section must not let generated command pages or metadata rows become stronger proof than they are. A generated command page is draft evidence. A metadata row organizes identity. A HELP row explains. A handler in source defines implementation. A runtime test proves observed behavior.

Command surface

Command surface means the command vocabulary that a user can intentionally invoke.

Safe wording:

A public command surface should be documented as public only when HELP, metadata, source, and/or runtime evidence support that status.
A word that appears in generated command pages is not automatically a final public command.
A word that appears as an internal owner or command family should not be promoted as user-facing without explicit acceptance.
Visibility and public-surface flags should eventually be checked against metadata such as VIS and PUB_SURF.

This matters for command families, scaffolding, debug commands, and internal owner commands.

GENERIC remains a developer-utility canary

GENERIC is present in the supported DOTREF surface as a developer utility placeholder. Keep it visible for dispatch and metadata reconciliation, but do not present it as a normal user workflow until runtime behavior and intended audience are separately established. Its current value is as a command-surface canary: registration, HELP identity, handler ownership, and runtime availability can be compared without inventing stronger behavior prose.

Canonical commands

A canonical command is the main command identity used for documentation, metadata, and command-reference organization.

Safe wording:

A canonical command may have aliases or entry variants.
A canonical command may own subcommands.
A generated page slug is not automatically the canonical identity.
A handler name is implementation evidence, not necessarily the public name.
CMDKEY, CAN_NAME, and QUAL_NAME should eventually help separate command identity levels.

The manual should preserve a difference between:

token typed by a user;
canonical command identity;
qualified command/subcommand identity;
generated page path;
source handler;
metadata row;
HELP topic.

Subcommands and command families

Some command surfaces are naturally scoped through families or subcommands.

Examples needing careful treatment:

SET family
SET ORDER
SET INDEX
REL variants
WORKSPACE LOAD
CODASYL LOAD
aggregate-family ownership
AGGS as a possible internal owner

Safe wording:

A family or owner command may organize related verbs or subcommands.
A subcommand should be documented under its scoped owner when evidence supports that structure.
A family name should not be treated as public executable command unless accepted and evidenced.
SET-family canonicalization remains deferred until repaired or explicitly accepted.

Aliases and entry variants

Aliases and entry variants are not automatically separate canonical commands.

Safe wording:

An alias may route to a canonical command.
An entry variant may preserve compatibility vocabulary, shortcut spelling, or a user-facing convenience form.
A generated command page may represent an alias or variant rather than a canonical command.
SYSENTVAR should eventually organize aliases, variants, shortcut spellings, compatibility forms, and app-style entry points.

Manual prose should avoid treating every distinct token as a separate command until dedupe and variant review are complete.

Application-style UI entry points

ARCTICTALK and FOXPRO are application launch entries rather than ordinary data commands. When Turbo Vision support is present, ARCTICTALK opens the ArcticTalk shell and FOXPRO opens the FoxPro-style workbench. FOXTALK is the legacy alias for ARCTICTALK.

These names may be registered or documented even when a particular build does not contain the corresponding Turbo Vision surface. Describe availability from the selected build and runtime evidence; do not infer universal availability from registration alone. Neither entry currently exposes a separate usage branch, so the bare command form is the documented launch surface.

Parser dispatch and handlers

Parser dispatch is the route from user input to implementation. A handler is the implementation endpoint or command function that receives the routed input.

Safe wording:

Parser dispatch and handler ownership require source evidence.
Runtime evidence proves observed routing behavior.
HELP and metadata can explain or organize dispatch but do not prove runtime routing.
Handler names may be internal and should not be exposed as public command names unless explicitly intended.

This section should avoid claiming the exact parser algorithm unless source/runtime evidence is attached.

Function bridge behavior

DotTalk++ allows some function/app forms to be used directly from the command line. Prior runtime notes include examples such as UPPER and LEFT.

This is a command-surface canary because function names can look like command verbs.

Safe wording:

FUNCTION bridge behavior should preserve scalar/function entry where supported.
A function-style command-line entry does not necessarily make the function a command.
A command verb may shadow a scalar function name.
MIN/MAX ambiguity remains a separate canary from the expression section.
SYSFUNC and SYSENTVAR should eventually help organize function-command bridge forms.

AGGS boundary

AGGS is a known command-surface canary.

Current doctrine:

AGGS is intended as an internal owner or aggregate-family grouping.
Direct aggregate verbs such as SUM, AVG, MIN, and MAX are the intended user-facing aggregate command surface where evidenced.
AGGS appearing as executable or printing usage may be scaffold/debug leakage unless explicitly accepted.
Generated command pages for AGGS are draft evidence, not final public-surface proof.

This section should preserve AGGS internal family owner exposure as a visible canary.

SET family boundary

SET-family canonicalization remains deferred.

Safe wording:

SET ORDER and SET INDEX are scoped command surfaces that need canonicalization review.
SET-family pages may exist as generated draft evidence.
Final command reference organization should not be settled in this section without dedicated SET-family review.
Indexing owns order/tag semantics; this section owns command-surface identity and dispatch cautions.

Generated command pages

Generated command pages are useful evidence, but they are not final command reference.

Known generated-page issues:

duplicates;
aliases;
variants;
slug collisions;
SET-family canonicalization;
internal owner exposure;
command/function ambiguity.

Safe wording:

Generated pages identify draft evidence.
They should be deduped and reviewed before publication.
Command reference generation must not delete or rewrite generated command pages during manual draft assembly.
Generated pages should feed review, not replace review.

HELP and CMDHELPCHK

HELP explains command usage, concepts, and warnings. CMDHELPCHK validates HELP/catalog consistency.

Safe wording:

HELP can explain command surface intent.
CMDHELPCHK can detect gaps and drift.
Neither HELP nor CMDHELPCHK replaces runtime proof.
Neither HELP nor CMDHELPCHK replaces source ownership.

Manual assembly may use HELP/META/CMDHELPCHK-first workflow, but truth authority remains role-separated.

Future META alignment

This section should eventually align with the metadata system.

Expected future feeders:

SYSCMD for canonical command identity, command key, canonical name, qualified name, token, handler, visibility, public surface, display reach, owner, source authority, source file, help topic, active flag, and notes.
SYSSUBCMD for command-family subcommands such as SET ORDER, SET INDEX, REL variants, WORKSPACE variants, and other scoped command surfaces.
SYSENTVAR for aliases, entry variants, shortcut spellings, compatibility forms, app-style function entries, and reviewed variants.
SYSARGS for command argument shapes, expression arguments, predicates, tag names, scopes, deleted filters, required arguments, and repeatable arguments.
SYSHELP for help text connected to command owners, canonical commands, subcommands, variants, warnings, examples, and reference material.
SYSMSG for parser diagnostics, unknown command messages, syntax errors, invalid arguments, and ambiguity warnings.
SYSFUNC for function-command bridge cases where scalar function entry overlaps command-like syntax.
HELP_COMMANDS and generated command pages as draft evidence lanes that require dedupe, alias, and slug-collision review.

Temporary evidence is acceptable only when marked as temporary and crosswalked to future META feeders.

Slow-lane canary tracking names

The slow-lane review tracks these canaries by exact name. These names are review anchors, not final user-facing prose.

AGGS internal family owner exposure
SET family canonicalization deferred
command function bridge preserves scalar entry
generated command pages duplicates aliases slug collisions
SYSCMD SYSSUBCMD SYSENTVAR sparse feeder alignment
HELP CMDHELPCHK not runtime source authority
parser dispatch handler visibility display reach evidence
aliases variants subcommands canonical commands not collapsed
public command surface separated from internal scaffolding
command reference generation no delete rewrite

These anchors preserve the canaries that the prose discusses in ordinary language. They should remain until the section is promoted through evidence review.

Review notes before PIP-003

This is a slow-lane section. Before generic PIP-003 is allowed to create a reviewed-candidate path, an MDO slow-lane evidence review should check:

all required tokens are represented or intentionally excluded;
generated command pages are treated as draft evidence;
public command surface is separated from internal owner/family scaffolding;
AGGS is not promoted as public command surface without explicit acceptance;
SET-family canonicalization remains deferred;
function bridge behavior preserves scalar entry while respecting command ownership;
generated command pages with duplicates, aliases, and slug collisions remain draft evidence;
SYSCMD, SYSSUBCMD, and SYSENTVAR are included as feeders even if sparse;
HELP and CMDHELPCHK are not treated as runtime/source authority;
parser dispatch, handlers, public visibility, and display reach remain evidence-gated;
aliases, variants, subcommands, and canonical commands are not collapsed without review;
command reference generation does not delete or rewrite generated command pages.

Recommended required tokens for later PIP-003:

COMMANDS
SYSCMD
SYSSUBCMD
SYSENTVAR
CMDKEY
CAN_NAME
QUAL_NAME
TOKEN
HANDLER
VIS
PUB_SURF
DISP_REACH
HELP
CMDHELPCHK
parser
dispatch
handler
command surface
entry variant
alias
subcommand
canonical command
AGGS
SET family
FUNCTION bridge

Boundary

prose draft fill only
slow-lane review still required
no reviewed candidate generated
no final prose promotion
no generated command page deletion
no HELP mutation
no META mutation
no CMDHELPCHK mutation
no catalog apply
no source edits
no production SelfDoc metadata promotion

Expressions, Querying, and Aggregates

Pippets used:

PIP-001 Target Selection
MDO-151 Target Selection
MDO-152 Draft Fill

Evidence boundary:

Runtime proves behavior.
Source defines implementation and subsystem ownership.
HELP explains.
Metadata organizes.
CMDHELPCHK validates.
SelfDoc preserves provenance.
Manualgen assembles.

Slow-lane warning:

This section touches known command/function and parser canaries.
Do not send this directly to generic PIP-003.
Run a slow-lane expression/function/aggregate review first.

Evidence tokens under review:

CALC
CALCWRITE
WHERE
FOR
LOCATE
CONTINUE
SCAN
COUNT
SUM
AVG
MIN
MAX
AGGS
FUNCTION
FUNCTIONS
PREDICATES
MIN()
MAX()
xexpr
DELETED
NOT DELETED
!DELETED

Draft notes:

This is conservative manual prose for slow-lane evidence review.
Generated command draft pages remain draft evidence, not final command prose.
xexpr owns expression evaluation surfaces unless current source proves a narrower owner for a specific path.
SYSFUNC is a future semantic feeder even if current seeding is sparse.
Scalar function forms and aggregate command forms must remain separate until runtime/source evidence closes the ambiguity.
AGGS is treated as internal/family-owner evidence unless explicitly accepted as a user-facing command surface.

Purpose of this section

This section explains expression evaluation, predicates, query filters, aggregate commands, and function surfaces in DotTalk++.

It follows Navigation and Indexing because those sections establish record movement, search context, active order, tags, projection, and relation boundaries. Expressions sit beneath many of those surfaces. Predicates decide which records are considered. Aggregate commands summarize values across records. Function calls support scalar calculation, command-line function applications, and calculated command behavior.

The goal is not to publish a final function reference. The goal is to establish safe developer-manual prose that preserves the boundaries between expression evaluation, command parsing, predicate filtering, aggregate traversal, scalar functions, and future metadata feeders.

Evidence lanes

This draft uses several evidence lanes.

Current DotTalk evidence lane:

CALC
CALCWRITE
WHERE
FOR
LOCATE
CONTINUE
SCAN
COUNT
SUM
AVG
MIN
MAX
AGGS
FUNCTION
FUNCTIONS
PREDICATES
MIN()
MAX()
xexpr
DELETED
NOT DELETED
!DELETED

Generated command-reference lane:

Generated command pages may identify draft command evidence.
They are not final prose and should not be quoted as final command authority.
AGGS and MIN/MAX require extra review because generated pages can expose implementation or family-owner concepts that may not be intended as public command surface.

Runtime evidence lane:

Runtime examples have shown direct aggregate verbs SUM, AVG, MIN, and MAX working against an open table.
Runtime examples have shown WHERE and FOR producing matching aggregate results in tested cases.
Runtime examples have shown deleted-record filters affecting aggregate outputs in tested cases.
Runtime examples have shown command-line function application behavior for functions such as UPPER and LEFT.
Runtime examples have shown MIN/MAX parser ambiguity that must remain canary-sensitive.

Concept lane:

An expression computes a value.
A predicate is an expression used as a true/false condition.
A query filter selects records.
An aggregate command computes a result across records.
A scalar function computes a result from arguments.
A command parser may route command-like input differently from expression-function input.

Compatibility lane:

xBase/FoxPro lineage can explain vocabulary, but compatibility evidence must not be promoted as current DotTalk behavior without runtime proof.
Function names that overlap with command verbs are especially compatibility-sensitive.

Future META feeder lane:

SYSFUNC should eventually carry canonical function identity, display name, category, argument range, handler, CALC_CALL, PUB_SURF, SELF_REG, MSG_CAT, and active status.
SYSARGS should eventually carry function and command argument shapes, required/repeatable flags, predicate shapes, deleted filters, and expression values.
SYSCMD should eventually carry command identity for COUNT, SUM, AVG, MIN, MAX, CALC, CALCWRITE, LOCATE, CONTINUE, SCAN, and related command surfaces.
SYSSUBCMD should eventually carry aggregate-family or predicate-related subcommands if the command model keeps subcommand ownership.
SYSENTVAR should eventually carry command/function variants, aliases, and app-style function entry points after seed hygiene review.
SYSHELP should eventually carry curated/generated help text for functions, predicates, aggregate commands, and expression concepts.
SYSMSG should eventually carry expression errors, nonnumeric aggregate values, no-active-table messages, not-found messages, deleted-filter outcomes, and parser ambiguity warnings.

Expression evaluation surfaces

Expression evaluation is shared infrastructure. The manual should treat xexpr as the expression engine unless current source evidence proves otherwise for a specific path.

Expression surfaces include:

CALC
CALCWRITE
command arguments that accept value expressions
predicates in WHERE or FOR style clauses
function calls
calculated values used by aggregate commands

The developer manual should make a distinction between expression syntax and command syntax. A command may accept an expression, but that does not make the command itself the expression engine.

CALC and CALCWRITE

CALC and CALCWRITE are expression-oriented command surfaces. They are useful places to explain evaluated expressions without requiring table traversal.

Safe wording:

CALC evaluates an expression and displays or returns the result according to its command contract.
CALCWRITE evaluates and writes or displays according to its command contract.
Exact output behavior should be verified with HELP and runtime evidence before final wording.

These commands are natural cross-references for function help and the xexpr engine.

Predicates, WHERE, and FOR

A predicate is an expression used as a condition. WHERE and FOR are predicate-bearing clauses or surfaces.

Safe wording:

WHERE and FOR can restrict which records participate in a command where supported.
Runtime evidence has shown matching aggregate results for equivalent WHERE and FOR predicates in tested aggregate cases.
This equivalence should not be generalized across all commands without evidence.

The manual should not imply that WHERE and FOR are always identical. It should say that they can serve related predicate-filter roles and that each command surface must be checked.

LOCATE, CONTINUE, and SCAN

LOCATE, CONTINUE, and SCAN connect predicates with traversal.

Safe distinctions:

LOCATE searches for records matching a condition.
CONTINUE resumes a prior locate-style search where supported.
SCAN iterates over records and may use predicate or scope rules depending on command syntax.

These commands connect this section with Navigation and Indexing:

Navigation owns movement and current record context.
Indexing owns active order and tag-sensitive traversal context.
Expressions own predicate evaluation.
Commands own their own syntax and side effects.

COUNT and aggregate commands

COUNT, SUM, AVG, MIN, and MAX belong to aggregate command discussion when they operate across records.

Safe aggregate wording:

COUNT counts records or matched records according to command syntax and scope.
SUM computes a total for a numeric expression across records.
AVG computes an average for a numeric expression across records.
MIN and MAX compute minimum and maximum aggregate results where command syntax and runtime support them.

The final manual should attach runtime proof for each command surface before claiming exact syntax, deleted-record behavior, or null/empty-set behavior.

Direct aggregate verbs and AGGS

Direct aggregate verbs should be treated as the user-facing command surface where runtime and HELP evidence support them:

AGGS should be treated carefully. Current doctrine is:

AGGS is intended as an owner/internal grouping for aggregate verbs.
AGGS being executable or printing usage may be debug/scaffold leakage unless explicitly accepted.
Generated command pages for AGGS are draft evidence, not final public-surface proof.

The manual should explain aggregate family ownership without accidentally publishing an internal owner as a user command.

Scalar functions versus aggregate commands

MIN and MAX are the important canary.

There are two concepts:

scalar function form: MIN() or MAX() as a function over supplied arguments;
aggregate command form: MIN <value_expr> or MAX <value_expr> over records.

These must not be collapsed.

Known runtime canary:

command-style input has shown MIN/MAX aggregate behavior.
function-app and command-line function bridging exists for functions such as UPPER and LEFT.
MIN(2,1) versus MIN 2,1 parser behavior must remain canary-sensitive until current runtime/source evidence closes it.

The manual should preserve the ambiguity:

MIN/MAX aggregate commands are command surfaces.
MIN()/MAX() scalar functions are function surfaces if current function registry/runtime evidence confirms them.
Parser dispatch and command/function shadowing must be documented carefully.

Function command-line bridge

DotTalk++ allows some function/app forms to be used directly from the command line.

Examples in prior runtime notes include:

UPPER with a string-like value
LEFT with a value and length argument

This is important because function names may appear command-like when typed at the prompt. The manual should explain that some command-line input can bridge into scalar/function-app evaluation.

However, the bridge must not override command ownership:

A direct command verb may own a word such as MIN or MAX.
A scalar function may also exist with the same name.
The parser/dispatcher decides which surface receives the input.

Deleted-record filters

Aggregate commands may support deleted-record filters.

Evidence-sensitive filter vocabulary:

DELETED
NOT DELETED
!DELETED

Safe wording:

Deleted-record filters may affect which records participate in aggregate results where supported.
Runtime evidence has shown DELETED returning empty/null-like aggregate behavior in tested cases and NOT DELETED matching full nondeleted results in tested cases.
Exact behavior must be verified per command, expression type, and data state.

The manual should not generalize deleted-record behavior beyond tested aggregate surfaces without proof.

Proof boundary:

deleted-record aggregate filters are proof-aware.
DELETED, NOT DELETED, and !DELETED should not be generalized beyond tested aggregate surfaces.
Final wording must remain tied to command, expression type, and data-state evidence.

Error and null behavior

Aggregate and expression commands can produce errors or null-like results.

Examples needing proof-aware wording:

nonnumeric expression supplied to a numeric aggregate;
character expression supplied to AVG;
unknown field or expression;
empty or deleted-only record sets;
no active table;
invalid function argument count.

SYSMSG is the intended future feeder for error symbols, severity, short text, suggested actions, and implementation status.

HELP FUNCTIONS and FUNCTION help

HELP FUNCTIONS and HELP FUNCTION should be included as user-facing discovery surfaces for expression functions.

The manual should distinguish:

command help for command verbs;
function help for expression functions;
generated command draft pages;
future SYSFUNC metadata.

SYSFUNC is important even when sparsely seeded because it is the future semantic feeder for canonical function identity, argument ranges, handlers, public surface status, and message-catalog alignment.

Slow-lane canary tracking names

The slow-lane review tracks these canaries by exact name. These names are review anchors, not final user-facing prose.

MIN/MAX scalar function versus aggregate command ambiguity
AGGS internal family owner exposure
direct aggregate verbs versus scalar function forms
command parser function bridge
WHERE FOR predicate equivalence
DELETED NOT DELETED !DELETED aggregate filters
xexpr owns expression evaluation surfaces
HELP FUNCTIONS FUNCTION name SYSFUNC future feeder
generated command pages draft evidence
MIN(2,1) versus MIN 2,1 parser behavior

These anchors preserve the canaries that the prose discusses in ordinary language. They should remain until the section is promoted through evidence review.

Future META alignment

This section should eventually align with the metadata system.

Expected future feeders:

SYSFUNC for canonical function identity, display name, category, argument range, implementation status, visibility tier, owner, source authority, source file, handler, CALC_CALL, PUB_SURF, SELF_REG, MSG_CAT, active status, and notes.
SYSARGS for function and command argument shapes, predicates, deleted filters, repeatable arguments, and required values.
SYSCMD for command identity and handler alignment for CALC, CALCWRITE, COUNT, SUM, AVG, MIN, MAX, LOCATE, CONTINUE, and SCAN.
SYSSUBCMD for aggregate-family or predicate-related subcommands if those are modeled as subcommands.
SYSENTVAR for variants, aliases, and command-line function-app entry points after seed hygiene review.
SYSHELP for generated and curated help text connected to command and function owners.
SYSMSG for expression, aggregate, predicate, and parser diagnostics.

Temporary evidence is acceptable only when marked as temporary and crosswalked to future META feeders.

Review notes before PIP-003

This is a slow-lane section. Before generic PIP-003 is allowed to create a reviewed-candidate path, an MDO slow-lane evidence review should check:

all required tokens are represented or intentionally excluded;
generated command pages are treated as draft evidence;
AGGS is not promoted as a public user command without explicit acceptance;
MIN/MAX scalar function and aggregate command forms are separated;
function-command bridge behavior is described conservatively;
WHERE and FOR equivalence is evidence-gated;
deleted-record filters are proof-aware;
xexpr ownership is preserved;
HELP FUNCTIONS, HELP FUNCTION , and SYSFUNC future feeder notes are present;
compatibility evidence is not presented as runtime proof;
parser ambiguity remains visible.

Recommended required tokens for later PIP-003:

CALC
CALCWRITE
WHERE
FOR
LOCATE
CONTINUE
SCAN
COUNT
SUM
AVG
MIN
MAX
AGGS
FUNCTION
FUNCTIONS
PREDICATES
MIN()
MAX()
xexpr
DELETED
NOT DELETED
!DELETED

Boundary

prose draft fill only
slow-lane review still required
no reviewed candidate generated
no final prose promotion
no generated command page deletion
no HELP mutation
no META mutation
no CMDHELPCHK mutation
no catalog apply
no source edits
no production SelfDoc metadata promotion

Indexing, Tags, Relations, and Views

Pippets used:

PIP-001 Target Selection
MDO-143 Target Selection
MDO-144 Draft Fill

Evidence boundary:

Runtime proves behavior.
Source defines implementation and subsystem ownership.
HELP explains.
Metadata organizes.
CMDHELPCHK validates.
SelfDoc preserves provenance.
Manualgen assembles.

Slow-lane warning:

This section touches known canaries.
Do not send this directly to promotion review.
Run a canary-aware evidence review before PIP-003 is allowed to produce a reviewed candidate.

Evidence tokens under review:

INDEX
REINDEX
REBUILD
SET ORDER
SET INDEX
ASCEND
DESCEND
SEEK
FIND
CNX
CDX
LMDB
BUILDLMDB
REL
RELATIONS
ERSATZ
VIEW

Draft notes:

This is conservative manual prose for slow-lane evidence review.
Generated command draft pages remain draft evidence, not final command reference prose.
The section preserves the distinction between logical/user-facing abstractions and physical backend details.
CDX/CNX language should be reviewed against current implementation and HELP/META evidence before final wording.
SET-family canonicalization remains deferred unless separately repaired or accepted.
Relations, tuple traversal, browser rendering, and views must not be collapsed into one ownership model.

Purpose of this section

This section explains the concepts that control ordered traversal, indexed lookup, relation-aware traversal, and view/projection terminology in DotTalk++.

It follows Navigation, Browsing, and Search because that section deliberately deferred index-specific and relation-specific behavior. Navigation can say that traversal and search may depend on context. This section explains the important context: active order, tags, logical index surfaces, physical backend boundaries, relations, and views.

The goal is not to publish a final index command reference. The goal is to establish safe developer-manual prose that keeps ownership boundaries visible and prevents logical abstractions from being confused with physical backends.

Evidence lanes

This draft uses several evidence lanes.

Current DotTalk evidence lane:

INDEX
REINDEX
REBUILD
SET ORDER
SET INDEX
ASCEND
DESCEND
SEEK
FIND
CNX
CDX
LMDB
BUILDLMDB
REL
RELATIONS
ERSATZ
VIEW

Generated command-reference lane:

Generated command pages may identify available draft command evidence.
They are not final prose and should not be quoted as final manual authority.
Duplicate commands, aliases, slug collisions, and SET-family canonicalization still require command-reference review.

Concept lane:

Indexing provides ordered or keyed access paths.
Tags name or select logical orders.
Active order affects traversal and key-style search where supported.
Relations connect areas or tables through traversal rules.
Views and browser output are projection surfaces unless proven otherwise.

Compatibility lane:

xBase/FoxPro lineage can explain vocabulary, but compatibility material must not be promoted as current DotTalk behavior without runtime proof.
SET-family commands are especially compatibility-sensitive.

Future META feeder lane:

SYSCMD should eventually carry command identity and handler alignment.
SYSSUBCMD should eventually carry SET ORDER, SET INDEX, REL, and related subcommand identity.
SYSENTVAR should eventually carry aliases, variants, and shortcut spellings after seed hygiene review.
SYSARGS should eventually carry tag names, key expressions, relation/view arguments, and rebuild options.
SYSMSG should eventually carry missing tag, order not found, backend build, relation warning, and rebuild diagnostics.
SYSHELP should eventually carry curated/generated concept help for indexes, tags, relations, views, and traversal.

Indexing vocabulary

Indexing vocabulary needs careful separation.

A user may think about indexes as a way to find records faster or view records in a useful order. A developer manual should be more precise: an index or order is a traversal/access structure that can influence how commands move through or locate records.

Important terms:

index: a structure or command surface associated with ordered/keyed access.
order: the currently selected traversal order where supported.
tag: a named logical order within a multi-tag abstraction.
rebuild/reindex: operations that refresh or rebuild index structures.
key expression: the value or expression used to derive ordered/keyed lookup behavior.

The section should avoid claiming that every navigation or search command always uses an index. That behavior must be proven per command and context.

Open index architecture note

The indexing lane is intentionally open enough to teach and inspect.

That means the manual should preserve the distinction between:

canonical runtime indexing surfaces such as CNX, CDX, active order, and rebuild paths
physical backend boundaries such as LMDB for x64 storage
educational or lab-facing index experiments such as INX, SCX, or SIX

The important manual rule is not to flatten those families into one generic word. They overlap conceptually, but they do not all serve the same role.

Logical order and active order

The active order is a current traversal context. It may affect display, movement, and search behavior depending on the command path.

A safe explanation is:

table state has a current record position;
ordered traversal may change the sequence in which records are visited;
commands such as LIST can expose the actual traversal order;
key-style commands such as SEEK or FIND may depend on active order or key context where supported.

Known canary:

Reported active order must agree with actual traversal order before an order path is marked proven.
A command saying an order is active is not enough. LIST, SEEK, rebuild, and runtime smoke evidence must agree.

Ownership reminder

Index systems own:

tag metadata
active-order semantics
rebuild and verification semantics
attach/open behavior

Projection layers such as LIST, BROWSE, ERSATZ, GUI, and TUI may reveal ordered traversal, but they do not own index truth. They are evidence surfaces, not index authorities.

Tags and tag availability

A tag names a logical order. In a multi-tag model, selecting a tag should select a user-facing logical order.

This section should preserve this rule:

tag availability and reported active tag must be verified against actual traversal behavior.

Known proof-sensitive case:

A tag may be reported as selected before it is actually available or rebuilt.
After rebuild, traversal may become consistent.
This should remain a canary until runtime proof closes it.

Do not hide this from developer documentation. The manual may keep user-facing prose simple, but the Developer Manual must preserve the proof boundary.

CDX, CNX, and LMDB boundary

The preferred doctrine is:

CDX/CNX are logical or user-facing index abstractions.
LMDB is a physical backend and should remain hidden from ordinary command-surface prose unless the section is explicitly backend/developer-facing.

This does not mean LMDB is unimportant. It means ordinary command documentation should avoid making users think they are operating directly on the physical backend when they are really selecting orders, tags, or logical index structures.

Developer-facing prose may explain:

the logical abstraction seen by commands;
the physical backend used internally;
where the backend boundary must not leak into public command vocabulary.

This boundary should be reviewed against current source and HELP/META evidence before final manual promotion.

SET-family boundary and canonicalization canary

SET-family commands are known to require careful canonicalization.

The section may mention:

SET ORDER
SET INDEX
SET-family command surfaces
the need to distinguish aliases, variants, and canonical commands

But it should not resolve canonicalization casually.

Known canary:

SET-family canonicalization remains deferred.
Generated command-reference pages for SET-family items should remain draft evidence until canonicalization is repaired or explicitly accepted.

Manual rule:

Keep SET-family wording conservative.
Do not treat duplicate or variant generated command pages as final canonical command identity.

SEEK and FIND active-order boundary

Navigation, Browsing, and Search introduced SEEK and FIND as search vocabulary but deferred index-specific behavior. This section owns the active-order boundary for those commands.

A safe statement is:

SEEK and FIND are key-style search commands whose exact behavior may depend on active order, tag, or index context.
The final manual should attach runtime proof before claiming exact behavior.
If a command falls back to physical order, reports active order incorrectly, or requires rebuild first, that must remain visible as a canary.

This section should not collapse SEEK/FIND with LOCATE. LOCATE is more naturally predicate-oriented and belongs with expression/predicate search behavior, even if it appears in navigation prose.

Reindexing and rebuild behavior

REINDEX, REBUILD, and BUILDLMDB touch refresh/build behavior.

A conservative explanation is:

rebuild/reindex commands update index or backend structures;
their exact scope and backend effects must be verified by command evidence;
public-facing wording should focus on refreshing logical orders or tags;
backend-specific wording belongs in developer/backend notes.

Known risk:

BUILDLMDB and LMDB terminology can pull physical storage details into user-facing prose.
Keep public/user wording logical unless a developer/backend section explicitly opens the physical layer.

Relations and relation traversal

Relations connect work areas or tables so that a parent context can lead to related child records.

This section should explain relation traversal without making browser output the owner of relation semantics.

Ownership rule:

relation subsystem owns relation definitions and traversal intent;
tuple infrastructure owns relation-aware row projection;
browser and ERSATZ surfaces render or navigate projected relation state;
workspace/session systems own restored area and relation context.

This section can cross-reference the Workspaces and Tuple sections rather than fully restating them.

Known proof:

MCC/x32 relation paths and ERSATZ browser output have provided useful runtime evidence.
x64 workspace/ERSATZ load reporting remains canary-sensitive.

Views and projection boundary

The word view is dangerous because it can mean a saved query, a projection, a browser surface, or a conceptual display. The manual should not assume one meaning until HELP/META/source evidence classifies the actual command surface.

Safe language:

a view/projection presents selected or arranged data;
projection is not storage ownership;
relation-aware projection is not the same as relation definition;
browser output is not the same as table or relation ownership.

This section should preserve that ambiguity until the command-reference and source evidence clarify VIEW and related surfaces.

ERSATZ and browser caution

ERSATZ and relation-aware browser output are valuable evidence surfaces, but they are path-specific.

Known cautions:

plain ERSATZ/no-arg paths and MCC/x32 relation browser paths have useful proof value;
ERSATZ GRID was previously deferred because its snapshot branch did not preserve the same complete BrowserSnapshot;
browser output may be usable even when workspace load reporting is noisy;
projection output should not be promoted to semantic ownership.

Use ERSATZ evidence to explain what can be seen. Do not use it alone to prove every underlying workspace/relation/load behavior.

Known canaries

This section must keep the following canaries visible:

SET-family canonicalization is deferred.
SET ORDER and active tag reporting must agree with actual traversal before order behavior is marked proven.
CDX/CNX must remain logical/user-facing abstractions unless developer/backend context is explicit.
LMDB is a physical backend and should not leak into ordinary command-surface prose.
SEEK/FIND active-order behavior requires runtime proof.
Generated command pages remain draft evidence.
Relations, tuple traversal, browser rendering, and views require separate ownership language.
ERSATZ/browser evidence is path-specific.
x64 workspace/ERSATZ load reporting remains canary-sensitive.

Slow-lane canary tracking names

The slow-lane review tracks these canaries by exact name. These names are review anchors, not final user-facing prose.

SET-family canonicalization
SET ORDER active tag reporting
CDX/CNX logical abstraction
LMDB physical backend boundary
SEEK/FIND active order dependency
relation tuple browser ownership
ERSATZ path-specific evidence
x64 workspace ERSATZ load reporting

These anchors preserve the canaries that the prose already discusses in ordinary language. They should remain until the section is promoted through evidence review.

Future META alignment

This section should eventually align with the metadata system.

Expected future feeders:

SYSCMD for command identity and handler mapping.
SYSSUBCMD for SET ORDER, SET INDEX, REL, and other subcommand identity.
SYSENTVAR for aliases, variants, and shortcuts after seed hygiene review.
SYSARGS for tag names, key expressions, relation names, view arguments, rebuild flags, and backend options.
SYSMSG for diagnostics about missing tags, unavailable orders, not-found search results, relation warnings, backend build failures, and rebuild results.
SYSHELP for curated/generated concept help about indexing, tags, relations, views, and traversal.

Temporary evidence is acceptable only when marked as temporary and crosswalked to future META feeders.

Review notes before PIP-003

This is a slow-lane section. Before generic PIP-003 is allowed to create a reviewed-candidate path, an MDO slow-lane evidence review should check:

no placeholder markers remain;
all required tokens are represented or intentionally excluded;
generated command pages are treated as draft evidence;
SET-family canonicalization is not resolved by prose alone;
CDX/CNX/LMDB boundary is preserved;
SEEK/FIND behavior is not overclaimed;
relation, tuple, browser, and view ownership are not collapsed;
canaries are present and explicit;
future META feeders are named;
no compatibility evidence is presented as runtime proof;
no backend implementation detail is accidentally promoted into user command prose.

Recommended required tokens for later PIP-003:

INDEX
REINDEX
REBUILD
SET ORDER
SET INDEX
ASCEND
DESCEND
SEEK
FIND
CNX
CDX
LMDB
BUILDLMDB
REL
RELATIONS
ERSATZ
VIEW

Boundary

prose draft fill only
slow-lane review still required
no reviewed candidate generated
no final prose promotion
no generated command page deletion
no HELP mutation
no META mutation
no CMDHELPCHK mutation
no catalog apply
no source edits
no production SelfDoc metadata promotion

Messages, Errors, and Diagnostics

Pippets used:

PIP-001 Target Selection
MDO-159 Target Selection
MDO-160 Draft Fill

Evidence boundary:

Runtime proves behavior.
Source defines implementation and subsystem ownership.
HELP explains.
Metadata organizes.
CMDHELPCHK validates.
SelfDoc preserves provenance.
Manualgen assembles.

Slow-lane warning:

This section touches message-catalog, HELP, metadata, validation, and runtime-reporting boundaries.
Do not send this directly to generic PIP-003.
Run a slow-lane message/diagnostic review first.

Evidence tokens under review:

SYSMSG
SYSTEM_MESSAGES
MSG_ID
SYMBOL
ENUM_NAME
SEVERITY
FACILITY
SHORT_TXT
SUG_ACT
HELP
HELP GIANT
CMDHELPCHK
WARNING
ERROR
STATUS
SHARED_MSG
diagnostic
message catalog
typed message
parser warning
nonnumeric aggregate
no active table
not found

Draft notes:

This is conservative manual prose for slow-lane evidence review.
Generated command draft pages remain draft evidence, not final command prose.
SYSMSG is preserved as a future typed message feeder even if current metadata seeding is sparse.
SYSTEM_MESSAGES may represent an older or alternate long-form metadata schema and must be crosswalked carefully.
HELP explains and CMDHELPCHK validates; neither should be treated as runtime proof.
Message catalog doctrine must not mutate HELP, META, CMDHELPCHK, catalogs, source, or runtime data during manual draft assembly.

Purpose of this section

This section explains how DotTalk++ developer documentation should treat messages, errors, warnings, statuses, diagnostics, and future typed message catalog work.

It follows the expression and aggregate section because that section introduced several diagnostic-heavy cases: nonnumeric aggregate values, parser ambiguity, empty or deleted-only aggregate inputs, no-active-table conditions, not-found outcomes, and expression/function argument errors. Those cases need a shared diagnostic vocabulary before the manual expands deeper into command families and subsystem behavior.

The goal is not to claim that the full typed messaging system is already complete. The goal is to preserve the intended direction while keeping current proof boundaries visible.

Evidence lanes

This draft uses several evidence lanes.

Current HELP evidence lane:

HELP
HELP GIANT
HELP_LINE
HELP_ARTIFACTS
WARNING rows
ERROR rows
STATUS rows
SHARED_MSG rows

Current metadata evidence lane:

SYSMSG
SYSTEM_MESSAGES
SYSHELP
SYSCMD
SYSSUBCMD
SYSFUNC
SYSARGS
SYSENTVAR

Diagnostic concept lane:

message
diagnostic
warning
error
status
trace
log
test output
parser warning
message catalog
typed message

Runtime/source proof lane:

parser warnings require runtime/source evidence;
expression errors require runtime/source evidence;
aggregate errors require runtime/source evidence;
no-active-table messages require runtime/source evidence;
not-found messages require runtime/source evidence.

Future catalog lane:

the messaging layer should become the single typed, catalog-backed reporting path;
current coverage must be verified before final manual claims;
sparse metadata seeding is a future feeder, not a reason to ignore the lane.

Authority boundaries

The same doctrine applies here:

Runtime proves behavior.
Source defines implementation and subsystem ownership.
HELP explains behavior and command surface intent.
Metadata organizes identity, ownership, argument shapes, help text, and message catalog alignment.
CMDHELPCHK validates HELP/catalog consistency.
SelfDoc preserves provenance.
Manualgen assembles.

This section must be careful because HELP and diagnostics are tempting to treat as proof. HELP output can explain intended or cataloged behavior, but it does not by itself prove runtime execution. CMDHELPCHK can validate consistency, but it does not by itself prove runtime behavior either.

Message vocabulary

The manual should not collapse every output line into the same kind of message.

Useful distinctions:

A message is a reported unit of text or structured information.
A diagnostic explains a condition that may require interpretation or action.
A warning reports a risk or questionable condition.
An error reports a failed operation or invalid condition.
A status reports state or completion information.
A trace reports internal execution evidence.
A log records events for later inspection.
A test result reports expected versus observed behavior.
HELP text explains usage, concepts, warnings, examples, and reference material.
A catalog row organizes message identity and metadata.

These categories may overlap in implementation, but the manual should not collapse them until source and metadata evidence prove the ownership model.

Typed message catalog direction

The project direction is that the messaging layer should become the single typed, catalog-backed reporting path for:

commands;
errors;
help text;
syntax issues;
warnings;
traces;
UI/status messages;
logs;
tests;
HELP validation;
upper-layer metadata reporting and collection.

This is directionally important, but not automatically complete. The manual should say:

intended direction: typed, catalog-backed reporting;
current proof: must be verified by source, runtime, HELP, and metadata evidence;
draft boundary: no HELP/META/CMDHELPCHK/catalog/source/runtime mutation during manual assembly.

SYSMSG and SYSTEM_MESSAGES

SYSMSG is the compact/current metadata feeder identified for message catalog work. Its fields include message identity and message metadata such as:

MSG_ID
SYMBOL
ENUM_NAME
SEVERITY
FACILITY
SHORT_TXT
IMPL_STAT
VIS_TIER
OWNER
SRC_AUTH
SRC_FILE
PUB_SURF
USED_RUN
ACTIVE
VER_AT
SUG_ACT
NOTES

SYSTEM_MESSAGES appears in earlier or alternate metadata material as a long-form schema name. It should not be assumed identical to SYSMSG without a crosswalk.

Safe wording:

SYSMSG is the current compact future feeder for message metadata where seeded and verified.
SYSTEM_MESSAGES may be legacy or alternate long-form metadata evidence.
The manual should crosswalk them carefully before treating them as one authority.

HELP rows as diagnostic evidence

HELP GIANT and HELP tables provide useful evidence for diagnostic text and categories.

Evidence examples:

WARNING rows;
ERROR rows;
STATUS rows;
SHARED_MSG rows;
SOURCE_FACT rows;
HELP_LINE records;
HELP_ARTIFACTS records.

But HELP rows are explanation/catalog evidence, not runtime proof. A WARNING row in HELP means the help system has a warning artifact; it does not prove the runtime command currently emits that warning.

SHARED_MSG caution

SHARED_MSG rows are useful because they suggest text or messages shared across HELP or command surfaces.

Safe wording:

SHARED_MSG rows are evidence.
They may be sparse.
They should not be treated as complete message catalog coverage.
They should be crosswalked to SYSMSG/SYSTEM_MESSAGES and source/runtime evidence before final implementation claims.

CMDHELPCHK role

CMDHELPCHK validates HELP/catalog consistency. It is a validator and system contract checker, not just documentation.

Safe wording:

CMDHELPCHK can identify gaps, inconsistencies, or contract drift.
CMDHELPCHK supports manual assembly by checking HELP/catalog alignment.
CMDHELPCHK does not replace runtime proof.
CMDHELPCHK does not replace source ownership.

This matters because manual assembly can use HELP/META/CMDHELPCHK-first workflow, but truth authority remains runtime/source/HELP/metadata/CMDHELPCHK according to their roles.

Runtime diagnostic examples

Expressions and aggregates introduced diagnostic examples that should eventually map into message evidence:

nonnumeric aggregate expression;
character expression used with AVG;
empty or deleted-only aggregate input;
invalid field or expression;
parser ambiguity between command and function form;
no active table;
not found;
unsupported command syntax;
missing argument;
invalid argument count.

This draft does not claim all of those are cataloged today. It says they are natural future candidates for SYSMSG and source/runtime review.

Severity vocabulary

Severity vocabulary must not be invented.

Possible severity words include:

ERROR
WARNING
STATUS
INFO
TRACE
DEBUG

But final wording should only claim severity categories when evidence supports them through SYSMSG, HELP, source, or runtime behavior. The draft should avoid inventing a complete severity taxonomy.

Parser warnings and syntax diagnostics

Parser warnings and syntax diagnostics are important because command-line behavior can bridge commands and functions. Examples include:

command/function ambiguity;
unknown command;
missing argument;
unsupported syntax;
scalar function form versus aggregate command form.

The expressions section preserved MIN/MAX parser ambiguity. This diagnostics section should explain that such cases need typed messages or at least consistent diagnostic reporting, but it should not claim the final routing is complete without source/runtime proof.

No-active-table and not-found messages

No-active-table and not-found messages are common diagnostic candidates.

They should be handled conservatively:

no-active-table behavior depends on command context;
not-found behavior depends on search command, index/order context, and runtime state;
exact wording and severity need runtime/source evidence;
future SYSMSG rows should eventually organize the message identities.

Message catalog and HELP alignment

Message catalog work should eventually align:

SYSMSG message identity;
HELP text;
command/function ownership;
argument validation;
runtime emission;
CMDHELPCHK validation;
SelfDoc provenance.

This section should preserve that alignment goal but avoid claiming it is finished.

Slow-lane canary tracking names

The slow-lane review tracks these canaries by exact name. These names are review anchors, not final user-facing prose.

typed catalog-backed reporting path coverage
HELP CMDHELPCHK not runtime proof
SYSMSG SYSTEM_MESSAGES schema variation
SHARED_MSG sparse evidence
parser expression aggregate no-active-table not-found runtime evidence
diagnostics warnings errors statuses traces logs tests help catalog distinction
SYSMSG future feeder sparse seed
no mutation during manual message catalog draft assembly
severity vocabulary not invented
typed-message ownership future catalog alignment

These anchors preserve the canaries that the prose discusses in ordinary language. They should remain until the section is promoted through evidence review.

Future META alignment

This section should eventually align with the metadata system.

Expected future feeders:

SYSMSG for message identity, symbol, enum name, severity, facility, short text, implementation status, visibility tier, owner, source authority, source file, public surface flag, used-at-runtime flag, suggested action, notes, and active status.
SYSTEM_MESSAGES for legacy or alternate long-form message schema evidence that must be crosswalked carefully.
SYSHELP for help text connected to message owners, diagnostic concepts, generated text, and curated text.
SYSCMD for command owners that emit diagnostics.
SYSSUBCMD for subcommand diagnostic surfaces when command families own messages.
SYSFUNC for function-related diagnostics such as argument count, nonnumeric value, parser ambiguity, and calculation errors.
SYSARGS for arguments involved in diagnostic validation and error reporting.
SYSENTVAR for aliases or variants that may affect diagnostic routing.
HELP_LINE and HELP_ARTIFACTS as current HELP evidence lanes for WARNING, ERROR, STATUS, SHARED_MSG, and related text.

Temporary evidence is acceptable only when marked as temporary and crosswalked to future META feeders.

Review notes before PIP-003

This is a slow-lane section. Before generic PIP-003 is allowed to create a reviewed-candidate path, an MDO slow-lane evidence review should check:

all required tokens are represented or intentionally excluded;
generated command pages are treated as draft evidence;
HELP explains and CMDHELPCHK validates, but neither is presented as runtime proof;
SYSMSG and SYSTEM_MESSAGES are not collapsed casually;
SHARED_MSG is treated as sparse evidence;
diagnostic categories are separated;
severity vocabulary is not invented;
parser warnings and expression/aggregate diagnostics are runtime/source gated;
SYSMSG remains a future feeder even if sparse;
no manual draft work mutates HELP, META, CMDHELPCHK, catalogs, source, or runtime data.

Recommended required tokens for later PIP-003:

SYSMSG
SYSTEM_MESSAGES
MSG_ID
SYMBOL
ENUM_NAME
SEVERITY
FACILITY
SHORT_TXT
SUG_ACT
HELP
HELP GIANT
CMDHELPCHK
WARNING
ERROR
STATUS
SHARED_MSG
diagnostic
message catalog
typed message
parser warning
nonnumeric aggregate
no active table
not found

Boundary

prose draft fill only
slow-lane review still required
no reviewed candidate generated
no final prose promotion
no generated command page deletion
no HELP mutation
no META mutation
no CMDHELPCHK mutation
no catalog apply
no source edits
no production SelfDoc metadata promotion

HELP, Metadata, CMDHELPCHK, and Manualgen Alignment

Pippets used:

PIP-001 Target Selection
MDO-173 Target Selection
MDO-174 Draft Fill

Evidence boundary:

Runtime proves behavior.
Source defines implementation and subsystem ownership.
HELP explains.
Metadata organizes.
CMDHELPCHK validates.
SelfDoc preserves provenance.
Manualgen assembles.

Slow-lane warning:

This section touches truth authority doctrine, manual assembly workflow, HELP evidence, metadata evidence, CMDHELPCHK validation, SelfDoc provenance, source authority, and future feeder alignment.
Do not send this directly to generic PIP-003.
Run a slow-lane authority/alignment review first.

Evidence tokens under review:

HELP
HELP GIANT
HELP_LINE
HELP_ARTIFACTS
CMDHELP
CMDHELPCHK
META
metadata
SYSCMD
SYSSUBCMD
SYSENTVAR
SYSARGS
SYSHELP
SYSMSG
SYSFUNC
SOURCE
SOURCE_FACT
SelfDoc
manualgen
PIP
validator
crosswalk
report-only
truth authority
assembly workflow

Draft notes:

This is conservative manual prose for slow-lane evidence review.
HELP/META/CMDHELPCHK-first is a manual assembly workflow, not a replacement for truth authority.
Source remains implementation authority even when manualgen starts from HELP, metadata, and CMDHELPCHK.
Sparse metadata feeders are future alignment lanes, not dead ends.
Temporary evidence lanes must be labeled and crosswalked to future META feeders.
Manualgen and SelfDoc work remain report-only unless explicitly authorized to mutate production artifacts.

Purpose of this section

This section explains how the Developer Manual should align HELP, metadata, CMDHELPCHK, SelfDoc, and manualgen without confusing their roles.

It follows the command-surface section because recent sections repeatedly relied on the same evidence pattern. Manualgen has been reading HELP broadly, reading metadata semantically, validating with CMDHELPCHK, verifying with source, proving with runtime, and assembling manual sections. That is a useful assembly workflow. It is not a replacement for truth authority.

The goal of this section is to prevent drift. Readers should understand which evidence lane explains, which organizes, which validates, which proves, which defines implementation, and which assembles manual output.

Core doctrine

The manual should use this doctrine consistently:

Runtime proves behavior.
Source defines implementation and subsystem ownership.
HELP explains behavior, vocabulary, command usage, examples, and concepts.
Metadata organizes identity, ownership, arguments, variants, messages, and alignment.
CMDHELPCHK validates HELP/catalog consistency and detects drift.
SelfDoc preserves provenance and report-only evidence.
Manualgen assembles drafts, reviews, gates, and promoted draft workspaces.

The doctrine matters because each lane is useful but limited. HELP can be excellent explanatory evidence without proving runtime behavior. Metadata can organize a future target even when currently sparse. CMDHELPCHK can catch alignment drift without replacing runtime tests or source review.

Assembly workflow versus truth authority

Manual assembly can use a HELP/META/CMDHELPCHK-first workflow:

read HELP broadly;
read META semantically;
validate with CMDHELPCHK;
verify with source;
prove with runtime;
assemble with manuals.

That workflow is practical because HELP, metadata, and CMDHELPCHK give manualgen a wide map of the system. But it must not be described as the truth authority doctrine.

Truth authority remains role-separated:

runtime proves observed behavior;
source defines implementation and subsystem ownership;
HELP explains;
metadata organizes;
CMDHELPCHK validates.

Safe wording:

HELP/META/CMDHELPCHK-first is assembly order.
It is not authority order.
Source is not demoted to a sidecar outside implementation truth.
Runtime proof remains required for behavior claims.

HELP lane

HELP is one of the strongest manual assembly feeders.

Current HELP evidence may include:

HELP topics;
HELP GIANT output;
HELP_LINE rows;
HELP_ARTIFACTS rows;
CMDHELP artifacts;
generated HELP reports;
usage text;
warnings;
examples;
concept notes.

HELP explains the command surface and conceptual model. It can also expose vocabulary that manualgen should review.

Safe wording:

HELP explains.
HELP may reveal intended behavior or documented behavior.
HELP should not be treated as runtime proof.
HELP should be crosswalked to source, runtime, metadata, and CMDHELPCHK where claims matter.

Metadata lane

Metadata organizes the system.

Current and future metadata feeders include:

SYSCMD
SYSSUBCMD
SYSENTVAR
SYSARGS
SYSHELP
SYSMSG
SYSFUNC
SOURCE_FACT
HELP_LINE
HELP_ARTIFACTS

Metadata may be sparse, partially seeded, or split between older and newer schema forms. Sparse metadata is not a reason to ignore the lane. Sparse metadata should be labeled as a future alignment feeder until seeded and verified.

Safe wording:

Metadata organizes identity and relationships.
Metadata does not automatically prove runtime behavior.
Sparse metadata tables are future feeders, not dead ends.
Alternate metadata schemas should be crosswalked rather than collapsed casually.

CMDHELPCHK lane

CMDHELPCHK is a validator and system contract checker.

It can:

identify missing or inconsistent HELP rows;
compare command surfaces against HELP/catalog evidence;
report drift;
support manual assembly gates;
validate generated HELP and metadata alignment.

Safe wording:

CMDHELPCHK validates.
CMDHELPCHK can identify drift and gaps.
CMDHELPCHK does not prove runtime execution.
CMDHELPCHK does not replace source ownership.

SelfDoc lane

SelfDoc preserves provenance.

SelfDoc evidence includes:

source-comment contracts;
harvested source evidence;
report-only metadata staging;
provenance reports;
canary ledgers;
source/miner evidence;
manualgen run records;
savepoint journals.

SelfDoc should keep evidence visible and traceable. It should not silently mutate production HELP, metadata, CMDHELPCHK, catalogs, source, or runtime data during draft assembly.

Safe wording:

SelfDoc preserves provenance.
SelfDoc defaults to report-only.
SelfDoc can identify evidence and drift.
SelfDoc changes to production artifacts require explicit authorization.

Manualgen lane

Manualgen assembles.

Manualgen creates:

draft prose;
reviewed candidates;
promoted draft workspaces;
pippet run records;
summary reports;
gate reports;
savepoint records;
package bundles.

Manualgen does not publish final manuals by itself. Promoted draft workspaces are still draft workspaces unless final publication is explicitly authorized.

Safe wording:

Manualgen assembles.
Manualgen gates and records decisions.
Manualgen does not mutate HELP, META, CMDHELPCHK, catalogs, source, or runtime data during manual draft assembly.
Manualgen promoted drafts are not final publication.

Source lane

Source defines implementation and subsystem ownership.

Source evidence is required when the manual makes claims about:

implementation ownership;
parser routing;
command handlers;
backend ownership;
relation traversal semantics;
expression evaluation ownership;
memo payload lifecycle;
message emission;
runtime behavior that is not proven by a direct test.

Source may be consulted later in the workflow, but later does not mean weaker. In manual assembly order, source may be a verification lane. In truth authority, source remains implementation authority.

Safe wording:

Source defines implementation.
Source verifies ownership and routing.
Source is not merely a provenance sidecar.
Source claims should be tied to files, comments, contracts, or source-miner evidence.

Runtime lane

Runtime proves behavior.

Runtime evidence includes:

observed command runs;
smoke tests;
shakedown transcripts;
exact command output;
pass/fail test logs;
canary reproduction;
before/after behavior.

Runtime evidence is especially important for:

command execution;
parser ambiguity;
error output;
no-active-table behavior;
not-found behavior;
deleted-record behavior;
relation traversal;
memo backend attachment;
index/order behavior.

Safe wording:

Runtime proves observed behavior.
Runtime proof should include concrete commands and outputs where possible.
Runtime proof should be dated or tied to a build/session when possible.
Runtime proof does not by itself describe implementation ownership without source.

Temporary evidence lanes

Manualgen may need to use temporary evidence when future metadata feeders are sparse.

Temporary evidence examples:

generated command pages;
HELP GIANT exports;
current HELP rows;
manually curated canary notes;
runtime shakedown notes;
older metadata schema files;
seed scripts;
user/MDO handoff notes;
source-contract reports;
manualgen pippet reports.

Temporary evidence is allowed when labeled.

Safe wording:

This source is temporary evidence for the current manual pass.
Future feeder should be SYSFUNC, SYSMSG, SYSCMD, SYSSUBCMD, SYSENTVAR, SYSARGS, SYSHELP, or related metadata.
Temporary evidence should be crosswalked to future META feeders when the metadata system matures.
Temporary evidence must not be promoted as final authority without verification.

Future META alignment

This section should explicitly preserve future feeder alignment.

Expected future feeders:

SYSCMD for command identity, handler alignment, visibility, public surface, display reach, owner, source authority, source file, and help topic.
SYSSUBCMD for subcommand and command-family identity.
SYSENTVAR for aliases, variants, compatibility spellings, shortcut forms, and entry points.
SYSARGS for argument shapes, predicates, filters, scopes, validation surfaces, and repeatable flags.
SYSHELP for curated and generated help text.
SYSMSG for diagnostics, warnings, statuses, parser messages, and typed message catalog alignment.
SYSFUNC for function identity, categories, argument ranges, handler links, CALC/CALCWRITE reach, public surface, self-registration, and function-command bridge surfaces.
HELP_LINE and HELP_ARTIFACTS for current HELP evidence lanes.
SOURCE_FACT and source-contract evidence for source/comment provenance.
manualgen reports and PIP records for assembly provenance and gate evidence.

Sparse feeders should be kept visible. The manual should not ignore SYSFUNC, SYSMSG, SYSCMD, SYSSUBCMD, SYSENTVAR, SYSARGS, or SYSHELP because they are empty or only partially seeded today.

Crosswalk discipline

Crosswalks prevent drift.

Useful crosswalks include:

HELP topic to command identity;
command identity to SYSCMD;
subcommand to SYSSUBCMD;
alias or entry variant to SYSENTVAR;
argument shape to SYSARGS;
help text to SYSHELP;
diagnostic text to SYSMSG;
function reference to SYSFUNC;
source comment to SOURCE_FACT;
generated command page to canonical command and variant review;
manualgen section to evidence tokens and pippet reports.

Crosswalks should preserve uncertainty. A crosswalk can say "candidate match" or "future feeder" without claiming final authority.

Safety boundaries

This alignment section should restate the safety boundaries.

Default manualgen/SelfDoc boundary:

no generated command page deletion;
no HELP mutation;
no META mutation;
no CMDHELPCHK mutation;
no catalog apply;
no source edits;
no production SelfDoc metadata promotion;
no final publication without explicit authorization.

Report-only work is the default.

Slow-lane canary tracking names

The slow-lane review tracks these canaries by exact name. These names are review anchors, not final user-facing prose.

help meta cmdhelpchk first is assembly workflow not truth authority
runtime source help metadata cmdhelpchk truth authority roles
help explains not runtime proof
metadata sparse feeders not dead ends
cmdhelpchk validates not runtime source proof
sysfunc sysmsg syscmd syssubcmd sysentvar sysargs syshelp sparse feeder alignment
selfdoc provenance report-only boundaries
manualgen assembles no mutation
temporary evidence lanes labeled crosswalked
source remains implementation authority

These anchors preserve the canaries that the prose discusses in ordinary language. They should remain until the section is promoted through evidence review.

Review notes before PIP-003

This is a slow-lane section. Before generic PIP-003 is allowed to create a reviewed-candidate path, an MDO slow-lane evidence review should check:

all required tokens are represented or intentionally excluded;
HELP/META/CMDHELPCHK-first is framed as assembly workflow, not truth authority;
runtime/source/HELP/metadata/CMDHELPCHK authority roles are preserved;
HELP is not treated as runtime proof;
metadata sparse feeders remain visible;
CMDHELPCHK is not treated as runtime/source proof;
SYSFUNC, SYSMSG, SYSCMD, SYSSUBCMD, SYSENTVAR, SYSARGS, and SYSHELP are included as future/current feeders;
SelfDoc report-only provenance boundaries are visible;
manualgen no-mutation boundary is visible;
temporary evidence lanes are labeled and crosswalked;
source remains implementation authority.

Recommended required tokens for later PIP-003:

HELP
HELP GIANT
HELP_LINE
HELP_ARTIFACTS
CMDHELP
CMDHELPCHK
META
metadata
SYSCMD
SYSSUBCMD
SYSENTVAR
SYSARGS
SYSHELP
SYSMSG
SYSFUNC
SOURCE
SOURCE_FACT
SelfDoc
manualgen
PIP
validator
crosswalk
report-only
truth authority
assembly workflow

Boundary

prose draft fill only
slow-lane review still required
no reviewed candidate generated
no final prose promotion
no generated command page deletion
no HELP mutation
no META mutation
no CMDHELPCHK mutation
no catalog apply
no source edits
no production SelfDoc metadata promotion

Command Reference Assembly, Aliases, and Generated Page Hygiene

Pippets used:

PIP-001 Target Selection
MDO-188 Target Selection
MDO-189 Draft Fill

Evidence boundary:

Runtime proves behavior.
Source defines implementation and subsystem ownership.
HELP explains.
Metadata organizes.
CMDHELPCHK validates.
SelfDoc preserves provenance.
Manualgen assembles.

Slow-lane warning:

This section touches generated command pages, duplicate command rows, aliases, entry variants, canonical command identity, slug collisions, LOAD guard behavior, SET-family canonicalization, AGGS exposure, and command-reference publication readiness.
Do not send this directly to generic PIP-003.
Run a slow-lane command-reference hygiene review first.

Evidence tokens under review:

command reference
generated command pages
HELP_COMMANDS
HELP
HELP GIANT
CMDHELP
CMDHELPCHK
SYSCMD
SYSSUBCMD
SYSENTVAR
SYSARGS
SYSHELP
alias
variant
canonical command
slug collision
duplicate command
APPEND BLANK
APPEND_BLANK
LOAD guard
SET-family
AGGS
internal owner
public surface
manualgen
PIP
crosswalk
report-only
no mutation

Draft notes:

This is conservative manual prose for slow-lane evidence review.
Generated command pages are draft evidence, not final command reference prose.
Duplicate command rows and slug collisions must be reviewed before publication.
Aliases and entry variants must not be treated as canonical commands without review.
APPEND BLANK and APPEND_BLANK may map to the same slug but may represent variant or canonicalization evidence.
LOAD guard must preserve no top-level LOAD page while preserving scoped CODASYL LOAD and WORKSPACE LOAD.
SET-family canonicalization remains deferred unless separately repaired or accepted.
AGGS remains internal or family-owner evidence unless explicitly accepted as public command surface.
HELP, CMDHELPCHK, and metadata can guide command reference review but cannot settle runtime or source canaries alone.
Command reference hygiene packages must not delete generated command pages during manual draft assembly.

Purpose of this section

This section explains how the Developer Manual should treat generated command pages, command-reference assembly, aliases, variants, canonical commands, and generated-page hygiene.

It follows the Command Surface, HELP/Metadata/CMDHELPCHK Alignment, and Runtime Evidence sections because those sections established the boundaries needed here. Command reference work needs all three: a model of command surface and entry variants, an alignment model for HELP and metadata, and an evidence model for runtime/source/canary closure.

The goal is not to publish the final command reference in this section. The goal is to define safe rules for assembling the future command reference from generated pages and other evidence without losing alias/variant information, publishing internal scaffolding, or deleting generated evidence prematurely.

Authority model for command reference assembly

The same doctrine applies:

Runtime proves command behavior.
Source defines implementation and command ownership.
HELP explains usage and concepts.
Metadata organizes command identity, arguments, variants, and help alignment.
CMDHELPCHK validates HELP/catalog consistency.
SelfDoc preserves provenance.
Manualgen assembles drafts, reviews, and promoted workspaces.

Generated command pages are an evidence lane. They are not the authority by themselves.

Safe wording:

Generated pages feed review.
Generated pages do not replace review.
Generated pages may expose duplicates, aliases, scaffolding, or internal owners.
Final command-reference prose needs dedupe, alias/variant review, HELP/metadata alignment, and runtime/source checks where behavior or ownership is claimed.

Generated command pages

Generated command pages are useful because they preserve broad command-surface evidence.

They may show:

command names;
aliases;
variants;
generated slugs;
usage text;
HELP extraction;
metadata alignment candidates;
duplicate rows;
command-family scaffolding;
internal owner entries.

But generated pages can also expose draft artifacts.

Safe wording:

Generated command pages are draft evidence.
They are not final command reference prose.
They should be reviewed, deduped, and crosswalked before publication.
They should not be deleted or rewritten during ordinary manual draft assembly.

Duplicate command rows

Duplicate command rows can mean different things.

A duplicate may be:

a true duplicate that should be collapsed later;
an alias;
an entry variant;
a compatibility spelling;
a scoped subcommand;
a generated slug collision;
an internal owner or command-family scaffold;
a public command that shares a root token with another command.

Safe wording:

Duplicate rows are review input.
Duplicate rows should not be collapsed automatically.
A duplicate row is not proof that one page is wrong.
Dedupe should preserve evidence until canonical command, alias, variant, and scope are reviewed.

Aliases and variants

Aliases and variants are not automatically canonical commands.

An alias may be a shortcut spelling. A variant may be a compatibility form, app-style entry point, scoped command form, or user-facing convenience form. The command reference should preserve those distinctions until metadata and evidence review decide how they should be presented.

Safe wording:

Aliases and variants must not be treated as canonical commands without review.
SYSENTVAR should eventually organize aliases, variants, shortcut spellings, compatibility forms, generated page entries, and app-style entry points.
Generated command pages may represent aliases or variants rather than separate canonical commands.
Manual prose should avoid treating every distinct token as a separate command until dedupe and variant review are complete.

Canonical command identity

Canonical command identity is the reviewed identity used for final reference organization.

A canonical command should eventually align with:

SYSCMD command identity;
handler or source ownership where relevant;
public surface status;
help topic;
argument model;
aliases and variants;
generated page crosswalk;
runtime/source evidence where behavior or ownership is claimed.

Safe wording:

Canonical command identity should be reviewed.
Canonical command identity should not be inferred from slug text alone.
Canonical command identity should not erase useful alias or variant evidence.
Metadata can organize identity, but runtime/source evidence may still be required for behavior and ownership claims.

Slug collisions

A slug collision occurs when two different generated entries map to the same or confusing page slug.

Slug collisions may happen because:

spaces and underscores collapse;
punctuation is normalized;
aliases share words;
variants differ only by formatting;
scoped command names are flattened;
generator rules remove important distinctions.

Safe wording:

Slug collisions are review items.
Slug collisions should not be resolved by deleting generated pages during manual draft assembly.
Slug collision repair should preserve source evidence, generated evidence, and future metadata crosswalks.
A later command-reference hygiene pass may choose canonical slugs after review.

APPEND BLANK and APPEND_BLANK

APPEND BLANK and APPEND_BLANK are useful review examples.

They may map to the same slug or appear related in generated evidence, but the manual should not force a final answer here. They may represent:

a command plus argument form;
a compatibility form;
a generated normalization issue;
an alias or variant;
a canonicalization candidate.

Safe wording:

APPEND BLANK and APPEND_BLANK should remain variant/canonicalization review examples.
Do not treat one as wrong solely because of slug shape.
Do not publish a final command-reference rule until evidence review decides canonical command, variant, and argument treatment.

LOAD guard

LOAD is a known generated-page guard canary.

The guard should preserve:

no top-level LOAD page where that surface is intentionally suppressed;
scoped CODASYL LOAD where supported;
WORKSPACE LOAD where supported;
evidence rows that explain why top-level LOAD is guarded.

Safe wording:

LOAD guard must preserve no top-level LOAD page while preserving scoped CODASYL LOAD and WORKSPACE LOAD.
LOAD guard is not permission to delete all LOAD-related evidence.
Scoped LOAD forms should remain visible for review if they are evidenced.
A guard is a publication boundary, not an evidence deletion rule.

SET-family canonicalization

SET-family canonicalization remains deferred.

SET-family entries may include:

SET ORDER;
SET INDEX;
other SET-scoped command surfaces;
compatibility forms;
generated pages that flatten or split command/subcommand identities.

Safe wording:

SET-family canonicalization remains deferred unless separately repaired or accepted.
SET-family generated pages should be treated as draft evidence.
Indexing owns order/tag semantics; command-reference hygiene owns command identity and reference organization.
Final reference organization should not be settled by prose alone.

AGGS boundary

AGGS is a known command-reference canary.

Current doctrine:

AGGS is intended as an internal owner or aggregate-family grouping.
Direct aggregate verbs such as SUM, AVG, MIN, and MAX are the intended user-facing aggregate command surface where evidenced.
AGGS appearing in generated command pages may indicate internal owner exposure, scaffold leakage, or family grouping evidence.
AGGS should not be published as a public command surface unless explicitly accepted.

Safe wording:

AGGS remains internal or family-owner evidence unless explicitly accepted as public command surface.
Generated AGGS evidence should be retained for review.
Generated AGGS evidence should not become final public command-reference prose by default.

Internal owner and public surface

Command-reference assembly must separate internal owner evidence from public command surface.

An internal owner may be:

a command-family grouping;
handler scaffolding;
parser dispatch label;
generated metadata row;
development/debug surface;
owner used for help organization.

A public surface is what users are intended to invoke.

Safe wording:

Internal owner evidence is useful.
Internal owner evidence is not automatically public command surface.
Public surface requires intent and evidence.
PUB_SURF, VIS, DISP_REACH, HELP, runtime behavior, and source ownership may all participate in review.

HELP and CMDHELPCHK

HELP and CMDHELPCHK are important command-reference inputs.

HELP can explain:

usage;
concepts;
examples;
warnings;
aliases;
command families.

CMDHELPCHK can validate:

HELP/catalog consistency;
missing topics;
generated HELP drift;
command catalog alignment.

Safe wording:

HELP explains command reference intent.
CMDHELPCHK validates command-reference alignment.
Neither HELP nor CMDHELPCHK replaces runtime proof or source ownership.
HELP and CMDHELPCHK can guide command-reference hygiene.

Metadata feeders

Future and current metadata feeders should remain visible.

Expected feeders:

SYSCMD for canonical command identity, canonical name, handler, visibility, public surface, display reach, owner, source authority, and help topic.
SYSSUBCMD for scoped subcommand identity such as SET ORDER, SET INDEX, scoped LOAD forms, and command-family subcommands.
SYSENTVAR for aliases, variants, shortcut spellings, compatibility forms, generated page entries, and app-style entry points.
SYSARGS for command argument shapes, scopes, deleted filters, predicates, tag names, workspace files, and rebuild options.
SYSHELP for curated and generated command help text.
SYSMSG for parser, syntax, unknown command, invalid argument, and ambiguity diagnostics.
SYSFUNC for function-command bridge cases where scalar functions overlap command-like syntax.

Sparse feeders are still alignment lanes. They should not be ignored because they are incomplete.

Command-reference crosswalks

Crosswalks should connect generated pages to reviewed command identity without collapsing evidence.

Useful crosswalks include:

generated page to SYSCMD canonical command;
generated page to SYSENTVAR alias or variant;
generated page to SYSSUBCMD scoped subcommand;
generated usage to SYSARGS argument model;
HELP topic to SYSHELP;
command diagnostic to SYSMSG;
function-command bridge entry to SYSFUNC;
generated slug to reviewed final slug;
command-family owner to public command entries.

Safe wording:

Crosswalks may be candidate, partial, or verified.
Crosswalks should preserve uncertainty.
Crosswalks should not delete evidence.
Crosswalks help future metadata absorb temporary generated-page evidence.

Publication readiness

A generated command page is not publication-ready by default.

Before a command page becomes final reference prose, review should check:

canonical command identity;
alias and variant treatment;
duplicate row handling;
slug selection;
HELP alignment;
argument model;
public surface status;
internal owner exposure;
runtime behavior where behavior is claimed;
source ownership where ownership is claimed;
metadata crosswalk;
CMDHELPCHK consistency;
no unresolved canaries.

Safe wording:

Command-reference publication is a later gate.
Draft generated pages are review material.
This section does not publish the final reference.
Publication should be guarded by evidence, crosswalks, and human acceptance.

No-delete and no-mutation safety

Command-reference hygiene must preserve generated evidence during manual draft assembly.

Default boundary:

no generated command page deletion;
no HELP mutation;
no META mutation;
no CMDHELPCHK mutation;
no catalog apply;
no source edits;
no runtime data mutation;
no production SelfDoc metadata promotion;
no final publication.

Safe wording:

Review can flag generated pages.
Review can recommend later repair.
Review must not delete generated pages during manual draft assembly.
Production mutation requires explicit authorization.

Slow-lane canary tracking names

The slow-lane review tracks these canaries by exact name. These names are review anchors, not final user-facing prose.

generated pages draft evidence not final reference
duplicate rows slug collisions reviewed before publication
aliases variants not canonical without review
append blank append_blank variant canonicalization example
load guard preserve no top-level load scoped codasyl load workspace load
set-family canonicalization deferred
aggs internal owner unless accepted public surface
help cmdhelpchk metadata guide not runtime source closure
command reference hygiene no generated page deletion
sysentvar syscmd syssubcmd sysargs syshelp feeder alignment

These anchors preserve the canaries that the prose discusses in ordinary language. They should remain until the section is promoted through evidence review.

Review notes before PIP-003

This is a slow-lane section. Before generic PIP-003 is allowed to create a reviewed-candidate path, an MDO slow-lane evidence review should check:

all required tokens are represented or intentionally excluded;
generated pages are framed as draft evidence, not final reference;
duplicate rows and slug collisions are review items, not automatic deletion targets;
aliases and variants are not collapsed into canonical commands;
APPEND BLANK and APPEND_BLANK remain review examples;
LOAD guard preserves no top-level LOAD page while preserving scoped forms;
SET-family canonicalization remains deferred;
AGGS remains internal/family-owner evidence unless accepted;
HELP/CMDHELPCHK/metadata are review guides but do not close runtime/source canaries alone;
no generated command page deletion or production mutation is authorized.

Recommended required tokens for later PIP-003:

command reference
generated command pages
HELP_COMMANDS
HELP
HELP GIANT
CMDHELP
CMDHELPCHK
SYSCMD
SYSSUBCMD
SYSENTVAR
SYSARGS
SYSHELP
alias
variant
canonical command
slug collision
duplicate command
APPEND BLANK
APPEND_BLANK
LOAD guard
SET-family
AGGS
internal owner
public surface
manualgen
PIP
crosswalk
report-only
no mutation

Boundary

prose draft fill only
slow-lane review still required
no reviewed candidate generated
no final prose promotion
no generated command page deletion
no HELP mutation
no META mutation
no CMDHELPCHK mutation
no catalog apply
no source edits
no production SelfDoc metadata promotion

Promoted Draft Review, Header Normalization, and Publication Readiness

Pippets used:

PIP-001 Target Selection
MDO-196 Target Selection
MDO-197 Draft Fill

Evidence boundary:

Runtime proves behavior.
Source defines implementation and subsystem ownership.
HELP explains.
Metadata organizes.
CMDHELPCHK validates.
SelfDoc preserves provenance.
Manualgen assembles.

Slow-lane warning:

This section touches promoted draft review, review packet practice, candidate note cleanup, reviewed candidate status cleanup, header normalization, path repair, canonical path verification, table of contents checks, section order checks, final publication boundaries, generated command page no deletion, and no mutation safety.
Do not send this directly to generic PIP-003.
Run a slow-lane promoted-draft readiness review first.

Evidence tokens under review:

promoted draft
review packet
inspection packet
human review
candidate note
reviewed candidate status
header normalization
publication readiness
final publication
table of contents
section order
section count
path repair
canonical path
slug
generated command pages
no deletion
HELP
CMDHELPCHK
metadata
SelfDoc
manualgen
PIP
report-only
no mutation

Draft notes:

This is conservative manual prose for slow-lane evidence review.
Promoted draft workspace assembly is not final publication.
Candidate note headers in promoted draft sections must not be normalized casually one section at a time.
Reviewed candidate status blocks in promoted draft sections must be handled by a systematic promoted-draft header normalization pass.
Header normalization must not rewrite substantive prose without explicit review.
Path and slug verification must use canonical section ids and inspectable files.
Table of contents and section order must be verified against actual section files.
Review packets should remain the preferred human-inspection surface before authorization.
Generated command pages and evidence artifacts must not be deleted during publication-readiness work.
Publication readiness may recommend repairs, but it should not silently publish or normalize.

Purpose of this section

This section explains how the Developer Manual should review a promoted draft workspace, prepare for header normalization, and separate publication readiness from final publication.

It follows the Command Reference Assembly section because that section exposed a concrete promoted-section path problem. MDO-194 reported a successful promotion, but MDO-194A was needed to repair and verify the canonical promoted section path. That experience proves that status reports are not enough. A promoted draft must be inspectable, path-checked, section-counted, and reviewed as a workspace.

The goal is not to publish the manual. The goal is to define a safe review lane between promoted draft assembly and any later final publication step.

Promoted draft workspace

A promoted draft workspace is an assembled manual draft.

It may contain:

reviewed candidate prose copied into section files;
candidate note headers;
reviewed candidate status blocks;
promoted section paths;
generated section ordering;
table of contents material or future table of contents inputs;
evidence of promotion history;
known draft-workspace debt.

Safe wording:

A promoted draft is not final publication.
A promoted draft is a reviewable workspace.
A promoted draft can contain review artifacts that are useful during assembly but inappropriate for final publication.
Final publication should require a later explicit gate.

Inspectable files

The user should be able to inspect the actual prose.

Inspectable files matter because status reports can be green while path or filename issues remain. MDO-194A showed why the canonical path must be checked directly.

Safe wording:

Review must include actual section files, not only status CSVs.
Canonical paths should be opened or tested directly.
A readable section file is stronger evidence than a report that only says a section exists.
Review packets should make prose easy to inspect before authorization.

Review packets and inspection packets

Review packets are human-inspection surfaces.

They should provide:

the prose to read;
a checklist;
known canaries;
a summary;
a hold, repair, or accept decision point.

Safe wording:

Review packets should remain the preferred human-inspection surface before authorization.
Review packets should not create human decisions by themselves.
Review packets should not promote.
Review packets should help the reviewer decide HOLD, REPAIR, or ACCEPT_FOR_PROMOTION.

Candidate note headers

Candidate note headers are useful during review.

They preserve:

origin of the candidate;
promotion-gate provenance;
review warning;
draft status.

But candidate note headers can become clutter in a final manual.

Safe wording:

Candidate note headers in promoted draft sections must not be normalized casually one section at a time.
Candidate note headers should be handled by a systematic promoted-draft header normalization pass.
Candidate note headers should not be removed until the manual has a defined normalization rule.
Header normalization should preserve provenance in reports even if public-facing prose is cleaned later.

Reviewed candidate status blocks

Reviewed candidate status blocks are also useful during review.

They say that a section passed a reviewed-candidate lane, but they are not necessarily final publication text.

Safe wording:

Reviewed status blocks should not be removed casually one section at a time.
Reviewed status blocks should be recorded in normalization reports if removed from public-facing prose.
A section can be accepted for promoted draft assembly without being final-publication-ready.

Header normalization

Header normalization is the process of turning review-oriented section headers into final-manual section headers.

Header normalization may include:

removing Candidate note blocks from public-facing copies;
preserving provenance in reports;
standardizing title and section metadata;
checking section order and table of contents alignment.

Safe wording:

Header normalization must not rewrite substantive prose without explicit review.
Header normalization must be systematic.
Header normalization should report every section changed.
Header normalization should preserve originals or backups.
Header normalization is not final publication by itself.

Substantive prose boundary

Header normalization should not become stealth editing.

Substantive prose includes:

conceptual explanations;
evidence doctrine;
command behavior claims;
canary language;
examples;
scope boundaries;
future metadata feeder descriptions.

Safe wording:

Header normalization may clean review headers.
Header normalization should not change substantive prose without explicit authorization.
Substantive repairs should go through a repair/review path, not a normalization pass.
If a header-normalization script changes body prose, that is a failure unless explicitly authorized.

Path repair and canonical path verification

Promoted drafts should verify canonical paths.

Path repair and canonical path verification should check:

section id;
expected filename;
actual file existence;
readable content;
hash match with source candidate where expected;
legacy or non-canonical path leftovers;
duplicate section files.

Safe wording:

Path and slug verification must use canonical section ids and inspectable files.
A status report is not enough if the file cannot be opened.
Path repair should preserve evidence and avoid deletion unless separately authorized.
Canonical path verification should be part of publication-readiness review.

Slugs and section ids

A slug or filename is not just formatting. It controls whether humans and scripts can find the section.

Safe wording:

Slugs should be derived from reviewed section ids.
Slug changes should be reported.
Non-canonical slugs should be flagged before publication.
Slug repair should preserve old evidence until cleanup is explicitly authorized.

Section count

Section count is a basic workspace integrity check.

A promoted draft review should report:

total section files;
expected required sections;
missing required sections;
extra or duplicate sections;
sections with candidate headers;
sections with reviewed-status blocks;
sections needing header normalization.

Safe wording:

Section count is a workspace health check.
Section count does not prove prose quality.
Section count should be combined with inspectable file checks.

Section order

Section order matters because the manual should read coherently.

A section-order review should check:

onboarding and orientation before deep internals;
data model before navigation;
navigation before indexing;
indexing before expressions where appropriate;
command surface before command reference;
evidence doctrine before publication readiness;
appendices or reference sections after concepts.

Safe wording:

Section order should be explicit.
Section order should be reviewable.
Section order should not be inferred only from directory listing order.
A future table of contents or manifest should own final order.

A table of contents is the public navigation surface for the manual.

Publication readiness should eventually verify:

every TOC entry has a section file;
every required section file appears in the TOC or is intentionally excluded;
titles match;
order is intentional;
section ids and slugs are stable;
no draft-only sections appear accidentally;
no evidence-only reports appear as public manual chapters.

Safe wording:

Table of contents checks belong to publication readiness.
TOC readiness is not the same as final publication.
TOC generation should not delete source sections.
TOC generation should preserve auditability.

Final publication boundary

Final publication is separate from promoted draft workspace assembly.

Safe wording:

Final publication requires explicit authorization.
Promotion into a draft workspace is not final publication.
Header normalization is not final publication.
TOC readiness is not final publication.
Publication readiness may recommend repairs, but it should not silently publish or normalize.

Generated command pages and evidence artifacts

Generated command pages and evidence artifacts remain protected.

Publication-readiness work must not delete:

generated command pages;
HELP evidence;
metadata reports;
CMDHELPCHK reports;
review packets;
PIP reports;
source evidence reports;
canary reports;
promoted draft history.

Safe wording:

Generated command pages and evidence artifacts must not be deleted during publication-readiness work.
Cleanup recommendations may be reported.
Deletion or mutation requires a separate explicit authorization path.

HELP, CMDHELPCHK, and metadata boundaries

Publication-readiness review may read HELP, CMDHELPCHK, and metadata evidence.

It must not mutate:

HELP;
META;
CMDHELPCHK;
catalogs;
source;
runtime data;
production SelfDoc metadata.

Safe wording:

HELP explains.
CMDHELPCHK validates.
Metadata organizes.
Manualgen publication-readiness review remains report-only.
No mutation occurs without explicit authorization.

Report-only publication readiness

Publication readiness should start as report-only.

Report-only readiness can produce:

section inventory;
candidate header inventory;
reviewed status inventory;
canonical path check;
slug check;
table of contents check;
section order check;
review packet inventory;
unresolved canary inventory;
publication blocker list;
recommended repairs.

Safe wording:

Report-only readiness is safe by default.
Report-only readiness can recommend repair.
Report-only readiness must not silently normalize, publish, or delete evidence.

Human review

Human review remains the decision point.

Human review should decide:

HOLD;
REPAIR;
ACCEPT_FOR_PROMOTION;
READY_FOR_HEADER_NORMALIZATION;
READY_FOR_PUBLICATION_REVIEW;
NOT_READY_FOR_PUBLICATION.

Safe wording:

Human review should inspect prose, not only reports.
Human review should be recorded.
Authorization should follow inspection.
Publication should not be implied by prior section acceptance.

Slow-lane canary tracking names

The slow-lane review tracks these canaries by exact name. These names are review anchors, not final user-facing prose.

candidate note headers not normalized one section at a time
reviewed candidate status blocks systematic normalization
header normalization no substantive prose rewrite
final publication separate from promoted draft assembly
canonical path slug verification inspectable files
table of contents section order actual files
review packets preferred human inspection before authorization
generated command pages evidence artifacts no deletion
help meta cmdhelpchk source runtime selfdoc no mutation
publication readiness recommends not silently publishes

These anchors preserve the canaries that the prose discusses in ordinary language. They should remain until the section is promoted through evidence review.

Review notes before PIP-003

This is a slow-lane section. Before generic PIP-003 is allowed to create a reviewed-candidate path, an MDO slow-lane evidence review should check:

all required tokens are represented or intentionally excluded;
promoted draft workspace review is distinct from final publication;
candidate note headers are not normalized casually one section at a time;
reviewed candidate status blocks are handled systematically;
header normalization does not rewrite substantive prose;
canonical path and slug verification use inspectable files;
section count, section order, and table of contents checks are represented;
review packets are preserved as human-inspection surfaces;
generated command pages and evidence artifacts are protected from deletion;
HELP, META, CMDHELPCHK, source, runtime data, and production SelfDoc metadata are not mutated;
publication readiness may recommend repairs but does not silently publish or normalize.

Recommended required tokens for later PIP-003:

promoted draft
review packet
inspection packet
human review
candidate note
reviewed candidate status
header normalization
publication readiness
final publication
table of contents
section order
section count
path repair
canonical path
slug
generated command pages
no deletion
HELP
CMDHELPCHK
metadata
SelfDoc
manualgen
PIP
report-only
no mutation

Boundary

prose draft fill only
slow-lane review still required
no reviewed candidate generated
no final prose promotion
no final publication
no header normalization
no generated command page deletion
no HELP mutation
no META mutation
no CMDHELPCHK mutation
no catalog apply
no source edits
no production SelfDoc metadata promotion

Runtime Evidence, Source Verification, and Canary Closure

Pippets used:

PIP-001 Target Selection
MDO-180 Target Selection
MDO-181 Draft Fill

Evidence boundary:

Runtime proves behavior.
Source defines implementation and subsystem ownership.
HELP explains.
Metadata organizes.
CMDHELPCHK validates.
SelfDoc preserves provenance.
Manualgen assembles.

Slow-lane warning:

This section touches runtime proof, source verification, canary lifecycle, legacy evidence cautions, report-only boundaries, and no-mutation safety.
Do not send this directly to generic PIP-003.
Run a slow-lane runtime/source/canary review first.

Evidence tokens under review:

runtime
source
SOURCE
SOURCE_FACT
SelfDoc
manualgen
PIP
canary
canary ledger
smoke test
shakedown
regression
proof
verification
evidence
build
release
HELP
CMDHELPCHK
metadata
crosswalk
report-only
no mutation

Draft notes:

This is conservative manual prose for slow-lane evidence review.
Runtime proof should include concrete commands, output, build context, and date where possible.
Source verification should identify implementation ownership and should not be demoted to sidecar evidence.
Canary rows remain visible until closed with evidence.
Closing a canary requires current evidence, not optimism or old design intent.
Legacy documents may be useful context but should not be treated as current fact without verification.
Manualgen and SelfDoc remain report-only unless explicitly authorized.
HELP, CMDHELPCHK, and metadata can guide review but cannot close runtime or source canaries by themselves.
Evidence packages should not mutate HELP, META, CMDHELPCHK, catalogs, source, or runtime data during manual draft assembly.

Purpose of this section

This section explains how the Developer Manual should use runtime evidence, source verification, and canary closure.

It follows the HELP, Metadata, CMDHELPCHK, and Manualgen Alignment section because that section established the authority doctrine. This section operationalizes that doctrine into daily engineering practice: how runtime evidence is captured, how source verification is attached, how canaries remain visible, and how canaries are closed only with evidence.

The goal is not to turn every manual claim into a test case. The goal is to prevent unsupported claims from becoming permanent prose and to make sure important uncertainties remain visible until they are resolved.

Evidence doctrine in practice

The working doctrine remains:

Runtime proves behavior.
Source defines implementation and subsystem ownership.
HELP explains.
Metadata organizes.
CMDHELPCHK validates.
SelfDoc preserves provenance.
Manualgen assembles.

In practice, this means a claim may need several evidence lanes before it is safe for final manual prose.

Examples:

A command behavior claim needs runtime evidence.
An implementation ownership claim needs source verification.
A HELP wording claim needs HELP evidence.
A metadata alignment claim needs metadata evidence.
A consistency claim may need CMDHELPCHK evidence.
A provenance claim needs SelfDoc or manualgen run evidence.

Runtime evidence

Runtime evidence proves observed behavior.

Useful runtime evidence includes:

exact commands that were run;
exact output or relevant output excerpts;
build configuration;
release/debug mode;
dataset or workspace used;
command path or script path;
date and session context;
pass/fail result;
any unexpected warnings or canary behavior.

Safe wording:

Runtime evidence proves what was observed in that run.
Runtime evidence should be labeled with enough context to reproduce or understand it.
Runtime evidence does not automatically define implementation ownership.
Runtime evidence can close behavior canaries when the observed behavior is current and relevant.

Examples of runtime evidence lanes:

smoke test;
shakedown;
regression run;
build output;
release verification;
manual command transcript;
script output;
comparison before and after a repair.

Source verification

Source verification attaches implementation and ownership evidence.

Useful source verification includes:

source file path;
header path;
function or class name;
source-comment contract;
source-miner report;
SOURCE_FACT row;
SelfDoc source-comment evidence;
handler or parser ownership note;
subsystem boundary note.

Safe wording:

Source defines implementation and subsystem ownership.
Source verification should identify the relevant file or owner where possible.
Source may verify why runtime behavior occurs.
Source is not merely a sidecar; it is authority for implementation structure.

Source verification is especially important for claims about:

parser dispatch;
command handlers;
storage ownership;
relation traversal ownership;
expression evaluation ownership;
memo payload lifecycle;
message emission;
backend boundaries;
generated/help/metadata alignment.

Runtime and source together

Runtime and source answer different questions.

Runtime answers:

What happened in this run?
What behavior can be observed?
Did the smoke/shakedown/regression pass?

Source answers:

Which subsystem owns the behavior?
Which implementation path handles it?
Is the observed behavior intentional, scaffold leakage, compatibility behavior, or a bug?

Safe wording:

Runtime proves behavior.
Source defines ownership.
A strong manual claim often needs both.
HELP, metadata, and CMDHELPCHK can guide the search, but they do not replace runtime/source evidence.

Canary lifecycle

A canary is a visible uncertainty, risk, or proof-sensitive behavior that must not disappear silently.

A canary can be:

open;
deferred;
narrowed;
reproduced;
partially closed;
closed with evidence;
superseded by a better canary;
converted into an issue or work item.

A canary should not be:

hidden because it is inconvenient;
closed because the expected behavior seems obvious;
closed because old design intent says it should work;
closed using HELP, metadata, or CMDHELPCHK alone when runtime/source proof is required.

Opening a canary

A canary should be opened when evidence shows a behavior, mismatch, ambiguity, or risk that could affect manual accuracy or project correctness.

Good canary records include:

short name;
observed behavior;
evidence source;
date or session;
affected subsystem;
proof needed for closure;
current status;
next recommended action.

Examples:

SET ORDER active tag reporting.
x64 workspace ERSATZ load reporting.
MIN/MAX command/function ambiguity.
AGGS internal family owner exposure.
memo backend attach on workspace open.
generated command page duplicate or slug collision.

Keeping canaries visible

Canaries remain visible until closed with evidence.

Visibility matters because older project documents, generated reports, and runtime sessions can overlap. A canary keeps the manual honest by saying: this claim is not ready for final prose, or this behavior needs proof-sensitive wording.

Safe wording:

Canary rows remain visible until closed with evidence.
Canaries can be deferred, but deferred does not mean resolved.
Canaries can be narrowed when evidence shows only part of the risk remains.
Canaries should be carried forward in review reports until closed, superseded, or explicitly transferred.

Closing a canary

Closing a canary requires current evidence.

Closure evidence may include:

runtime run showing the behavior;
source verification showing the implementation path;
regression test output;
smoke test result;
CMDHELPCHK report when the canary is about HELP/catalog consistency;
metadata readback when the canary is about metadata coverage;
manualgen report when the canary is about assembly output;
explicit human decision when the canary is a policy or surface decision.

Safe wording:

Closing a canary requires evidence.
The closure record should name the evidence.
The closure record should preserve enough context to audit the decision later.
Old design intent is not closure evidence by itself.

Legacy documents

Legacy documents are useful context.

They may contain:

old design intent;
old architecture notes;
historical problems;
early terminology;
superseded assumptions;
useful examples;
project memory.

But legacy documents should not be treated as current fact without verification.

Safe wording:

Old documents remember.
Recent summaries steer.
SelfDoc verifies.
Runtime proves.
Source defines.
Manuals explain.

Legacy evidence should be labeled when it is used:

historical context;
design intent;
superseded note;
unverified claim;
candidate canary;
verified current behavior.

Smoke tests, shakedowns, regressions, builds, and releases

Different runtime evidence lanes serve different purposes.

Smoke test:

quick proof that a feature or path starts and behaves basically as expected.

Shakedown:

broader exploratory runtime evidence, often with manual commands and transcript notes.

Regression:

evidence that a previously fixed or expected behavior still works.

Build:

evidence that code compiles and links in a given configuration.

Release:

evidence attached to a release-ready state, usually after build and smoke checks.

Safe wording:

Build success is not behavior proof.
Smoke success is limited behavior proof.
Shakedown is useful runtime evidence but should be scoped.
Regression evidence is strong for previously known behavior.
Release evidence should identify build configuration and major checks.

REGRESSION and TEST as proof launchers

REGRESSION and TEST make repeatable proof entry points discoverable, but neither command makes a run self-proving. Retain the exact command, selected script or suite, build identity, transcript, and result counts when using either launcher as evidence.

REGRESSION

REGRESSION [USAGE|LIST|SHOW <name>|RUN <name>|<name>|ALL] selects from a curated set of stable regression and shakedown scripts. LIST and SHOW expose the curated entries; RUN <name> and the compact <name> form launch one entry; ALL launches the defined ordered set. The command delegates execution to DOTSCRIPT, so it is a catalogued launcher rather than a separate test engine. Developer reproduction canaries that are not in the curated set remain outside ALL.

TEST

TEST <scriptfile> [<logfile>] [VERBOSE] runs a specified test script through the shell test harness. The harness resolves the script path, handles supported inline comments and continued logical commands, executes those commands, and reports processed and error counts. A supplied logfile may be created or truncated. The script controls the resulting side effects, so TEST must not be classified as read-only merely because it is used for verification.

Evidence boundary

Launcher availability proves only that the entry surface exists. A proof claim still requires the retained run inputs and outcome. Cross-reference the Scripting and Control Flow section for script semantics and Runtime Operation, Invocation, and Automation for entry-path behavior.

HELP, CMDHELPCHK, and metadata in evidence practice

HELP, CMDHELPCHK, and metadata are powerful review guides.

They can:

identify expected command vocabulary;
expose missing help or command topics;
organize arguments, messages, variants, and functions;
detect catalog/help drift;
point to canaries;
guide runtime/source verification.

They cannot by themselves:

prove runtime behavior;
define implementation ownership;
close runtime canaries;
close source ownership canaries.

Safe wording:

HELP explains.
CMDHELPCHK validates.
Metadata organizes.
Runtime/source evidence closes runtime/source canaries.

SelfDoc and manualgen evidence

SelfDoc preserves provenance. Manualgen assembles.

SelfDoc evidence may include:

source-comment contract reports;
SOURCE_FACT rows;
source inventory;
classifier reports;
diagram reports;
canary ledgers;
provenance notes.

Manualgen evidence may include:

pippet run records;
target selection reports;
draft fill reports;
slow-lane reviews;
PIP-003 evidence gates;
PIP-004 reviewed candidates;
PIP-005 human decisions;
PIP-006 promotion patches;
promoted draft workspaces.

Safe wording:

SelfDoc and manualgen are evidence systems.
They default to report-only.
They must not mutate HELP, META, CMDHELPCHK, catalogs, source, or runtime data during manual draft assembly.
Production mutation requires explicit authorization.

Evidence crosswalks

Crosswalks connect evidence lanes without collapsing them.

Useful crosswalks include:

runtime transcript to canary row;
canary row to source file;
source file to SOURCE_FACT;
HELP topic to command identity;
command identity to SYSCMD;
function claim to SYSFUNC;
diagnostic claim to SYSMSG;
argument claim to SYSARGS;
alias/variant claim to SYSENTVAR;
manual section to evidence tokens;
PIP report to promoted draft section.

Safe wording:

Crosswalks preserve traceability.
Crosswalks can be candidate, partial, or verified.
Crosswalks should not pretend a weak source is strong evidence.
Crosswalks help future metadata feeders absorb temporary evidence.

Future META alignment

This section should eventually align with evidence metadata.

Expected future feeders and evidence lanes:

SOURCE_FACT for source/comment provenance and implementation ownership evidence.
SRCFILE, SRCBLOCK, SRCLINE, SRCUSAGE, SRCCLASS, SRCDISP, SRCALIAS, and MEMO_LINES for SelfDoc source-comment evidence where available.
SYSCMD and SYSSUBCMD for command and subcommand identity tied to evidence.
SYSFUNC for function evidence and function-command bridge canaries.
SYSMSG for diagnostic and message canaries.
SYSHELP for help alignment and curated help evidence.
SYSARGS for argument-shape evidence and validation surfaces.
SYSENTVAR for aliases, variants, and command/function entry variants.
Manualgen PIP reports for gate evidence and assembly provenance.
Canary ledger reports for open, deferred, reproduced, narrowed, and closed canary rows.

No-mutation safety

Evidence packages should not mutate production artifacts during manual draft assembly.

Default boundary:

no generated command page deletion;
no HELP mutation;
no META mutation;
no CMDHELPCHK mutation;
no catalog apply;
no source edits;
no runtime data mutation;
no production SelfDoc metadata promotion;
no final publication.

Report-only work is the default.

Slow-lane canary tracking names

The slow-lane review tracks these canaries by exact name. These names are review anchors, not final user-facing prose.

runtime proof concrete commands output build context date
source verification implementation ownership not sidecar
canary rows visible until closed with evidence
canary closure requires current evidence not optimism old design intent
legacy documents context not current fact without verification
manualgen selfdoc report-only unless authorized
help cmdhelpchk metadata guide not close runtime source canaries
build smoke shakedown regression labeled dated
evidence packages no mutation
canary deferred narrowed reproduced closed not disappear

These anchors preserve the canaries that the prose discusses in ordinary language. They should remain until the section is promoted through evidence review.

Canary non-disappearance boundary

This exact review anchor is intentionally retained for slow-lane evidence review:

A canary may be deferred/narrowed/reproduced/closed, but should not disappear silently.

The anchor is not final user-facing prose by itself. It preserves the boundary already described in this section: canaries remain visible until closed, superseded, transferred, or explicitly deferred with evidence.

Review notes before PIP-003

This is a slow-lane section. Before generic PIP-003 is allowed to create a reviewed-candidate path, an MDO slow-lane evidence review should check:

all required tokens are represented or intentionally excluded;
runtime proof concrete commands/output/build/date boundary is present;
source verification/implementation ownership boundary is present;
canary visibility and closure rules are present;
old design intent and legacy documents are not treated as current fact without verification;
HELP/CMDHELPCHK/metadata are review guides, not canary closure evidence by themselves;
build, smoke, shakedown, regression, and release evidence are scoped correctly;
SelfDoc/manualgen report-only and no-mutation boundaries are visible;
future META/evidence feeders are preserved.

Recommended required tokens for later PIP-003:

runtime
source
SOURCE
SOURCE_FACT
SelfDoc
manualgen
PIP
canary
canary ledger
smoke test
shakedown
regression
proof
verification
evidence
build
release
HELP
CMDHELPCHK
metadata
crosswalk
report-only
no mutation

Boundary

prose draft fill only
slow-lane review still required
no reviewed candidate generated
no final prose promotion
no generated command page deletion
no HELP mutation
no META mutation
no CMDHELPCHK mutation
no catalog apply
no source edits
no production SelfDoc metadata promotion

VDISK, RAM DBF, and Transient Storage

What VDISK is

VDISK is the engine-facing control surface for DotTalk++'s in-process RAM virtual disk. Once mounted, the relocatable RAM slot can hold X64 DBF tables, native CDX-V64 indexes, and related transient storage. Ordinary database commands still operate on named files; the difference is that the file bytes live in the process-local RAM filesystem instead of a persistent host volume.

This is not a cache layered over an authoritative disk copy. A RAM DBF created under the mounted slot is the active table. The corresponding DBF and CDX files do not have to exist on disk.

Core workflow

SET PATH RAM <path>
VDISK MOUNT
VDISK STATUS

CREATE X64 <table>
USE <table>
INDEX ON <expression> TAG <tag>
SET ORDER TO <tag>

VDISK STATUS

CREATE X64, USE, CDX, SET ORDER, and REINDEX use the same database and index contracts they use on persistent storage. The RAM slot changes the storage location, not the DBF/CDX data model.

Commands and observability

VDISK MOUNT or VDISK ON activates the RAM slot.
VDISK STATUS reports the configured root, mount state, bytes used, and resident files.
VDISK CONFIG reports the optional configuration extension.
VDISK UNMOUNT, VDISK OFF, and VDISK CLEAR discard all resident RAM files.

The default RAM root is <DATA>/ram. SET PATH RAM <path> relocates it before mounting. The current command contract is in the VDISK command page.

Ephemeral-data contract

The RAM filesystem is process-local and ephemeral. Unmounting it, clearing it, or terminating the process destroys its resident DBF, memo, CDX, and related files. That behavior is intentional and must be treated as a destructive storage operation.

Use VDISK for controlled transient workloads, repeatable tests, scratch data, and workloads that explicitly arrange their own persistence or export. Do not present a RAM table as durable merely because it uses the normal DBF command surface.

Configuration boundary

Core VDISK and RAM filesystem behavior are supported and have runtime proof. The optional bin/vdisk.ini extension remains a local, review-required configuration surface until its source and configuration artifacts are committed and promoted. Documentation and tests must keep that boundary visible.

Documentation and proof contract

The source @dottalk.usage contract is harvested into the SRC* comment evidence family, projected into HELP, checked by CMDHELPCHK, and then used by manualgen. A new supported VDISK topic without a physical command page is now a fail-closed documentation finding.

Current coverage-repair evidence:

243 complete source usage contracts after reharvest;
3,105 structured contract lines checked with zero missing continuations;
a physical VDISK command page bound into the complete reference;
the inherited supported-topic backlog remains visible rather than being silently declared complete.

Identity, Authentication, RBAC, and Security

The current security model

DotTalk++ now separates identity, participation, roles, permissions, authorization grants, session state, and the runtime security policy. These layers answer different questions:

Layer	Question
Identity / user	Who can authenticate?
Team member	Who participates in the project or organization?
Role and permission	What operation is the member eligible to perform?
Authorization grant	Who approved this action, for whom, and for how long?
Session	Which principal authenticated, and which member is acting?
Runtime security policy	Is the operation permitted under current hard constraints?

Permission establishes eligibility. A current authorization permits the specific action. The runtime security policy may still deny it.

Session and authentication

The console boots unauthenticated as member.public. A session carries both:

the authenticated principal; and
the effective acting member.

Human members authenticate with USER LOGIN and a locally stored salted password hash. AI and service members authenticate with owner-issued, rotatable tokens. Owner-only mutations require an authenticated owner session. Acting as another member is an explicit session operation, not proof that the acting member authenticated.

Use these surfaces to inspect the effective state:

USER WHOAMI
USER STORE
USER ROLES
USER PERMS
USER CAN <permission.key> [FOR <member.key>]

The complete syntax is in the USER command page.

Authorization and deny precedence

The resolver evaluates role permissions, explicit grants and overrides, session state, scoped authorization, and runtime policy independently. Deny takes precedence. Grants can expire, be revoked, and be audited.

The administrative flow includes:

USER REQUEST <permission.key> FOR <member.key> [reason]
USER APPROVE <id> [HOURS n]
USER DENY <id>
USER REVOKE <id>
USER GRANT <permission.key> TO <member.key> [HOURS n]
USER UNGRANT <permission.key> FROM <member.key>

Identity metadata persists in the identity DBF family. Startup adopts the persistent store when it is valid; a degraded store is read-only. USER VERIFY performs the APH-5 save, reload, and comparison proof.

Enforcement points

The model is wired into execution chokepoints rather than being only a catalog:

the AI development-tool permission bridge;
direct host-shell execution, with DOTTALK_ALLOW_HOST_COMMANDS retained as an independent final policy constraint;
SFTP host-command execution;
owner-gated USER mutations.

Each enforcement point must retain its own proof. A green role lookup is not a substitute for authentication, authorization, or the hard runtime policy.

Legacy SECURITY boundary

SECURITY LOGIN is a legacy diagnostic role selector. It does not authenticate a USER principal and grants no RBAC access. Use USER LOGIN, USER LOGOUT, and USER WHOAMI for effective identity and session state. The SECURITY command remains documented because it is observable compatibility behavior, but it must not be described as the authentication system.

Promotion status

The USER command surface is supported in the current development HELP catalog and runtime-proven. The broader identity project remains development-stage, not a promoted release claim. Registry import for organization/work hierarchy, portable YAML bootstrap, and the teaching loop remain explicit follow-on milestones.

Runtime Configuration, Definitions, and HELP Controls

Generated build vectors

BUILDVECTORS exposes the generated build-capacity authority used by the compiled engine. It makes configured limits observable and reduces drift between CMake reporting, generated headers, runtime consumers, bindings, and tests. Format geometry remains source-owned; build vectors control engine acceptance and creation policy.

See the BUILDVECTORS command page.

Runtime command and function definitions

The definition family lets a controlled runtime register and remove command or function definitions:

DEFCMD and UNDEFCMD;
DEFFN and UNDEFFN.

These are distinct public documentation surfaces, even when they share an implementation family. Each has its own command page, HELP topic, source contract, and publication-coverage disposition.

Script error policy

STOP_ON_ERROR controls whether a script stops after an error or continues. Because this changes control flow and proof interpretation, scripts and transcripts should record the active setting. A successful final command does not erase an earlier error when continuation is enabled.

HELP miss behavior

HELP now reports an explicit not-found result and produces deterministic did-you-mean suggestions from the indexed candidate set. A miss does not silently fall back into the router or loop without progress. The behavior is a source contract and regression surface, not merely interface polish.

Coverage rule

Current supported commands added after the documentation baseline must have a physical command page or a reviewed disposition. New gaps fail closed. The historical backlog is separately reported so improvement does not rewrite earlier evidence.

Diagrams

12 promoted diagrams bound from the attachment matrix (docs/manuals/developer/manualgen/reports/diagram-publication-attachment-matrix-v1.csv), each placed at its manual target and carrying its proof level.

Diagram	Source asset	Manual target	Proof
`DIAG-SELFDOCCORE-001`	`docs/manuals/assets/diagrams/evidence_to_manual_pipeline_v1.svg`	DEV-14; DEV-15; DEV-19	generated-reviewed
`DIAG-SDLCPARALLEL-002`	`docs/media/LabTalk_DotTalkpp_Systems_Storyboard_Deck/slide-*.png`	DEV-19	generated-reviewed
`DIAG-SDLCCURATION-003`	`labtalk/diagrams/LABTALK_SDLC_DIAGRAMS_v0.md`	DEV-15; DEV-19	generated-reviewed
`DIAG-CMDAUTH-004`	`docs/manuals/assets/diagrams/command_reference_harvest_v1.svg`	DEV-05; DEV-17	source-evidenced
`DIAG-X64GEOM-005`	`docs/manuals/assets/diagrams/trinity_headers_v1.svg`	DEV-08	runtime-evidenced
`DIAG-X64SELFDESC-006`	`docs/manuals/assets/diagrams/x64_self_describing_dbf_v1.svg`	DEV-08	source-evidenced
`DIAG-INDEXARCH-007`	`docs/manuals/assets/diagrams/index_order_cdx_lmdb_v1.svg`	DEV-09	runtime-evidenced
`DIAG-WORKAREA-008`	`docs/manuals/assets/diagrams/workareas_cursor_control_v1.svg`	DEV-07; DEV-12; DEV-13	runtime-evidenced
`DIAG-ARCHLAYERS-009`	`docs/manuals/assets/diagrams/dottalkpp_architecture_layers_v1.svg`	DEV-04	source-evidenced
`DIAG-LABCAMPUS-010`	`labtalk/diagrams/labtalk_campus_map_v0.svg`	DEV-19 references only	generated-reviewed
`DIAG-LABPROOF-011`	`labtalk/diagrams/labtalk_proof_path_v0.svg`	DEV-19 references only	generated-reviewed
`DIAG-MDOFLOW-012`	`labtalk/diagrams/mdo_manualgen_publication_dataflow_v0.mmd`	DEV-15; DEV-19	generated-reviewed

Appendices

part pending generator (manualgen build-dry-run (section candidate))

Appendix — Working with AI: the Portal & Pseudo-Chat

This project is developed in collaboration with AI partners, and that collaboration is itself governed — not ad hoc. This appendix is the reader-facing explanation of how it works. It is deliberately a standalone appendix: the subject is orthogonal to the engine chapters (it is about how the project is built and coordinated, not about DBF records, indexes, or expressions), yet it cuts across all of them. Standalone here means "its own axis," not "optional" — the coordination model is load-bearing, so it gets a single, addressable home rather than being scattered through the reference.

The AI Portal

An outside AI partner cannot read the maintainer's private development tree, and the GitHub copy of the governance portal moves only on full engine snapshots — so between snapshots an external partner's picture of lane state, decisions, and doctrine can go stale. The doc-only live portal closes that gap. A public, frequently updated page — AI Agent Sync — Live Current State, published at /docs/labtalk/agent-sync — carries the current governance surface (working agreement, doctrine, accepted decisions, active-track state, open questions), dated, and refreshed at each maintainer-session closeout. It publishes on the website's cadence, so it is the freshest public state an outside agent can reach without local access.

Two coordination surfaces exist, one per kind of partner:

A partner with access to the development tree reads the in-repo governance directly (the intake queue, lane docs, and per-session handoff notes) and exchanges work as files.
A web-only partner (for example, a browser-based assistant) reads the live Agent Sync page and hands work back as standalone, compile-only packets.

Precedence is explicit and never in doubt: the live page is fresher than the GitHub snapshot between snapshots, but the maintainer's reconciliation against the development tree is authoritative over both. The page is not autonomous authority and does not bypass a proof gate.

Pseudo-Chat — the return lane

For a long time the portal only spoke outward: it broadcast state, but a partner's answers had nowhere structured to land. Pseudo-Chat is the return lane that closes the loop. The page's Open questions are a tracked table; the Pseudo-Chat lane carries a reply protocol and a dated log; an external partner's answer is transcribed back onto the page at closeout and flips the matching question's status — so the question and its answer live together on one durable page instead of scattering across two disconnected conversations.

The name is the honest part. It is called Pseudo-Chat precisely because it is not real-time. It moves at closeout cadence, one turn at a time.

In plain terms, Pseudo-Chat works like an old bulletin-board system: a shared board you check on your own schedule, where posts and replies accumulate over time — never a live chat. The published page is the "server" (a board anyone can read); the twist is that only the maintainer's in-repo agent can post to it, so an outside partner's reply reaches the board by being handed over and transcribed — read-by-visit, write-by-relay. If a closer analogy helps, it is a letters-to-the-editor column: the page is a newsletter published on a schedule (each closeout), the Open questions are the editorial, partners write in, and the editor prints selected replies in the next issue with a note on which question each one settled. Same asymmetry, same cadence, same curation — which is exactly why pseudo is the honest prefix.

Roles and the turn cycle

Three roles keep it moving, none of them automatic: the external partner reads the page and replies in its own session in a fixed RE: format; the in-repo agent curates the Open questions, broadcasts state, and transcribes accepted replies at closeout; the maintainer is both the transport (relaying replies between isolated sessions) and the gate (deciding what is accepted, and owning every commit, push, and publish). A full round trip is: broadcast state and questions → the partner reads → the partner replies → the maintainer relays → the in-repo agent logs the reply and updates the question's status at closeout → republish → the partner sees the resolution on its next read. Nothing polls; a human triggers each hop, and the freshness date is the contract that tells a reader how stale the page might be.

A recorded reply is a recorded conversation, not a filed decision: anything substantive still promotes into the governed record — the intake queue, a lane document, the dashboard — through the normal review gate. Pseudo-Chat is the dialogue surface; the ledger is elsewhere.

Where the details live

The full mechanism — the RE: reply protocol, the log format, status transitions, the worked example, and the closeout integration — is specified in docs/maintenance/PSEUDO_CHAT_RETURN_LANE_V1.md, and the governance hooks that keep it maintained live in AI_PORTAL.md. The live channel itself is the Agent Sync page at /docs/labtalk/agent-sync. This appendix is the durable, reader-facing companion to those: it explains why the collaboration is shaped this way and why the standalone placement is a statement of orthogonality, not of lesser importance.

Glossary

Review candidate — terms harvested from command/function names and section headings; definitions are pending maintainer review (candidate mode). Note: the DotTalk++ GLOSSARY command is documented in the Command Reference, distinct from this back-matter glossary.

Term	Definition
CDX	Compound index file (multiple ordered tags).
DBF	dBASE-family table file; x64base uses a 64-bit-widened variant (DBF_64).
FPT	Memo (variable-length field) file paired with a DBF; x64base uses FPT64.
LMDB	Lightning Memory-Mapped Database backend used for index/order acceleration.
MDO	Master Documentation Organizer — lane/section/promotion structure.
RECNO	Record number; x64base widens record addressing to 64-bit (RECNO64).
SelfDoc	The report-only documentation-generation subsystem.
WAL	Write-ahead log providing durability for buffered mutations.
`ABS`	definition — review
`ACOS`	definition — review
`ALLTRIM`	definition — review
`APPEND`	definition — review
`AREA`	definition — review
`AREA51`	definition — review
`ASC`	definition — review
`ASCEND`	definition — review
`ASCII`	definition — review
`ASIN`	definition — review
`AT`	definition — review
`ATAN`	definition — review
`ATC`	definition — review
`AUTODBF`	definition — review
`BETWEEN`	definition — review
`BIBLETALK`	definition — review
`BOTTOM`	definition — review
`BROWSE`	definition — review
`BROWSER`	definition — review
`BUFFERING`	definition — review
`BUILDLMDB`	definition — review
`BUILDVECTORS`	definition — review
`CANARY`	definition — review
`CDOW`	definition — review
`CEILING`	definition — review
`CHR`	definition — review
`CHRISTMAS`	definition — review
`CHRTRAN`	definition — review
`CLOSE`	definition — review
`CMDREL`	definition — review
`CMONTH`	definition — review
`CNX`	definition — review
`COBOL`	definition — review
`CODASYL`	definition — review
`COMMANDSHELP`	definition — review
`COMMIT`	definition — review
`CONCAT`	definition — review
`CONTINUE`	definition — review
`COPY`	definition — review
`COS`	definition — review
…	192 further harvested terms pending review

Index

ABS (function)
ACOS (function)
AGGS boundary
Aliases and entry variants
Aliases and variants
ALLTRIM
ALLTRIM (command)
ALLTRIM (function)
APPEND
APPEND (command)
APPEND BLANK and APPEND_BLANK
Appendices
Appendix — Working with AI: the Portal & Pseudo-Chat
Appendix: Review and Deferred: SET-family
AREA
AREA (command)
AREA51
AREA51 (command)
ASC
ASC (command)
ASC (function)
ASCEND
ASCEND (command)
ASCII
ASCII (command)
ASIN (function)
Assembly workflow versus truth authority
AT
AT (command)
AT (function)
ATAN (function)
ATC
ATC (command)
ATC (function)
Authority boundaries
Authority model for command reference assembly
Authorization and deny precedence
AUTODBF
AUTODBF (command)

BETWEEN (function)
BIBLETALK
BIBLETALK (command)
BOTTOM
BOTTOM (command)
Boundary
BROWSE
BROWSE (command)
BROWSER
BROWSER (command)
BUFFERING
BUFFERING (command)
BUILDLMDB
BUILDLMDB (command)
BUILDVECTORS
BUILDVECTORS (command)

CALC and CALCWRITE
CANARY
CANARY (command)
Canary lifecycle
Canary non-disappearance boundary
Candidate note headers
Canonical command identity
Canonical commands
CDOW (function)
CDX
CDX (command)
CDX, CNX, and LMDB boundary
CEILING (function)
CHR
CHR (command)
CHR (function)
CHRISTMAS
CHRISTMAS (command)
CHRTRAN (function)
CLOSE
CLOSE (command)
Closing a canary
CMDHELPCHK lane
CMDHELPCHK role
CMDREL
CMDREL (command)
CMONTH (function)
CNX
CNX (command)
COBOL
COBOL (command)
CODASYL
CODASYL (command)
Colophon — build provenance
Command and concept map
Command Reference
Command Reference Assembly, Aliases, and Generated Page Hygiene
Command surface
Command Surface, Dispatch, and Entry Variants
Command-reference crosswalks
Commands and observability
Commands in this section
COMMANDSHELP
COMMANDSHELP (command)
COMMIT
COMMIT (command)
Compatibility and bridge material
CONCAT
CONCAT (command)
CONCAT (function)
Configuration boundary
CONTINUE
CONTINUE (command)
COPY
COPY (command)
Core doctrine
Core workflow
COS (function)
COUNT and aggregate commands
Coverage rule
CREATE
CREATE (command)
Crosswalk discipline
CTOD
CTOD (command)
CTOD (function)

DATE
DATE (command)
DATE (function)
DATEADD (function)
DATEDIFF (function)
DATETIME (function)
DAY (function)
DECISION
DECISION (command)
DEFCMD
DEFCMD (command)
DEFFN
DEFFN (command)
DELETE
DELETE (command)
Deleted-record filters
DESCEND
DESCEND (command)
Diagrams
DIR
DIR (command)
Direct aggregate verbs and AGGS
DO
DO (command)
Documentation and proof contract
DOTHELP
DOTHELP (command)
DOTSCRIPT
DOTSCRIPT (command)
DOW (function)
DRAWIO
DRAWIO (command)
DTOC
DTOC (command)
DTOC (function)
DTOS (function)
DUMP
DUMP (command)
Duplicate command rows

EDIT
EDIT (command)
EDUCATIONAL_USE
EDUCATIONAL_USE (command)
ELSE
ELSE (command)
EMPTY (function)
ENDIF
ENDIF (command)
ENDLOOP
ENDLOOP (command)
ENDSCAN
ENDSCAN (command)
ENDUNTIL
ENDUNTIL (command)
ENDWHILE
ENDWHILE (command)
Enforcement points
Ephemeral-data contract
ERASE
ERASE (command)
ERP
ERP (command)
Error / Message Catalog
Error and null behavior
ERSATZ
ERSATZ (command)
ERSATZ and browser caution
EVAL
EVAL (command)
EVALUATE
EVALUATE (command)
Evidence crosswalks
Evidence doctrine in practice
Evidence lanes
EXAMPLE
EXAMPLE (command)
EXP (function)
EXPFUNCS
EXPFUNCS (command)
EXPORT
EXPORT (command)
EXPORTSQL
EXPORTSQL (command)
EXPRESSION
EXPRESSION (command)
Expression evaluation surfaces
Expressions, Querying, and Aggregates

Final publication boundary
FIND
FIND (command)
FLOOR (function)
FOXHELP
FOXHELP (command)
FOXPRO
FOXPRO (command)
FOXSTANDARD
FOXSTANDARD (command)
FOXTALK
FOXTALK (command)
Function bridge behavior
Function command-line bridge
Function Reference
Future META alignment

Generated build vectors
Generated command pages
Generated command pages and evidence artifacts
GLOSSARY
Glossary
GLOSSARY (command)
GO
GO (command)
GOMONTH (function)
GOTO
GOTO (command)
GPS
GPS (command)

Header normalization
HELP and CMDHELPCHK
HELP FUNCTIONS and FUNCTION help
HELP lane
HELP miss behavior
HELP rows as diagnostic evidence
HELP, CMDHELPCHK, and metadata boundaries
HELP, CMDHELPCHK, and metadata in evidence practice
HELP, Metadata, CMDHELPCHK, and Manualgen Alignment
Human review

Identity, Authentication, RBAC, and Security
IDX
IDX (command)
IF
IF (command)
IMAGE
IMAGE (command)
IMPORT
IMPORT (command)
IMPORTSQL
IMPORTSQL (command)
INDEX (command)
Indexing vocabulary
Indexing, Tags, Relations, and Views
INIT
INIT (command)
Inspectable files
INT (function)
Internal owner and public surface
INTRO
INTRO (command)

Keeping canaries visible
Known canaries

LEFT
LEFT (command)
LEFT (function)
Legacy documents
Legacy SECURITY boundary
LEN
LEN (command)
LEN (function)
LIKE (function)
LIST
LIST (command)
LMDB
LMDB (command)
LMDB_UTIL
LMDB_UTIL (command)
LMDBDUMP
LMDBDUMP (command)
LOAD guard
LOCATE
LOCATE (command)
LOCATE, CONTINUE, and SCAN
LOCK
LOCK (command)
LOG (function)
LOG10 (function)
Logical order and active order
LOOP
LOOP (command)
LOOP_BUFFER
LOOP_BUFFER (command)
LOOPS
LOOPS (command)
LOWER
LOWER (command)
LOWER (function)
LTRIM
LTRIM (command)
LTRIM (function)

Manualgen lane
MAX (function)
MCC
MCC (command)
Message catalog and HELP alignment
Message vocabulary
Messages, Errors, and Diagnostics
Metadata feeders
Metadata lane
MIN (function)
MOD (function)
MODEL
MODEL (command)
MONTH (function)

NAVIGATION
NAVIGATION (command)
No-active-table and not-found messages
No-delete and no-mutation safety
No-mutation safety
NORMALIZE
NORMALIZE (command)
Notes for future prose pass
NOW (function)

Open index architecture note
Opening a canary
ORDER
ORDER (command)
Ownership reminder

PACK
PACK (command)
PADC
PADC (command)
PADL
PADL (command)
PADR
PADR (command)
Parser dispatch and handlers
Parser warnings and syntax diagnostics
Path repair and canonical path verification
PREDHELP
PREDHELP (command)
PREDICATE
PREDICATE (command)
PREDICATES
PREDICATES (command)
Predicates, WHERE, and FOR
Preface — how to read this manual
PROJECTION
PROJECTION (command)
PROJECTS
PROJECTS (command)
Promoted Draft Review, Header Normalization, and Publication Readiness
Promoted draft workspace
Promotion status
PROPER
PROPER (command)
Provenance & attestation
Pseudo-Chat — the return lane
PSHELL
PSHELL (command)
Publication readiness
Purpose of this section

RAND (function)
RAT (function)
REBUILD
REBUILD (command)
RECALL
RECALL (command)
Record views and memo fields
REGRESSION and TEST as proof launchers
REINDEX
REINDEX (command)
Reindexing and rebuild behavior
REL
REL (command)
REL_ENUM
REL_ENUM (command)
REL_REFRESH
REL_REFRESH (command)
RELATION
RELATION (command)
RELATIONS
RELATIONS (command)
Relations and relation traversal
REPLACE
REPLACE (command)
REPLICATE
REPLICATE (command)
REPLICATE (function)
Report-only publication readiness
RETRO
RETRO (command)
Review notes before candidate generation
Review notes before PIP-003
Review packets and inspection packets
Reviewed candidate status blocks
RIGHT
RIGHT (command)
RIGHT (function)
Roles and the turn cycle
ROLLBACK
ROLLBACK (command)
ROUND (function)
RTRIM
RTRIM (command)
RTRIM (function)
RULE
RULE (command)
RUN
RUN (command)
Runtime and source together
Runtime command and function definitions
Runtime Configuration, Definitions, and HELP Controls
Runtime diagnostic examples
Runtime evidence
Runtime Evidence, Source Verification, and Canary Closure
Runtime lane

Safety boundaries
Scalar functions versus aggregate commands
SCAN
SCAN (command)
SCAN_BUFFER
SCAN_BUFFER (command)
Schema and DDL
SCHEMAS
SCHEMAS (command)
SCRIPT
SCRIPT (command)
Script error policy
SCX
SCX (command)
SECHO
SECHO (command)
SECONDS (function)
Section count
Section order
SECURITY
SECURITY (command)
SEEK
SEEK (command)
SEEK and FIND active-order boundary
SELECT
SELECT (command)
SelfDoc and manualgen evidence
SelfDoc lane
Session and authentication
SET family boundary
SET-family boundary and canonicalization canary
SET-family canonicalization
Severity vocabulary
SFTP
SFTP (command)
SHARED_MSG caution
SHELLO
SHELLO (command)
SHOWINI
SHOWINI (command)
SHUTDOWN
SHUTDOWN (command)
SIN (function)
SIX
SIX (command)
SKIP
SKIP (command)
Slow-lane canary tracking names
Slug collisions
Slugs and section ids
SMARTLIST
SMARTLIST (command)
Smoke tests, shakedowns, regressions, builds, and releases
SOUNDEX (function)
Source lane
Source verification
Source-lane rule for this section
SPACE
SPACE (command)
SPACE (function)
SQL
SQL (command)
SQLERASE
SQLERASE (command)
SQLHELP
SQLHELP (command)
SQLITE
SQLITE (command)
SQLSEL
SQLSEL (command)
SQLVER
SQLVER (command)
SQRT (function)
STATE
STATE (command)
STOP_ON_ERROR
STOP_ON_ERROR (command)
STR
STR (command)
STR (function)
STRTRAN (function)
STRUCT
STRUCT (command)
STU_REPEAT
STU_REPEAT (command)
STU_UPPER
STU_UPPER (command)
STUDENTECHO
STUDENTECHO (command)
STUDENTHELLO
STUDENTHELLO (command)
STUFF
STUFF (command)
Subcommands and command families
Substantive prose boundary
SUBSTR
SUBSTR (command)
SUBSTR (function)
SYSMSG and SYSTEM_MESSAGES

TABLE_BUFFER
TABLE_BUFFER (command)
Tables, Records, and Data Model
Tables, records, and fields
Tags and tag availability
TAN (function)
Temporary evidence lanes
TEXT
TEXT (command)
The AI Portal
The current security model
TIME
TIME (command)
TIME (function)
TODAY (function)
TOP
TOP (command)
TRANSFORM (function)
TRIM
TRIM (command)
TUPEXPORT
TUPEXPORT (command)
TUPLE
TUPLE (command)
TUPLEDELTA
TUPLEDELTA (command)
TUPTALK
TUPTALK (command)
TUPVALIDATE
TUPVALIDATE (command)
TURBOPACK
TURBOPACK (command)
TVISION
TVISION (command)
Typed message catalog direction

UNDEFCMD
UNDEFCMD (command)
UNDEFFN
UNDEFFN (command)
UNDELETE
UNDELETE (command)
UNLOCK
UNLOCK (command)
UNTIL
UNTIL (command)
UNTIL_BUFFER
UNTIL_BUFFER (command)
UPDATE
UPDATE (command)
UPPER
UPPER (command)
UPPER (function)
USE
USE (command)
USER
USER (command)

VAL
VAL (command)
VAL (function)
VALIDATE
VALIDATE (command)
VDISK
VDISK (command)
VDISK, RAM DBF, and Transient Storage
Views and projection boundary

WEB
WEB (command)
What this section should not do yet
What VDISK is
Where the details live
WHILE
WHILE (command)
WHILE_BUFFER
WHILE_BUFFER (command)
Work areas as context, not the main topic
WORKSPACE
WORKSPACE (command)
WSREPORT
WSREPORT (command)

YEAR (function)

ZAP
ZAP (command)
ZIP
ZIP (command)

Colophon — build provenance

This manual assembled itself. The record below is emitted by the assembler so the self-documentation claim is auditable end to end.

Assembler	`manual-assembler/0.1.0 (MANUAL-ASSEMBLY M3)`
Manifest	`tools/manualgen/manual_assembly_manifest.yaml` (dottalk.manual.assembly_manifest.v1)
Parts assembled	26 (of 26 declared)
Greenfield parts generated	8
Repository HEAD (context only)	`cc0761e8f`
Python (build)	3.12.9 (target 3.12)
Build timestamp (UTC)	2026-07-23T07:23:14Z
Machine	Alienware m16 R2 — MAINTAINER_ATTESTED
Accepted reader baseline	`EA2E12A9D3E1`

DotTalk++ / x64base Developer Manual

Provenance & attestation

Preface — how to read this manual

Table of Contents

Command Reference

ALLTRIM

ALLTRIM

Summary

Status

Syntax

Provenance

APPEND

APPEND

Summary

Status

Syntax

Usage

Note

Related

Provenance

AREA

AREA

Summary

Status

Syntax

Usage

Example

Note

Related

Provenance

AREA51

AREA51

Summary

Status

Syntax

Provenance

ASC

ASC

Summary

Status

Syntax

Provenance

ASCEND

ASCEND

Summary

Status

Syntax

Usage

Note

Related

Provenance

ASCII

ASCII

Summary

Status

Syntax

Provenance

AT

AT

Summary

Status

Syntax

Provenance

ATC

ATC

Summary

Status

Syntax

Provenance

AUTODBF

AUTODBF

Summary

Status

Syntax

Usage

Argument

Note

Provenance

BIBLETALK

BIBLETALK