I would like to create a standalone database application to help in the outlining of large projects (i.e. screenplays, novels, etc). Basically it would have to be a standalone .EXE capable of dealing with large amounts of text (for different scenes), include tree views of all data, and able to export/print the data in an organized way (for starters).

The closest thing I have seen to what I am trying to do is a program called 'Power Structure. Of course, it isn't EXACTLY what I want to create. If anyone feels kind, or interested enough, to take the time. Here is the site where you can download the 'Power Structure'
demo. It will give you a good idea of what I"m trying to do.

http://www.write-brain.com/power-structure_demo.html

I have looked into creating this program in Delphi, Alpha Five, and a few other pieces of software. Unfortunately, I don't know enough yet to make an educated decision on which to use.

Could someone recommend a program/language that could accomplish what I am trying to do, and that may be a easy enough for a beginner.

I'm more than willing to throw myself into a new program, I just want to make sure it is the right one to use before I dedicate most of my time to it.

So, if anyone has the time, please take a look at Power Strucutre and tell me if I am insane for even attempting to go down this road. If I'm not insane, then please just point me in the direction of which program I should use/learn in order to accomplish this goal.

Thanks for any advice, I really do appreciate it.

-Mr. Delaney

1. If you are satisfied with a tree-based product, there are scores or even hundreds already available.

2. Programming: How much experience do you have? Unless you've done a LOT, you have no idea how much time programming takes: You think you've been sitting there for 10-20 minutes, when you look up and find 5 hours have elapsed.

Does anyone still use Alpha or Delphi? Several years ago a programmer told me that Delphi was good, but I have no idea what's best today.

There may be macro programs available that will allow you to take an existing outliner or word processor and add macros to do all the outlining features you want. In fact I tried this with MS Word but Word was too "squirrely," that is, it would do strange things for no discernable reason. Some (legal?) people developed an extensive set of macros to do this, but the macros had problems in newer versions of Word. At the moment, I can't find the name of the product


Have you looked at
www.screenplay.com//products/download/index.asp?productKey=storyview

www.screenplay.com//products/storyview/index.html

www.screenplay.com/