*** Paradox-like Picture Parsing ***

The enclosed C++ files PARAPICT.CPP and PARAPICT.HPP define a class
which you can use to provide Paradox-like input pictures in your
application.  I have also enclosed TESTPIC.CPP, which demonstrates how
to use this class using standard gets/puts.

These pictures implement all the picture characters found in Paradox.
There are, however, a few subtle differences in how things work.  The
most two significant differences are:

1.  An option in an alternative choice is selected as soon as any
character matches the picture.  For example,

###RED###,###GRE###,###YEL###,###BLU###

Would not function the same as in Paradox.  With this library, the first
alternate would always be selected, because the first character typed
matches the # of the first one.  To achieve the same effect, you would
use:

###{RED,GRE,YEL,BLU}###

I don't think this restriction limits the capability, although it does
make it a little less easy to use.

2.  Literals are only filled in when preceded by a non-special match
character.  For example, the picture:

{20,40}W

When you type the 2, the 20 is filled in, but not the W (since it is not
preceded.  This is somewhat annoying, I know.  Perhaps I will fix it
someday, or perhaps someone else will (it's not a bug, it intrinsic in
a design shortcut or two).

I hope you enjoy these files.  Please drop me a line (although you are
not required to) if you use them, extend them or find any problems.

Ken Vogel
CIS 74007,564
FIS, Inc.
44 Playstead Rd
Newton, MA  02158