There once was a time, way back in the day, when a personal computer database was all the rage. For recipes. And contacts.
Databases today are complex, multi-relational beasts. Yet, we Mac users long for simple databases. Like iPhoto and iTunes. If you need to store some information in a database and a spreadsheet is overkill, then this is the $2 database for you.
Add Columns, Add Rows
At a very, very basic level a personal database is about columns and rows. A phone book is a database and everyone knows how to use it because it’s simple and elegant (and often heavy).
Delectus is a cleverly designed, eminently usable database that features a basic framework of columns and rows.
At first glance, it appears to be like a spreadsheet but without all the complexity of cells and formulas and calculations and visual formatting.
No, this database is instantly usable, and effortlessly expandable. Think lists. Think items. Think data.
Delectus features a flexible layout of columns and rows. Set up the columns of information however you want. Then add information to each row to match the columsn.
Voila! You’re a Mac database manager.
Click on the image above for a larger, pop up view with more detail.
This type of app is perfect to store basic information that doesn’t require a full-fledged database app.
It’s good to track a list of books, CDs, people, DVDs, household inventory, or anything else.
Delectus saves each database separately as a document, and each document can be structured completely different, with different column headings and data.
Flexibility is key. You control the number of columns and the column headings. Sorting is handled by clicking on a column. Numeric columns can be sorted with a click.
As the database rows grow it may be necessary to search for information. Simply enter a keyword in the search field and Delectus displays what matches.
This is a clever, simple database app that almost anyone can use instantly. Not bad for $2, right? And you get change.
About Jack D. Miller
I use Norrkross Register to do pretty much the same thing.
Editor’s Note: Norrkross Register app is quite good, also free, but hasn’t been updated in almost six years.
Most of us would be surprised at how useful a simple listing database can be. Set the column headings, add data, sort as needed. The price makes it attractive but it’s the simple usage that makes it a valued addition to your Mac apps. To try it is to use it.
What a clever database. Simple. Anyone can use this. Forget about importing and exporting. This is just a spreadsheet-like list of items that can be sorted, and with custom columns. Excellent. My mother can use this.