Displaying Uploaded Tables

A feature of the Web Site is the ability to display tables based on data files uploaded by privileged users. The code behind this feature does not care how many columns there are unless the user has requested configured headings.

Process Overview

1. We start with the creation of the page on the web site. Today, the webmaster sets up the basic page using information provided by the program director or their representative. This information includes the name of the file as it is uploaded, the type of delimiter used, column headings if not in the data file itself and other appearance related information. This step is only performed once.
2. The program director creates the data file. Data files are text files delimited by a special character. Most desktop programs are capable of generating delimited files from spreadsheets or databases. This step is performed every time the data changes.
3. The program director uploads the data file. This step is repeated every time that data changes.
4. When a user tries to display the page, the file is read and a table is displayed.

Possible Uses

• Schedules
• Tournament Scores - In this situation, the tournament director need only update the data file and upload it in order for the results to be available for the public.
• Team Rosters - Please consider data privacy before posting rosters.  The web site can be configured to require a userid/password to access pages with sensitive information on them.
• Phone Lists - Please consider data privacy before posting phone numbers. Same issue and recourse as rosters.

Creation of the page

To have a page created, request it from the webmaster. Remember, this is the name of the file after it is uploaded.

Required Information (Be sure to include in the "text" area of the new page request form:

• The filename as it will appear after the data file is uploaded.
• A page title.
• (Optional) Column headings. Column headings can either be explicitly configured or they may be included in the data file, but not both. If you want to specify the headings then include them, in order with the request.
• The delimiter used in the data file. The tab character is preferred but other characters are acceptable.
• (Optional) Borders. Do you want your table to have borders around each cell or should the contents float on the page.

Create the data file

Using whatever program that you used to create the file to export the file as a delimited text file. The preferable delimiter is a tab.

If you like to use the same data file for several pages please include a "key" column. Generally this should be the first column and it won't be displayed with the table. If you have a key column let the webmaster know which column it is when you request the page(s).

It also possible to customize how you table appears. You may use the same formating commands as press releases to bold, underline, etc test, insert images or links.

You can also include multiple tables with different numbers of columns in the same data file.

Upload the data file.

Upload the file using the File Upload page in the privileged user area. Be sure to indicate that the file is to be placed in the appropriate area.

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