CSC-162 Final Project Media Library Create A Program That Wi

CSC-162 Final Project Media Library Create a Program That Will Keep Trac

Create a program that will keep track of a media library to store movies. The program will store all data using arrays, including movie title, actors/actresses with characters, movie length, and year of release. User interface elements should include multiple forms, textboxes, labels, list boxes, drop-down combo boxes, menus, splash screen, and an about dialog. The program must use a module file, non-event procedures, validate all input fields, and prompt the user on exit, save, and delete actions. All input data must be validated (numeric checks, empty fields). When storing data, arrays should be resized if necessary. Clicking a movie from the list will populate fields with details, and adding new movies enables editing fields, which can then be saved if valid, non-duplicate, and within array capacity. It should prevent movies from being added if they already exist. The program must also allow adding actors to a movie, deleting actors, and updating actors lists, with validation and prompts for confirmation on delete actions. Bonus points are awarded for implementing data storage in a file. The interface should disable/enable appropriate fields based on actions, clear fields when adding a new movie, and handle validation errors with messages. Extensive in-code comments, proper code organization, and adherence to the specifications are necessary for full credit.

Paper For Above instruction

The development of a media library application for managing a collection of movies requires careful planning and implementation of features that promote usability, data integrity, and functionality. This project emphasizes the use of arrays for data storage, multiple forms for a user-friendly interface, input validation, and safe data manipulation practices such as prompting confirmation before destructive actions. In this paper, I will detail the design approach, key features, data handling mechanisms, and considerations for a robust media management system consistent with the project specifications.

Design Approach and User Interface

The application's architecture revolves around multiple interconnected forms, with a primary form showcasing a list box displaying movie titles. Selecting a movie populates various textboxes with details such as title, length, and year, along with a list box for actors and their characters. The interface includes dropdown menus for ratings and menus for file operations like save, load, and exit. Additional dialogs include a splash screen for branding and an 'About' dialog providing information about the application. Controls such as buttons facilitate actions such as 'Add New Movie', 'Save', 'Delete Movie', 'Add Actor', and 'Remove Actor'. Input validation is critical; all input fields are checked for correctness—numeric fields for year and length are validated and converted using CInt, and empty fields prompt user messages. Proper focus management ensures a smooth user experience when adding or editing movies.

Data Storage and Array Management

The core data structure relies on arrays to hold movie attributes: titles, lengths, years, ratings (possibly as index values of dropdowns), and actors/characters. Since the exact number of movies is unknown initially, dynamic resizing of arrays is employed whenever a new movie is added beyond current capacity. For actors associated with movies, multiple arrays or multidimensional arrays may be used, or a collection of actor-character pairs stored in structures. To maintain data integrity, duplicate movies are checked before adding by comparing titles. Resizing arrays involves creating larger arrays and copying existing data, ensuring no data loss. The application supports adding multiple actors per movie, with constraints on the maximum number and prompts to confirm additions or deletions, which promotes data consistency.

Procedural Logic and Event Handling

Program logic is distributed across event procedures linked to UI controls, such as selecting a movie, clicking buttons for adding, saving, or deleting movies, and managing actors. For example, selecting a movie updates fields with details fetched from arrays, while clicking 'Add New Movie' enables fields for editing. Non-event procedures handle modular tasks like validating input, prompting for confirmation, and resizing arrays. Before adding new movies, the application checks for duplicates and array capacity, displaying appropriate messages otherwise. Input validation routines ensure that numeric fields are accurately converted and non-empty. When deleting a movie or an actor, confirmation prompts prevent accidental data loss. Saving data involves transferring information from UI controls into arrays and possibly prompting the user to save changes to external storage (if implemented). In case of errors or invalid inputs, message boxes inform the user of issues, guiding corrective actions.

Additional Features and Considerations

Features such as enabling or disabling controls depending on context reduce user errors and improve interaction. For example, when no movie is selected, relevant fields are disabled; upon selection, fields become readied for viewing or editing. The application prompts users to confirm critical actions like exiting or deleting data. For future expansion, implementing file storage facilitates data persistence, fulfilling bonus criteria; data can be stored in text files or binary files, with reading and writing routines ensuring data integrity across sessions. Proper documentation, including in-code comments and well-structured procedures, supports maintainability and clarity.

Conclusion

This media library application combines key programming practices: array management, form design, input validation, user prompts, modular coding, and optional data file storage. By ensuring all input is validated, providing clear user prompts, and structuring code logically, the project achieves a comprehensive movie management system that satisfies project requirements. Proper attention to detail, error handling, and UI responsiveness contribute to a professional and effective application suitable for managing a movie collection within the specified constraints.

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