According to the author, this book is “intended as an instruction book and reference work” for those wishing to increase their knowledge of dBASE languages. He defines “dBASE languages” as those languages used in several microcomputer-based DBMSs: dBASE III, dBASE III+, dBASE IV, Foxbase+, dBFast, dBSL, Quicksilver, and  Clipper.  The book includes information on editors, utilities, program libraries, and other support packages for these systems. In addition, it contains chapters on structured programming, interpreters and compilers, and database design.

The book suffers from several technical deficiencies. Numerous spelling, punctuation, and grammatical errors occur. Words are used incorrectly (for instance, modularization is called “modulation”). Programs and segments of programs are listed without reference numbers, and it is difficult to relate a particular example to a specific section of text. The lack of exercises limits the work’s use as a textbook. Discussion and examples from different systems such as dBASE III, dBASE IV, Clipper, and Foxbase+ are interspersed throughout the book. This organization limits its value as a reference.