blunderDB

blunderDB is a software for creating backgammon position databases. Its main strength is to provide a single place where a player can aggregate the positions he or she has encountered (online, in tournaments) and be able to review these positions by filtering them with various filters that can be arbitrarily combined. blunderDB can also be used to create catalogs of reference positions.

The present documentation is structured as follows:

• the download and installation section explains how to obtain and run blunderDB.

• the manual describes the general functioning of blunderDB and how it should be used.

• the user guide is a practical introduction for quickly using blunderDB.

• the list of commands as well as the list of keyboard shortcuts enables efficient use of blunderDB.

• The FAQ provides answers to the most frequently asked questions.

Version history

Version	Date	Cause and/or nature of changes
0.1.0	December 31, 2024	Beta version
0.2.0	January 6, 2025	Various bug fixes. Addition of match/TP/GV tables. Added search filters (moves, cube decisions, date). Added metadata for positions. Import/export functionality between blunderDB instances. Added metadata functionality for databases. Introduction of version numbers (database and application).
0.3.0	January 27, 2025	Various bug fixes. Automatically saves the window size. Imports any comments from XG.
0.4.0	February 3, 2025	Various bug fixes. Adding an icon for blunderDB. Filter corrections. Adding macOS support.
0.5.0	February 4, 2025	Addition of new filters (mirror, non-contact, jan blot, outfield blot).

Table of contents

• 1. Download and Installation
• 2. Manual
  • 2.1. Description of the interface
  • 2.2. NORMAL mode
  • 2.3. EDIT mode
  • 2.4. COMMAND mode
• 3. User Guide
  • 3.1. Create a new database
  • 3.2. Open an existing database
  • 3.3. Edit a position
  • 3.4. Add a position to the database
  • 3.5. Tag a position
  • 3.6. Delete a position
  • 3.7. Import a position from XG
  • 3.8. Display the analysis of a position imported from XG
  • 3.9. Export a position to XG
  • 3.10. View the different positions
  • 3.11. Search for positions based on criteria
• 4. List of commands
  • 4.1. Global operations
  • 4.2. NORMAL Mode
  • 4.3. EDIT Mode
  • 4.4. Search Filters
  • 4.5. Various commands
• 5. Keyboard shortcuts
  • 5.1. General
  • 5.2. NORMAL mode.
  • 5.3. EDIT mode
  • 5.4. COMMAND mode.
• 6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
  • 6.1. What is the purpose of blunderDB?
  • 6.2. What motivated the creation of blunderDB?
  • 6.3. How to save the state of the current database?
  • 6.4. Can I modify, copy, share blunderDB?
  • 6.5. What data format does blunderDB use?
  • 6.6. What were the design principles of blunderDB?
  • 6.7. What is the software architecture of blunderDB?
  • 6.8. On which platforms does blunderDB run?
  • 6.9. Where does the blunderDB icon come from?
• 7. Windows Annex: False Detection of blunderDB as Malware
  • 7.1. Windows SmartScreen Warning
  • 7.2. Windows Defender Blocking
• 8. Mac Annex: Possible Blocking of blunderDB
  • 8.1. Installation of blunderDB
  • 8.2. Authorization to Run blunderDB
• 9. Annex: Database Schema
  • 9.1. Version 1.0.0
  • 9.2. Version 1.1.0

Contact

Author: Kévin Unger <blunderdb@proton.me>. You can also find me on Heroes under the username postmanpat.

I initially developed blunderDB for my personal use to help detect patterns in my mistakes. However, it’s very rewarding to receive feedback, especially after spending a lot of time on design, coding, and debugging. So feel free to reach out to share your experiences. All (constructive) feedback is welcome.

Here are several ways to discuss:

• Join the Discord server of blunderDB: https://discord.gg/DA5PpzM9En

• Email me at blunderdb@proton.me.

• Discuss with me if we meet in a tournament.

• On GitHub.

  • Open an issue: https://github.com/kevung/blunderDB/issues

  • For bug fixes or improvement suggestions, create a pull request.

Donate

If you appreciate blunderDB and want to support its past and future developments, you can

• buy me a drink if we have the pleasure of meeting!

• make a small donation via PayPal to the address blunderdb@proton.me

Acknowledgments

I dedicate this little software to my wife Anne-Claire and our dear daughter Perrine. I would especially like to thank a few friends:

• Tristan Remille, for introducing me to backgammon with joy and kindness; for showing the way in understanding this wonderful game; and for continuing to support me despite my poor attempts to improve my play.

• Nicolas Harmand, a cheerful companion for over a decade in great adventures, and a fantastic sparring partner since he has caught the backgammon bug.