FAQs

General

How can I backup my data?

How can I backup my data?

Although iTunes does backup your application data when synching your device, it is VERY difficult to pull the data back out without doing a full restore of your device. It is always recommended that you back up important data in applications externally.

You can see which file you need to backup by viewing the "DB" field under Settings within Book Crawler. For longtime users, it will list a file name called "Crawler.sqlite". If you are a newer user or have transferred to a newer device, you will likely see a file that is named by a date and time stamp, e.g. "20141225054606.sqlite". This is the name of the file that contains all of the data entered in your application. There are two places you can access the data from:

Settings (within BC) -> Import/Export

iTunes File Sharing (available with iOS4+)

The App Store says the Book Crawler update is installing, but nothing is happening.

The App Store says the Book Crawler update is installing, but nothing is happening. What can I do?

Unfortunately this is the fault of the App Store. There are a few options to try to install the app:

Restart your device (holding sleep key until it prompts you to slide to power down). Go back to the App Store and try to complete the process again.

Install the update from iTunes on your computer and then synch your device to install the app.

Pull off your database file (Crawler.sqlite) via iTunes file sharing (iOS 4+). Once you have safely copied your database file, you can delete the app and re-download it from the App Store. It won't charge you again if you are logged in to the same account as you purchased it with. Once the app is back, you can transfer the Crawler.sqlite file back in via iTunes file sharing again. If you started the app before transferring the file, you may need to restart the app.

How can I share my database with the developer?

How can I share my database with the developer?

From your dropbox account, select "Share a folder" -> "I'd like to share an existing folder" -> "BookCrawler". Then enter This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. into "Invite collaborators to this folder".

Is there any way to transfer books that I own from Kindle, iBooks, etc. in to my Bookcrawler library?

Is there any way to transfer books that I own from Kindle, iBooks, etc. in to my Bookcrawler library?

Unfortunately, there isn't currently a way to grab the lists of books from any of these popular reading apps. The Apple iOS does not allow applications to inspect data from other applications for security reasons. For bc to be able to examine data in another app, that app would need to provide an interface to allow bc to retrieve data. I will be happy to implement this on my end as soon as another app does this. I have tried to contact various apps to get this information, but so far no one has responded. Perhaps if enough users contact the authors, one will be created.

The easiest way to proceed in the interim is to create a csv file and import all of the entries that way. The format for the csv file can be found here:
CSV Documentation

The csv file is just a text file and can be created with any editor, but a spreadsheet application like Excel is the easiest way. A simple list of titles and authors will work but you have the best shot at finding the correct match with an ISBN as well. Once a csv import is done, you can load additional information under Settings -> Update Entries.

The other way to enter books rapidly is through the Authors interface. You can add a new name, perform a search and then select multiple books at a time to enter them.

How can I share a recommendation with a friend via Email?

How can I share a recommendation with a friend via Email?

From a book's detail page, press the share icon then Email.

This email will contain details from the selected record and provide the recipient with a link to easily add the book directly to their Book Crawler database.