Free Inventory Software

For some time now we have been distributing the sources of MerciGest in Access and we continue to do so, but we have thought of making a warehouse program available for free in a desktop version, this means that MS Access is no longer needed to use it. The name of the software is always MerciGest, this is because it is now well known.

MerciGest Free Inventory Software
This is what the main window of the desktop version of MerciGest looks like, very simple and intuitive

The usability of the program is very simple and intuitive, unfortunately at the moment we have not yet made video tutorials to illustrate the use of the management software, but we hope to make some in a few days. Meanwhile, on the web page dedicated to the program, we have inserted Calus video tutorials which is practically the same as the previous one, even if it has many more features and is clearly paid.

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What is MerciGest and Who is it For

Managing inventory in a simple and efficient way is one of the most common challenges for shops, small businesses, and artisans. MerciGest was created with this in mind: a warehouse management software for Windows that combines ease of use with reliable performance.

A management tool for everyone

MerciGest has been designed to be used even by those who have little or no experience with complex software. Its intuitive interface allows you to get started from the very first launch, thanks to a sample database that shows how the main operations work (stock in, stock out, inventory levels).

Free version and full version

One of the most appreciated features is the availability of two options:

  • Free version: provides all the essential functions to manage items and movements with no limits on quantity. Printed documents include the word “Demo,” making it ideal for testing the software with full functionality.
  • Subscription version: unlocks advanced features such as professional invoices and delivery notes, removing the limits of the free mode. The subscription is designed to be affordable, with both monthly and yearly plans available.

Who is MerciGest for

Thanks to its versatility, the software suits different kinds of users:

  • Shops and retailers that want to keep stock levels and orders under control.
  • Artisans and small companies that need a practical system to manage materials and products.
  • Associations or local organizations that require a simple and low-cost solution to track inventory without relying on complex systems.

Why choose MerciGest

Many management systems on the market are powerful but difficult to learn, or too expensive for a small business. MerciGest stands out for:

  • Immediate simplicity: just the right features, nothing unnecessary.
  • Flexibility: start free and upgrade as your business grows.
  • Clear and competitive pricing: no hidden fees, only the subscription if you choose to unlock advanced functions.
MerciGest 1.2

In conclusion, MerciGest is the ideal solution for anyone looking for warehouse management software that is easy to use, tailored for small businesses, and affordable.
With the free version you can get started right away, risk-free, and later decide if you want to move to the subscription plan.

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Introduction to the Standard Template Library (STL)

The Standard Template Library (STL) is one of the most powerful components of C++. It provides a collection of template classes to manage data structures and generic algorithms, improving code efficiency and readability.

In this article, we will explore the key elements of STL with practical examples to help junior programmers understand its usage and advantages.

1. Why use STL?

Using STL offers several advantages:

  • Efficient data management: Thanks to predefined containers, there is no need to implement complex data structures from scratch.
  • Optimized performance: STL algorithms are highly optimized and leverage advanced techniques to ensure speed and efficiency.
  • Code portability and maintenance: Code that uses STL is more readable and maintainable.
  • Flexibility: Iterators allow traversing containers without worrying about the internal implementation of the data structure.

2. Main components of STL

STL is divided into three main components:

  1. Containers: Data structures such as vector, list, map, set, etc.
  2. Algorithms: Functions for common operations such as searching, sorting, and modifying.
  3. Iterators: Objects that allow traversing containers in a uniform and efficient manner.

2.1 STL Containers

STL containers are divided into three categories:

  • Sequence Containers: vector, list, deque.
  • Associative Containers: set, map, multiset, multimap.
  • Unordered Containers: unordered_set, unordered_map, unordered_multiset, unordered_multimap.

Let’s see some examples.

Vector

std::vector is a dynamic array that automatically grows.

#include <iostream>
#include <vector>

int main() {
    std::vector<int> vec = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5};
    vec.push_back(6);

    for (int val : vec) {
        std::cout << val << " ";
    }
    return 0;
}

List

std::list is a doubly linked list.

#include <iostream>
#include <list>

int main() {
    std::list<int> lst = {10, 20, 30};
    lst.push_front(5);
    lst.push_back(40);

    for (int val : lst) {
        std::cout << val << " ";
    }
    return 0;
}

Map

std::map is an ordered dictionary based on balanced trees.

#include <iostream>
#include <map>

int main() {
    std::map<std::string, int> age;
    age["Alice"] = 25;
    age["Bob"] = 30;

    for (const auto& p : age) {
        std::cout << p.first << ": " << p.second << std::endl;
    }
    return 0;
}

2.2 STL Algorithms

STL includes numerous algorithms for performing operations on containers.

Sorting with std::sort

#include <iostream>
#include <vector>
#include <algorithm>

int main() {
    std::vector<int> numbers = {5, 2, 9, 1, 5, 6};
    std::sort(numbers.begin(), numbers.end());

    for (int n : numbers) {
        std::cout << n << " ";
    }
    return 0;
}

Searching with std::find

#include <iostream>
#include <vector>
#include <algorithm>

int main() {
    std::vector<int> numbers = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5};
    auto it = std::find(numbers.begin(), numbers.end(), 3);
    
    if (it != numbers.end()) {
        std::cout << "Element found: " << *it << std::endl;
    } else {
        std::cout << "Element not found" << std::endl;
    }
    return 0;
}

2.3 Iterators

Iterators allow traversing containers uniformly and efficiently.

One of the main advantages of iterators is their efficiency compared to traditional indices. They enable iteration over any STL container without needing to know its internal implementation details.

#include <iostream>
#include <vector>

int main() {
    std::vector<int> numbers = {10, 20, 30, 40};
    std::vector<int>::iterator it;
    
    for (it = numbers.begin(); it != numbers.end(); ++it) {
        std::cout << *it << " ";
    }
    return 0;
}

3. Conclusion

STL is a powerful tool that simplifies the management of data structures and algorithms in C++. Understanding containers, algorithms, and iterators will improve code quality and development productivity.

A programmer should learn to use STL to:

  • Write cleaner and more maintainable code.
  • Reduce development time thanks to predefined and optimized solutions.
  • Improve software performance with efficient algorithms and suitable data structures.

We encourage you to experiment with the provided examples and explore other STL functionalities to enhance your mastery of C++!

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