Definition file format

Database Administration

Maintaining and Monitoring Your Database : Dumping and Loading : Dumping ABL database definitions : Definition file format

When you dump definitions, the Data Dictionary or the Data Administration tool creates a data definitions file. The Data tool then uses the data definitions file to load table definitions into the database. The following figure shows a sample data definitions file for a single table.

Figure 51. Sample data definitions file

If you modify a data definitions file, tables, fields, and indexes can be intermixed within one CREATE DATABASE section. However, be sure to adhere to the following:

Define a file before any fields contained in that file

Define a field before any index using that field

Specify information using the correct syntax

All definitions must belong with the most recent ADD DATABASE or CREATE DATABASE entry in the .df file

The trailer information contains the values used by the database definitions. If you edit the definitions file or create one manually, be sure to specify these values correctly. The table below explains these values.

Table 51. Data definitions file trailer values
Field	Description
codepage= codepage	The code page used by the database. For more information, see OpenEdge Development: Internationalizing Applications.
encpolicy=yes	Indicates that there are encryption policy settings in the data definition file.
bufpool=yes	Indicates that there are Alternate Buffer Pool settings in the data definition file.
Character count	The number of characters contained in the contents file, up to and including the period that indicates the end of the contents. This number is always a 10-digit number with leading zeros, if necessary.