Release 10.1A: OpenEdge Data Management:
Database Administration

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. Figure 15–1 shows a sample data definitions file for a single table.

Figure 15–1: 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 of 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. Table 15–2 explains these values.

Table 15–2: Data definitions file trailer values 

Field	Description
codepage=codepage	The code page used by the database. For more information, see OpenEdge Development: Internationalizing Applications .
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.