Release 10.1A: OpenEdge Development:
Basic Database Tools

Data Definitions (.df file)

Choose this option to load table and sequence definitions. The .df file contains the definitions of tables, which can include fields & indexes, sequences, auto-connect records, collate/translate tables, and all their characteristics. When you choose this option, the dialog box in Figure 10–3 appears.

Figure 10–3: Load Data Definitions dialog box

The Load Data Definitions dialog box contains the following fields:

Input File

The Data Dictionary prompts you for the filename that contains the data definitions you want to load into your current working database. The default file is the working physical database name with a .df extension.

Stop If Errors Found

Specify whether you want to stop the load in the event a bad definition statement is encountered.

Output Error to File

Specify if you prefer error messages to be output as files.

Add New Objects Online

Specify if you want to add database objects while online.

Commit Even with Errors

Specify whether to commit data definitions, even if doing so will create a error message.

Output Errors to Screen

Specify if you prefer error message outputs to your screen instead of a file.

When you are through selecting your options, choose OK. The Data Dictionary displays each item as it loads the definitions for that object. The Data Dictionary displays a status message and prompts you to continue. The Data Dictionary truncates table names to eight characters.

Note: When you choose Load Data Definitions Data Definitions from the menu bar, the Data Dictionary automatically loads all the table definitions, including any collation or translation tables. If you change the collate/translate tables, you must rebuild your indexes.