DataDictionary: Difference between revisions

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TODO: integrate this with [[Data Dictionaries]]
= Definition =
A data dictionary is defined as the business layer in-bewteen your table on disk, and the requested operation at runtime.  It handles the find, clear, save, validate, and delete requests from either the programmer or the user.  A data dictionary exists both as a class coded definition and as an instantiated object which uses full delegation and polymorphism in the form of a data dictionary object in a "tree" structure for the data set you wish to perform an operation on.


A data dictionary is defined as the business layer in-bewteen your table on disk, and the requested operation at runtime.  It handles the find, clear, save, validate, and delete requests from either the programmer or the user.  A data dictionary exists both as a class coded definition and as an instantiated object which uses full delegation and polymorphism in the form of a data dictionary object in a "tree" structure for the data set you wish to perform an operation on.
= editing a Data Dictionary =


Editing a DataDictionary CLASS in Visual DataFlex involves at least 10 identifiable options:
Editing a DataDictionary CLASS in Visual DataFlex involves at least 10 identifiable options:
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All together, these 10 functional abilities to centrally define data table rules are dwarfed by the fact that they are "hitched up in tandem" like a team of "Budweiser Clydesdales" which work interconnectedly to enforce your entire data structure on any data operation which includes save, clear, find, delete, and validation.
All together, these 10 functional abilities to centrally define data table rules are dwarfed by the fact that they are "hitched up in tandem" like a team of "Budweiser Clydesdales" which work interconnectedly to enforce your entire data structure on any data operation which includes save, clear, find, delete, and validation.


= Old page =
= How to use Data Dictionaries  =
'''NOTE: new content has been added to [[DataDictionary]]. TODO: merge the two pages'''
 
'''Data Dictionaries''' are a class layer between your application and the database tables. They are considered to be a vital part of any Dataflex development.


The [[Database Builder]] tool helps you defining the class with visual aid for:
The [[Database Builder]] tool helps you defining the class with visual aid for:
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The Datadictionary class can also contain and business rules required when records are created, edited or deleted.
The Datadictionary class can also contain and business rules required when records are created, edited or deleted.


==How to create a new Data Dictionary from scratch==
==How to create a new Data Dictionary from scratch==
#Open [[Database Builder]].
#Open [[Database Builder]].
#Create a new table
#Create a new table
#Enter some columns (input name, type and width)
#Enter some columns (input name, type and width)
#Choose '''Maintenance''' and '''Create Empty DataDictionary'''.
#Choose '''Maintenance''' and '''Create Empty DataDictionary'''.
NOTE: remember to enter a width for your column.


==How to create Relationships==
==How to create Relationships==
Before creating relationships, make sure that both tables should have an index.  
Before creating relationships, make sure that both tables should have an index.  
*use 'the relationship wizard' in the database builder.
*use 'the relationship wizard' in the database builder.