Data Dictionary

When you create a new file variable during file definition, it is automatically stored in the Data Dictionary. If you specify a pre-existing file variable name during file definition, the attributes for that variable are retrieved from the Data Dictionary.

The dictionary is active at the file level. This means that any changes to variable attributes made in the dictionary are automatically updated to all file definitions using that variable and changes to variables made during file maintenance are automatically updated to the Data Dictionary.

The dictionary is semi-active at the function level. This means that when defining a screen or report function, the attributes for each variable used are copied from the Data Dictionary to the field definition area of function maintenance. The attributes in the function can then be overwritten and the contents of the Data Dictionary remain unchanged. If the value of the attributes as read from the dictionary is not changed, as changes are made to the variable definition through dictionary or file maintenance, those changes are automatically made to the variables within the functions as well. If the attributes are to be overwritten, PROIV will flag attributes that have been changed and any subsequent changes to that attribute made in the dictionary will not effect the attribute set in the function.

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Topic ID: 730003