2-01:Components of the Data Dictionary

Chapter 2-1: Data Dictionary Overview

Components of the Data Dictionary

The principal components of the data dictionary are an application’s:

· Domains, which are generic definitions, or patterns, for fields that share a set of common attributes. For example, your application may include a number of different General Ledger account fields, such as an Inventory account, a Sales account, a Cost-of-Goods-Sold account, and so on. Each of these fields is the same length and has the same alpha and numeric components. You can define these common attributes in an Account domain. Refer to Chapter 2-3: Domains for detailed information.

· Files, which are data storage structures that consist of a collection of related records. Each record contains one or more fields. The record layout for a file is determined by the fields defined for that file within the data dictionary. Refer to Chapter 2-4: Files and Fields for detailed information.

· Fields, which are the most elemental data storage structures of applications. They store the individual items of alphanumeric, numeric, date/time, and logic information that are available to users of APPX applications. The dictionary includes both physical and logical fields. Refer to Chapter 2-4: Files and Fields for detailed information.

· Work fields, which are “temporary” fields that are not stored in a file but can be manipulated by processes in APPX (usually with statements). You cannot save the contents of work fields after a user has logged off, although you can pass work field values to other fields or processes. Refer to Chapter 2-5: Work Fields for detailed information.

APPX Application Design Manual (01/13/03)