Chapter 2-2: Data Dictionary Concepts

Application Integration Issues

APPX applications operate as part of an integrated system of applications or stand alone, depending upon the specific requirements of each installation and application. You design integrated applications as if they will always be installed as a system.

When you first process a dictionary that includes one or more fields which reference domains in outside applications, your system must include the applications that contain the domains referenced. During processing, the field stores an internal copy of the specifications entered for the domain it references. Validation and token tables are also copied at this time.

After processing the data dictionary, the application can be installed as a stand-alone. When this stand-alone application is executed, the internal copy of the referenced domain’s attributes are used, not the attributes in the referenced application. You can process a stand-alone application without reinstalling the referenced applications; APPX assumes the referencing fields do not require processing.

If the domain that is referenced by a field changes, and it is necessary to incorporate those changes in the field, you must reinstall the referenced domain’s application. Processing the data dictionary then updates the internal copy of the specifications for that field.

APPX Application Design Manual (01/13/03)

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