2-03:Introduction to Domains

Chapter 2-3: Domains

Introduction to Domains

Domains are generic definitions, or patterns, for fields and work fields that share a set of common attributes. These attributes include such things as the physical space a field occupies, the set of values it contains, and the way the field is presented to a user.

APPX recognizes the following nine types of domains, with variations in the screen specifications presented once domain type has been established on the Domains screen.

· Alpha domains are patterns for fields comprised of letters, numbers, and special characters (-, #, or &, for example), where the primary characteristic is field length.

· Format domains are like alpha domains except that an edit mask is the primary characteristic.

· System domains are patterns for fields that contain data provided by the system, often referred to as audit fields.

· Text domains are patterns for fields comprised of blocks of text.

· Token domains are like alpha domains except they have specific values that are stored as corresponding numbers.

· Numeric domains are patterns for fields restricted to number, decimal (.), and sign (-) entries.

· Date domains are patterns for fields that contain dates and/or times, from a hundredth of a second through a century.

· Logic domains are patterns for fields with possible values of yes or no , or to represent an unknown value.

· Same As domains are patterns for fields that share the same characteristics as a domain in another application in your database.

APPX Application Design Manual (01/13/03)