What Is the Build Data Definition Language Utility?

The dbmaint (Build Oracle Data Definition Language) utility generates SQL statements for creating or deleting selected tables and indexes. The utility can operate on specific tables, all tables in a system code, or all tables in a product line or data area. The utility creates Data Definition Language (DDL) text according to the highest possible version with the given compatibility. The definitions that generate the SQL statements reside in the dictionary.

The dbmaint utility can be used to:

  • Generate DDL for the Lawson tables and indexes.

  • Repair problems that are identified by the dbverify utility.

  • Drop and recreate tables or indexes that are out of sync with the Lawson data dictionary or are somehow missing, or to conserve space and enhance performance.

  • Generate DDL statements to a file for examination or making minor changes.

  • Drop indexes before you load data, then rebuild the indexes after the data is loaded.

  • Truncate a table by dropping and recreating it.

If a table or index needs rebuilding or modification without going through the reorganization process, or if you want to make changes to the definition statements issued by Lawson to Oracle, use the dbmaint utility.

To ensure that no one else uses the file containing the generated DDL, execute this utility from a secured directory or change the permissions on the file. After you have used the file, delete it.