What Is the Database Definition (dbdef) Tool?

Database definition is the process of defining the files for a database as well as the fields, indexes, rules, and help text for each file. The main tool for defining databases is the Database Definition tool (dbdef), shown in the following illustration with its Define menu options.

The first step in defining a database is to define the product line, which is a complete set of programs. Once a product line is defined, update the structural components as needed.

The structural definitions are described in the Application Development Workbench manual.

The data definition includes location and file sizes. File sizes are defined and stored in the data area and data ID portion of the product line. Data IDs are sub-areas of data areas with a set of data all their own. Together with the structural component, the data areas and data IDs make up the product line. An entire product line or individual data areas and data IDs may be secured from user access.