Connectivity and Development

During development, you will probably be developing using either the Embedded Database or an SQL database server, such as SQL Server. You also might start your development using Embedded tables and then wish to convert over to a SQL database. The development steps are mostly the same but different strategies are required for setting up your databases.

Embedded Database Development

When working with embedded database tables, development consists of:

1. Establishing your database tables

This is usually done by creating tables using the Studio’s Table Editor. The table files (.dat, .k??, .vld, etc.) will be stored in your workspace’s data folder. These files contain your table data and meta-data.

2. Development in the Studio

After your tables are created you will create Data Dictionaries (stored in DDSrc) and your application components - main program, views, selection lists, etc. (stored in AppSrc). This is where you will spend most of your development time.

SQL Database Development

When working with SQL databases using the DataFlex SQL drivers, development consists of:

1. Creating managed connections

You will use the Studio to define your managed connections. This determines where your database server resides and how you log into it. All tables will use a managed connection ID to determine which database contain the table. Essentially your first step is to create a managed connection for a server and make sure you can log in to it.

2. Establishing your database tables

You have more options here. You may:

• Create and modify tables using the using the Studio’s Table Editor. The table INT files will be stored in your workspace’s data folder.
• Convert existing embedded tables to SQL. This is done using the Studio’s SQL Conversion Wizard. You might do this if you are migrating to an SQL environment from the Embedded Database.
• Connect to an existing SQL database and its tables. This is done using the Studio’s SQL Connect/Repair Wizard. You might do this if you need to connect to an existing SQL database. You can do this, even if you don’t have the rights to change table definitions.
• Refresh existing SQL database table definitions. This is done using the Studio’s Refresh Table option or using the Studio’s SQL Connect/Repair Wizard. You would do this if a database table’s definition is changed outside of DataFlex (e.g., changes made by SQL Server’s native management tool).

3. Development in the Studio

After your tables are created you will create Data Dictionaries (stored in DDSrc) and your application components - main program, views, selection lists, etc. (stored in AppSrc). This process is essentially the same with embedded or SQL databases.

See Also

DataFlex SQL Drivers

Understanding How Connectivity Works

Using Managed Connections

Converting Data

Connecting to Existing Data

Using Embedded SQL

Connectivity Concepts