Use this dialog to create a new data dictionary class for the selected table.
Data dictionaries are used to implement your application's business rules and data presentation. To learn more about DataFlex data dictionaries, see Introduction to Data Dictionaries.
This option is used to create a single Data Dictionary class for a Table. The class can be based on an abstract data dictionary class (e.g. DataDictionary) or it can be based on an existing data dictionary class for the table (e.g. cCustomerDataDictionary). Multiple data dictionary classes may be created for a single table.
There are other ways to create the first data dictionary class for a table. When you create a new table, a data dictionary is created for that table. If you use the connection wizard to connect to an existing SQL database then the wizard will automatically create a data dictionary class for each table. You may also create data dictionaries for all tables that do not yet have them by selecting Create DD Classes for Selected Tables under the Tools / Data Dictionary Maintenance sub-menu.
Select the table name of the table to bind the new data dictionary class to. If you activated this dialog from Table Explorer, the current table will be selected as the default. This table is the default entry in the Table Name text box.
Use the combo list to select a table from the database or accept the default table.
Check Table Filters to apply your Table Explorer filters to the set of tables in the combo list.
Select a superclass for the new data dictionary class.
The superclass can be a generic abstract data dictionary class (e.g. the 'standard' DataDictionary class), or an existing concrete data dictionary class that is already bound to the selected table. Note: an abstract data dictionary is a data dictionary class that is not bound to a particular table.
By default, the abstract DataDictionary class will be selected as the superclass. Select the desired superclass from the combo list or accept the default superclass.
Note: If you wish to use a subclass of the system DataDictionary class, your application must contain a Use statement for the file where the subclass is defined or that class must defined as your data dictionary class preference in the Configure Workspace Dialog.
Enter the name of your new data dictionary class. By default the class name will be constructed by combining the name of the selected table plus the name of the superclass.
Enter the directory path where the new data dictionary package file will be created. By default this will be the workspace's DDSrc path. For the Studio to model your data dictionaries properly, they should be placed in the workspace's DDSrc path.
Enter the name of the file that will contain your new data dictionary class. By default, the filename is constructed from the class name plus the .DD file extension. We recommend that you use the .DD file extension for all files containing concrete data dictionary class declarations.
Note: the Studio only supports file and folder name characters using the standard ASCII character set (ASCII characters 32-127).
Click OK to create the new class and open it in the Studio's Data Dictionary Modeler.
Click cancel to close the dialog without creating a data dictionary.