About This Document
Who Should Read This Manual
Getting Started with DDF Builder
DDF Builder Overview
Why Use DDF Builder
What DDF Builder is Not
Why Not Use ZenCC?
What You Need to Know
Other Helpful Information
Transactional Access
Relational Access
What To Do Next
Disable Security
Components of DDF Builder
Log File
User Documentation
Tutorial Files
Starting DDF Builder
Starting DDF Builder from a Command Line
Windows
Linux and macOS
Requirements for Starting DDF Builder on Linux or macOS
Troubleshooting Guide for Running DDF Builder
Clearing the DDF Builder Cache
Where to Go From Here
Using DDF Builder
DDF Builder Concepts
Terminology Review
Security
Previous Database and DDF Versions
Scalable SQL v3.xx and Earlier
Btrieve v5.x and Earlier
DDF Builder Error Detection and Correction
Example 1 - Index Inconsistencies
Example 2 - Record Length Mismatch
Example 3 - Flag Inconsistencies
Saving Original and Modified Definitions
Table Definition Editor Pages
Table Page
Raw Data View
Grid Data View
Indexes Page
Alternate Collating Sequence (ACS) Files
Preview Page
Statistics Page
SQL View Page
Legacy Nulls in DDF Builder
True Nulls in DDF Builder
Working with True Nulls
Creating Nullable Fields
GUI Reference
Welcome Page
Data Sources Explorer
Btrieve File Editor
How to Access
Features
Restrictions
Table Definition Editor
How to Access
Features
Restrictions
Table Page
How to Access
Raw Data View
Raw Data View in Table Definition Editor
Grid Data View
How the Two Views Work Together
Table Definition Editor Error Message
Table Definition Editor Caution/Warning Message
Indexes Page
How to Access
Indexes Page in Table Definition Editor
Features
Restrictions
Preview Page
How to Access
Preview Page in Table Definition Editor
Features
Statistics Page
How to Access
Statistics Page in Table Definition Editor
Features
SQL View Page
How to Access
SQL View Page in Table Definition Editor
Features
Restrictions
Add Database
Check Table Consistency
How to Access
DBCheck (consistency check results) View
Features
Error Message Tips
Copy SQL Definition
How to Access
Features
Export Btrieve Schema
How to Access
Features
Import Btrieve Schema
How to Access
Features
Add Data Path
How to Access
Features
Change Associated Data File
How to Access
Features
Btrieve Types
How to Access
Features
Definition Errors
How to Access
Features
Definition Errors List
Original Definition
How to Access
Features
DDF Builder Tasks
General Tasks
Accessing User Documentation
DDF Builder Log File
Tasks Initiated from Data Sources Explorer
Btrieve Files
Data
Database
Data Sources Explorer
Online Help
SQL Queries
SQL Tables
DDF Builder Tutorials
Using the DDF Builder Tutorials
Tutorial 1 Overview
Tutorial 2 Overview
Before You Begin
Back Up Your Files
Locate the Tutorial Files
Create Data Source Names (DSN)
Tutorial 1 – Creating Table Definitions with DDF Builder
Scenario
Goals
What You Need to Know
Create a Zen Database
Open an Existing Btrieve File
Review DDF Builder’s Findings
A Note About Nulls
Define the Record Fields
Name a Field
Create a Nullable Column in the raw data view
Split a Column in the grid data view
Create a Column from the raw data view
Change a Non-Nullable Column to Nullable in the grid data view
Review the Index Information
Name an Index
Preview the Defined Data
Conclusion
Tutorial 2 – Modifying Table Definitions with DDF Builder
Scenario
Goals
Lesson 1 – Working with v3.00 DDFs
Scenario
Goals
What You Need to Know
Open the Btrieve File
Understanding the Warning Message
How To Convert My Files
Conversion Notes
Alternating Collating Sequences
Table Definitions That Require Using ZenCC and DDF Builder
Conclusion
Lesson 2 – Working with Pre v6.x File Formats
Scenario
Goals
What You Need to Know
Open the Btrieve File
Understanding the Warning Message
View the Log File
How To Rebuild My Files
Where To Go From Here
Conclusion
Lesson 3 – Invalid Data Types and Sizes
Scenario
Goals
What You Need to Know
Open the Btrieve File
Look for Inconsistencies
Understanding the Errors
Invalid Type and Size
Review Data Types and Sizes
Make the Final Changes
Save the Table Definition
Conclusion
Lesson 4 – Overlapping Column Definitions
Scenario
Goals
What You Need to Know
Open the Btrieve File
Look for Inconsistencies
Understanding the Errors
Accept or Reject Changes
Save the Table Definition
Conclusion
Lesson 5 – File/Field Flag Inconsistencies
Scenario
Goals
What You Need to Know
Open the Btrieve File
Look for Inconsistencies
Understanding the Errors
Accept or Reject Changes
Save the Table Definition
Conclusion
Lesson 6 – Index Inconsistencies
Scenario
Goals
What You Need to Know
Open the Btrieve File
Look for Inconsistencies
Understanding the Errors
Name the Index
Save the Table Definition
Conclusion
Lesson 7 – Variable Length Record Mismatch
Scenario
Goals
What You Need to Know
Open the Btrieve File
Look for Inconsistencies
Understanding the Errors
Define the Unknown Field
Save the Table Definition
Conclusion
Lesson 8 – Record Length Mismatch
Scenario
Goals
What You Need to Know
Open the Btrieve File
Look for Inconsistencies
Understanding the Errors
Define the Field
Save the Definition
Conclusion
About This Document
DDF Builder Tutorials