Modifying field-level information

You can modify field-level information.

To modify information in the schema holder at the field level:

  1. Access the Data Dictionary, if it is not already showing. Choose Fields.

    The following Fields list appears:



  2. Select a table from the Tables list.
  3. Select a field from the Fields list.
  4. Choose the Field Properties button.

    The following dialog box appears:



    You can enter information at the field level, such as a validation expression or a validation message.

    The Data Dictionary displays the standard MS SQL Server names for data types and not the native ODBC data source names. Using the Data Dictionary, you can make the following changes:

    • Change the data type or the format in which OpenEdge displays the data. For example, choose the MS SQL Server decimal data type, which in turn defaults to the OpenEdge INTEGER data type mapping. However, you can change the decimal mapping to either the OpenEdge INTEGER or INT64 data type instead. (The previous Field Properties dialog box shows the DECIMAL data type with the INT64 data type option selected.) For more information about optional settings for data types, see Data types and Data Type Details.
    • For CHARACTER fields that are not indexed, you can change the case sensitivity.
    Note: You cannot create fields or add mandatory or extent properties to them.
  5. Choose DataServer to view the field name and position as stored in the data source.

    A dialog box similar to the following appears:



    Note: You cannot change data source information using the Data Dictionary. For example, the total_paid field is named total_paid in the database.
  6. Choose OK.
  7. When you are done making changes, choose OK to return to the Data Dictionary main window.
    Note: You can override field-level validation expressions in your application by including the appropriate ABL statement.