An incremental data definition file contains the differences in schema when you contrast OpenEdge databases.

Note that the Create Incremental .df file utility detects and allows fields of INTEGER data type to be changed to INT64 without requiring a dump and load of the field's data. All other changes in data types will cause a generation of the delta.df file that will delete the existing field and recreate it with the new data type, requiring you to perform a dump and load. For more information about INT64 and other data types, see Table 10.

Note: This utility can only be used with OpenEdge databases.

To create an incremental data definition file:

  1. Choose Database > Select Working Database, then select the new database as the working database.
  2. Choose Admin > Dump Data and Definitions > Create Incremental .df File. The Data Dictionary lists all your connected databases.
  3. Select the database you want to compare the working database against (that is, the older version of the database). The Data Dictionary then prompts you for the filename to which you want to write the differences.
  4. Enter the filename to which you want to write the differences. The default filename is delta.df.
  5. Specify a code page.
  6. Choose OK. The Data Dictionary displays the table, field, index, and sequence names as it compares the databases and prompts you to specify what you want to do with any differences it finds. The Data Dictionary displays a status message when it has completed dumping the table definitions.
  7. Choose OK to return to the menu bar.