When you dump your database's data definitions, a data definition file (.df) is created. That file contains definitions for tables, fields, and indexes.

Note: The Data Dictionary allows you to dump data definition files (.df) greater than 2GB on platforms where ABL supports large files.

To dump data definitions:

  1. Choose Admin > Dump Data and Definitions > Data Definitions (.df file). The Data Dictionary alphabetically lists all the tables defined for your database.
  2. You can select one or more tables as follows:
    • To select one table, highlight the table name and choose OK.
    • If your database is enabled for multi-tenancy, you can filter list of tables by choosing All, Multi-tenant, or Shared.
    • To select more than one table, choose Select Some and then choose OK. The Select Tables by Pattern Match dialog box appears. Type the table name, use the wildcard patterns, or type ALL. Then choose OK.

    • If you type ALL, the .df file will also contain the sequence and auto-connect record definitions, but not the collation/conversion table. The Data Dictionary displays a default name for the output file into which you can dump your data definitions (hidden tables are not dumped). This default file is the name of the dump file you specified when you created the table or, for multiple tables, the database name with the .df extension.

    Note: When you dump only one table, the table's dump name becomes the default for its corresponding contents dump file. For example, if you select the OrderLine table, the default filename for its corresponding contents dump file is orderline.df. If you choose to dump all the tables, the default name for the file contents is db-name.df. See Dump user table contents for information about how to dump table contents.
  3. Specify the filename or use the default value.
  4. Specify the code page or accept the default, which is the value specified by the SESSION:STREAM or SESSION:CHARSET attribute, then choose OK. For more information on the SESSION:STREAM or SESSION:CHARSET attributes, see Manage ABL Applications.
  5. Select the Include POSITION for .r / Binary Load Compatibility option if you want to maintain the sequential numbering of the fields in the file after you dump the table. Activating this option ensures that you are not required to recompile .r code against any new schema that is created by loading a new *.df file, and that data dumped with PROUTIL (binary dump) can be loaded into the database.
  6. Choose OK. The Data Dictionary displays each object name as it writes its definition to the .df file. The Data Dictionary displays a status message and prompts you to continue.