Check Data Dictionary
[Previous] [Main] [Next]

Check Data Dictitionary Option


When you click on this option, the system will compare the data in the data_dict table against the meta-data supplied by your SQL database. It updates the data_dict table to reflect changes in your tables.

The first screen you will see gives a choice of removing the FLAGS which indicate a column is NEW or CHANGED. Usually you would leave the FLAGS until you have made a major release of your application. Keeping the flags will make sure the documentation (the HTML LIsting) generated by JGuiGen marks the NEW and CHANGED columns. After a major release you would probably want to start fresh. Obviously after the first run, it is nice to make a second run and remove the flags since everyting is marked as NEW.


data_dictionary_clear_flags.png

You will also see a screen that reminds you what this step is going to do.

data_dictionary_be_patient.png


When the database has been completely checked you will be offered an option to view the generated HTML file in your browser or Word Processor.

Since the system writes over the HTML file, you may want to save a copy under a different name if you need a historical record of how your database changed over time. Changes will be added to the Notes column. This needs to be worked on since it currently addes the same comment every time you run this option.

The HTML file created by the CHECK process has several different sections:

·Added columns - The printout starts with a list of columns that have been added to the various tables.  

·Changed columns - next there is a list of columns which have changed. For example a char(20) may have been changed to a char(40).  

·Deleted columns - any columns that have been removed from one of the tables are listed next.  

·Documentation - the main portion of the printout is a list which contains the name, column type, width, decimals, default value, nullable status, description, how data is changed, and notes. Some of the other JGuiGen specific characteristics are listed as well.  

·Duplicate mergecodes - this list checks to see if any of the mergecodes are duplicated across the various tables.  

·Columns with empty descriptions - the last section tells you about any columns that have not been fully documented.