Database Structure

You can define your own database in Vertex CAD or modify the structure of an existing database. Read more in section Define the Structure of a Database.

The following files will be created when defining the database structure:

  • d_DATABASE - Contents of the database (data).
  • d_DATABASEc - File that defines the structure of the database.
  • d_DATABASEl - Database lock file with the L extension.

When copying a database, it is sufficient to copy the files d_DATABASE and d_DATABASEc, as the lock file will be recreated if it is missing.

The field names in the database are used for display, selection, and list formats.
Note: Things to consider when editing the name or length of a database field:
  • Special attention needs to be paid when editing the names of the fields in an existing database, as the change must be updated in all the files in which the old database name is used. Otherwise, there will be problems using the database.
  • You must not delete a row that contains a database field name from the database. If you delete a field from a database, the data saved in the field in question on each database row will be lost. Instead of deleting the field, you can set its length as zero (0).
  • Increasing the field length in the Vertex archive database is not recommended because some fields have fixed values ​​in the program. Such a field is, for example, the SUBDIR field. Increasing the length of the field may cause problems with the program.