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Getting to know the Data Dictionaries

2h 39m

Beginner

Data Dictionaries in DataFlex are the smart layer between your app and your database. They handle data entry, validation, storage, and your business rules. Keeping your app safe, consistent, and efficient. In this video course, we will guide you step by step, showing how to use Data Dictionaries to streamline development, protect your data, and make your DataFlex applications more powerful.

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Introduction to the video course.

What are Data Dictionaries

In this lesson, we'll take a closer look at what data dictionaries are and why they're such a core part of DataFlex. You'll learn how they connect your UI, your business logic, and your data. And how they help you manage rules, maintain data integrity, and simplify development. By the end, you'll understand how data dictionaries form the foundation for building powerful, consistent, and maintainable applications in DataFlex.

Creating Data Dictionary Objects

Now that you know what data dictionaries are, it's time to see how to apply them in your application. In this lesson, we'll explore Data Dictionary Objects (DDOs). Instances of your dictionary classes that coordinate database activity, enforce rules, and connect your UI to your data. You will learn how to build and manage DDO structures in your components, so your application can safely and efficiently handle data while keeping all your rules centralized. Let's dive in!

Column settings

Now that you know how to apply data dictionaries in your components, it's time to configure them. In this lesson, we'll focus on column settings in the Data Dictionary Modeler. From labels and control types to powerful input masks. You will see how these settings affect all components using the data dictionary, making your application consistent, efficient, and easy to maintain. Let's get started!

Data entry options

In this lesson, we will explore Data Entry Options (also called Field Options). These settings tell DataFlex how to handle user input, from validation and finding records to updating data. You will learn how to configure these options in the Data Dictionary Modeler, see how they apply across all components via DDOs, and discover tools like the remember value feature to speed up data entry. Let's dive in and make your data entry smarter and safer!

Selection lists

In this lesson, we'll explore Selection Lists (also called Lookup Lists), which let users quickly pick an existing record from a table. You'll learn how to create these lists for both Windows and web applications, connect them to data dictionary columns, and integrate them into components with DDOs. By the end, you'll see how to make data entry faster, more accurate, and context-aware. Let's get started!

Data validation

In this lesson, we'll explore Data Validation in DataFlex. Validating data is crucial to prevent invalid data from entering your database. You'll learn about the different validation types available via the Data Dictionary, including simple validation, range validation, Boolean validation, validation tables, Validate Save and Validate Delete functions, and custom validation methods. By the end, you'll be able to enforce rules that keep your data accurate and consistent.

In this lesson, we will explore Parent Tables in DataFlex. Parent tables are used when a data entry view or component involves multiple related tables. Understanding how to define and manage parent tables in your DDOs is essential to maintain data integrity and ensure proper linking of related records. You will learn how the Data Dictionary handles parent relationships, how to connect DDOs, and how to manage optional or committed parent relationships dynamically.

In this lesson, we'll focus on Child Tables in DataFlex. Child tables are the other side of the parent-child relationship and are crucial for maintaining data integrity, especially when it comes to deleting parent records. You'll learn about the three options for handling child records when a parent is deleted, how to validate cascading deletes, and the importance of the constrain file property.

Global and local buffers

In this lesson, we'll dive into Global and Local Buffers in DataFlex. Understanding buffers is essential before you start finding, updating, or deleting records. You'll learn the difference between local DDo buffers (specific to a Data Dictionary Object) and global file buffers, when to use each, and how to synchronize them. We'll also cover best practices for using buffers in events, validation, and data entry objects.

Data Dictionary finds

Now that our data dictionaries are fully set up with masks, validations, and data entry behavior, it's time to explore finding records through the Data Dictionary. In this lesson, you'll see how finds are performed, how buffers are managed, and how DDO events work behind the scenes to ensure data integrity and proper relationships between tables.

Update save and delete via Data Dictionaries

In the previous lesson, we explored how to find specific rows using the Data Dictionary. In this lesson, we will focus on creating new rows, updating existing rows, and deleting rows. Understanding how the row buffer behaves and how transactions are managed during these operations is crucial for ensuring data integrity and proper handling of parent-child relationships.

In this lesson, we will explore filtering data using Data Dictionaries. Often, you don't want to retrieve all records from a table, but only those that meet specific criteria. Filtering ensures that your applications show exactly the records you need, whether based on parent-child relationships or other conditional restrictions.

Course instructor

Andre de Vries

Software Engineer, Data Access Europe B.V.