Get Definition Utility (Magic xpa 4.x)
When using an existing database, it is often preferable to read the existing table descriptions for the DBMS Data Dictionary tables than to redefine those descriptions in Magic xpa. This reduces the risk of error and makes the development process quicker and easier
The Get Definition option is available from the Options menu or by pressing F9, when you are parked in the Data repository.
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Pressing F9 on the zero row (#) opens the Get Definition dialog box.
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Pressing F9 on a database table row will get the definition of the table.
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Pressing F9 on an XML row will reload the XML schema.
The Get Definition utility includes a DBMS tab and an XML tab.
The Get Definition utility enables loading of table definitions directly from the DBMS's Data Dictionary into Magic xpa's Data repository. Single or multiple table definitions can be loaded from a database. The utility does not synchronize definitions between Magic xpa and the DBMS's Data Dictionary. The developer makes such synchronization of data definitions manually.
Note: When using DBMS sources, the Get Definition utility works only for SQL databases and XML schemas.
The Get Definition utility enables loading XML schemas (XSD) and defining XML views.
When parked on a line in the Data repository, you can define a single view for a specific XML schema.
When parked on top of the Data repository (# column), this utility will generate all required views for the XML schema and optionally will generate programs for reading and writing XML documents that are based on this schema. This method lets us reload schemas in order to update existing views.
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When loading existing table definitions, Magic xpa uses the most appropriate Magic xpa attribute for each database column.
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Magic xpa matches special types if supported.
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The Get Definition fails if Magic xpa encounters an unsupported data type.
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There are specific differences in the Get Definition capabilities for each database.
Database specific: Get Definition is not supported for the Local database.
Get Definition of a View
XML Data Source – Get Definition
Get Definition of a Datetime Field
