About the extended attribute system tables and DataWindow
objects
The extended attribute system tables are a set of tables
maintained by the Database painter. They contain information about
database tables and columns. Extended attribute information extends
database definitions by recording information that is relevant to
using database data in screens and reports.
For example, labels and headings you defined for columns in the
Database painter are used in the generated DataWindow object.
Similarly, if you associated an edit style with a column in the
Database painter, that edit style is automatically used for the column
in the DataWindow object.
When generating a DataWindow object, PowerBuilder uses the
following information from the extended attribute system
tables:
|
For |
PowerBuilder uses |
|---|---|
|
Tables |
Fonts specified for labels, headings, and |
|
Columns |
Text specified for labels and headingsDisplay |
If there is no extended attribute information for the database
tables and columns you are using, you can set the text for headings
and labels, the fonts, and the display formats in the DataWindow
painter. The difference is that you have to do this individually for
every DataWindow object that you create using the data.
If you want to change something that came from the extended
attribute system tables, you can change it in the DataWindow painter.
The changes you make in the DataWindow painter apply only to the
DataWindow object you are working on.
The advantage of using the extended attribute system tables is
that it saves time and ensures consistency. You only have to specify
the information once, in the database. Since PowerBuilder uses the
information whenever anyone creates a new DataWindow object with the
data, it is more likely that the appearance and labels of data items
will be consistent.
For more information about the extended attribute system tables,
see Managing the Database, and Appendix A, The Extended Attribute System
Tables.