About the extended attribute system tables and DataWindow objects

The extended attribute system tables are a set of tables maintained by the Enterprise Explorer. 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 Enterprise Explorer are used in the generated DataWindow object. Similarly, if you associated an edit style with a column in the Enterprise Explorer, that edit style is automatically used for the column in the DataWindow object.

When generating a DataWindow object, Sybase WorkSpace uses the following information from the extended attribute system tables:

For

Sybase WorkSpace uses

Tables

Fonts specified for labels, headings, and data

Columns

Text specified for labels and headings Display formats Validation rules Edit styles

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 editor. 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 editor. The changes you make in the DataWindow editor 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 Sybase WorkSpace 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.

StepsEnabling Extended Attributes

This proceudre describes how to display and use extended attribute information when working with DataWindows in Sybase WorkSpace.

  1. From Sybase WorkSpace select the Window | Preferences menu option. The Preferences Window displays.

  2. From the Preferences window, expand Sybase, Inc.

  3. Select DataWindow to access the DataWinow options page.

  4. Select the Use Extended Attributes checkbox to enable extended attributes and click OK.

Related Concepts




Copyright © 2007. Sybase Inc. All rights reserved. Saving the DataWindow object