SQL Anywhere provides a number of ways to create a database: in Sybase Central, in Interactive SQL, and at the command line. Creating a database is also called initializing it. Once the database is created, you can connect to it and build the tables and other objects that you need in the database.

Other application design systems, such as Sybase PowerDesigner Physical Data Model, contain tools for creating database objects. These tools construct SQL statements that are submitted to the database server, typically through its ODBC interface. If you are using one of these tools, you do not need to construct SQL statements to create tables, assign permissions, and so on. See About PowerDesigner Physical Data Model.

For more information about database design, see Designing and creating your database.

Transaction log

When you create a database, you must decide where to place the transaction log. This log stores all changes made to a database, in the order in which they are made. In the event of a media failure on a database file, the transaction log is essential for database recovery. It also makes your work more efficient. By default, it is placed in the same directory as the database file, but this is not recommended for production use.

For more information about placing the transaction log, see The transaction log.

Database file compatibility

A SQL Anywhere database is an operating system file. It can be copied to other locations just as any other file is copied.

Database files are compatible among all operating systems, except where file system file size limitations or SQL Anywhere support for large files apply. See SQL Anywhere size and number limitations.

A database created from any operating system can be used from another operating system by copying the database file(s). Similarly, a database created with a personal database server can be used with a network database server. SQL Anywhere database servers can manage databases created with earlier versions of the software, but old servers cannot manage newer databases.