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# Using a Data Dictionary

Global data dictionaries are XML files containing field descriptions and corresponding data IDs that can be applied across the board to all forms. They are used to ensure that corresponding fields on different forms all have the same data IDs. Then data can easily be transferred from form to form.

If your company uses a vendor-supplied global data dictionary or has its own global data dictionary that is compatible with I-32 applications, you can use it to select your data IDs and descriptions instead of entering them manually. It can be used for both standard data fields and inline data fields.

To select a data dictionary

1. Open the Tools menu and select Options to display the Options dialog.The Workspace tab will be on top:

2. Click in the Data Dictionary File field. The Choose a File for Data Dictionary dialog will appear:

3. Navigate to the folder where your data dictionary is stored and double-click on the file name.

4. The first time you select a data dictionary, the Set Default Location message will appear:

Do one of the following:

- Select if you want the current folder to be the data dictionary default location.

- Select if you do not want the current folder to be the data dictionary default location.

Note:

If you select and you have more than one data dictionary, you will see this prompt whenever you try to change dictionaries. You can also set this option in the Options dialog.

To select a data field description from the data dictionary

1. Create your data field.

2. Right-click on the data field to display the context menu:

3. Select Map from the context menu to display the Data Dictionary dialog:

4. Click on theto expand the tree until you find the category where your field should be located:

5. Select the field from the list:

6. Click . The data ID and the field description will be placed in your property page and also in the data field on the form:

- If the Number of Characters and Number of Lines for the field are stored in the dictionary, the values will be placed in the property page. You may have to adjust the physical size of the field to accommodate the stored data size.

- If the Number of Characters and Number of Lines are not stored in the dictionary, you will need to enter them to complete your definition.

Note:

The first time you load your data dictionary in an editing session, it may take a bit of time, especially if you have a large number of fields. Whenever you open it after that, the list will appear exactly as you left it when you last closed it, with the tree expanded and the last data field you selected highlighted.

Important:

If you change dictionaries during an editing session, you will need to update your data dictionary list to reflect the change. Click in the Data Dictionary dialog box.