1.3 What goes into a File Definition?
Before explaining what goes into a file definition, it is important that you understand the concept of a LANSA file definition and how this relates to the IBM i concept of a file definition.
A 'file' is a normal IBM i database file, in which records can be retrieved, added, changed or deleted.
To create a file, LANSA uses a file definition. In IBM I terms, a file definition contains:
- the fields that make up the format of the physical file records
- logical views of the file. (These may contain select/omit criteria.)
LANSA's file definitions include:
- physical files for tables
- logical views.
As well, the LANSA file definition can also contain a number of LANSA file features, such as:
- validation rules
- triggers (Rules and triggers can be recorded at both field and file level.)
- virtual fields
- batch control logic
- access routes.
For more details about LANSA file definitions refer to the section What is a File and What is a File Definition? in the