Table Design /text/sdatabase/05010000.xhp Sun Microsystems, Inc.

Table Design

In the Table Design window you define new tables or edit the structure of an existing table.
The window has its own menu bar. It also contains the following new command: Index Design

Table definition area

This area is where you define the table structure.

Field Name

Specifies the name of the data field. The database engine may impose restrictions on the length of the table name, and the use of special characters and spaces within the table name.

Field type

Specifies the field type. The available field types are limited by the database engine being used.

Description

Specifies an optional description for each field. The row headers contain the following context menu commands:

Cut

Cuts the selected row to the clipboard.

Copy

Copies the selected row to the clipboard.

Paste

Pastes the content of the clipboard.

Delete

Deletes the selected row.

Insert Rows

Inserts an empty row above the current row, if the table has not been saved. Inserts an empty row at the end of the table if the table has already been saved.

Primary Key

If this command has a check mark, the data field is defined as a primary key. By clicking the command you activate/deactivate the primary key definition of the field. The command is only visible if the data source supports primary keys.

Field properties

Defines the field properties of the currently selected field.

Length

Specifies the maximum number of characters allowed for data entry of the corresponding data field including any spaces or special characters.

Decimal places

Specifies the number of decimal places for a numerical field or decimal field.

Default value

Specifies the value that is the default in new data records.

Format example

Displays a sample of the format code of the field by applying it to the default value. Select the format code with the Format Field button.

Format Field

This button opens the Format Field dialog.

Help area

Displays a help string or hint defined by the database designer for the given field.