DBTool and SQL Width

[BCM]

I know that the SQL Width is stored in the column "_width" in the table "_Field" in the system tables. How does dbTool allow changes to the SQL Width without forcing everyone out of the Progress database?

 

[Lee Curzon]

It doesn't lock the schema like the Data Dictionary.

See KB P26303.

 

[BCM]

Thank-you, Lee. I would like to write a utility that will change the SQL Width of a single column to a given value. This is something I need frequently where I work. How can this be done while others work in the database without locking the schema?

 

[Lee Curzon]

It's not something I've had to do, but KB P26983 details the 4GL approach, but personally I would try and hook into the Data Dictionary's own routines, that way you are following Progress' own procedures. [Edit] Also directly altering the _File... tables is something I would avoid if at all possible, as they are really meant as a reporting resource, and schema updates should be carried out where possible using Progress tools and routines.

I suspect you will have to upgrade to v10 also, as this will allow online schema changes.

 

[Lee Curzon]

OK, I've just reread your post:


I would like to write a utility that will change the SQL Width of a single column to a given value. This is something I need frequently where I work.


I'm not sure what your utility would do that you can't do already via the data dictionary (Options > SQL Properties > Adjust Field Width). The only difficulty is the 'while other users are in'. This requires upgrade to V10.

Lee

 

[BCM]

Thanks, again, Lee. I have a routine very similar to the one shown at the Progress Knowledge Base. I run my routine from the character-based batch processing program _progres. However, I am unable to obtain a record lock when others are in the database.

My sense is that dbTool is programmed to locate the absolute position of the _width in the physical database files. I would guess that would be the .d1 file.

By the way, we use 9.1D. I doubt we will upgrade to version 10 as we are committed to an alternate course that will free us from using Progress.