Indexing a Database

To add an index file, click the Add Index File icon or choose File | Add Index File from the Database Structure Management screen.

Index File Name

Enter a name for the index file.

Value Indexed

Enter the name of the field to be indexed, or several names joined by the symbol |.

For example: Field1 | Field2 | Field3

Indexes can be created for the purposes of using the database file in a logical order rather than a physical order. Physical order is the order in which records were entered. Logical order is an alphabetical, chronological or numerical order based on a specified field type.

With the exception of logical and memo fields, any field type can be indexed. An index may consist of an expression of 2 fields; however, this expression must consist of only 1 field type.

Because of the software’s compatibility with dBASE III, III+ and IV, updating a database file in dBASE is possible. If an index file exists, but is not updated at the same time the database is updated, the first time you access the database in the software, a Dialog Box will appear stating that the index is out of date. At this time, you can choose OK to update the index or Cancel (ESC) to continue without updating the index file. If you choose Cancel, each time you access this database, the Dialog Box will appear.

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