Array mapping options

In a database dictionary record, an arrays contain one or more elements of a single data type or a structure field. If an array contains a structure element it is referred to as an array of structure. Arrays of structure contain one or more fields that can be of any data type.

You can map your array data in the following five formats.

• Field in main table
• Field in alias table (Deprecated)
• BLOB in main table
• BLOB in alias table (Deprecated)
• Multi-row array table

The array mapping format you choose determines the following factors about your array data.

• Can your RDBMS directly query your array data?
• Can third-party tools report against your array data?
• Is your array data stored with other fields in one or more main tables?
• Is your array data stored separately in one or more dedicated alias tables?
• Can your array support complex arrays of structure?
• How efficiently does your system retrieve and write data to your array?