Modify keys: Nulls and duplicates to unique

You can modify keys by using System Definition or by using the Database Dictionary utility. Choose one of the following methods to modify keys.

Modify keys by using System Definition

To modify keys by using System Definition:

1. From the System Navigation, click System Definition > Tables > Database Definition > Keys > key name
2. Right click Edit.
3. Make your changes.
4. Click OK.
5. Right click Save on the Database Definition node to save your changes.

Modify keys by using the Database Dictionary utility

Example: Change the key type for operators in a copy of the assignment file from Nulls & Duplicates to Unique. If data already exists in the file, ensure that a unique value also exists in the operator field for every record in the file. If this condition is not met, you will then have to update each record individually or perform a Mass Update.

To modify keys by using the Database Dictionary utility:

1. Open the assignment dbdict.
2. Make a copy of the assignment dbdict named assignment2.
3. Position the cursor on the key type Nulls & Duplicates above the key field operators.
4. Click Edit.
5. In the Type field, type: unique.
6. Click OK to close the window and commit the changes to the file.
7. You can now reedit your database dictionary record, update it, or cancel without updating.
8. Click OK to close and automatically update the file.
   This returns the message Record updated in the dbdict file.

Related topics

Modifying a key
Adding a key
Deleting a key
Arrays
Structures
Arrayed structures
Alias fields
Methods for updating database dictionary records
Methods for deleting database dictionary records
Open a database dictionary
Copy a database dictionary only
Add a key as the first key
Insert a key between other keys
Add keys to bottom of the key list
Delete a key
Open a database dictionary
Access the Database Dictionary utility
Regen a database dictionary