External Table

The difference between external tables and standard tables is the following: when deleting an external table, the physical database object referenced by the external table is not deleted. Therefore, a standard table can be a source for building several external tables.

Creating an External Table

An external table is created if it is necessary to create new repository tables based on already existing server tables.

To create an external table in the object navigator click the

Create button in the main menu and select the object type on the New Object side panel.

After executing the operations determine settings on the pages of the external table wizard:

Working with External Table

To edit a data set, select the corresponding object in the object navigator and execute one of the operations:

Select the Edit item in the object's context menu.
Select the Edit in a New Tab item in the object's context menu.
Select the Edit in a New Window item in the object's context menu.
Press F4.

Then click the Settings button.

The external table wizard opens after executing one of the operations. Determine settings on corresponding pages of the wizard.

To view data, select the corresponding object in the object navigator and execute one of the operations:

Select the Open item in the object's context menu.
Select the Open in a New Tab item in the object's context menu.
Select the Open in a New Window item in the object's context menu.
Double-click the object.
Press the ENTER key.

After executing one of the operations the corresponding data object opens. For details about principles of work with a data set see the Working with Data Set section.

To dynamically manage data displayed in external table, enter parameter values on the parameters panel. Click the Apply button to apply parameter values. For details about changing query contents see the Managing Parameters section.

As an external table only refers to a physical table, changes made in the physical object, on which the external table is based, are not displayed in the external table.

To refresh table information, select the Refresh Table Information item in the table's context menu in the object navigator. After this the following database data is refreshed:

Number of table rows and columns.
Type of field data.
List of indexes.
List of constraints for table fields.
List of triggers.
Time of the last refresh of table data in version log.

Data contained in the table is automatically refreshed according to the obtained information about the table on its opening.

If the table is opened for view and its information is refreshed, to refresh data, click the Refresh Table Contents button on the toolbar.

After executing the operations table contents is refreshed.