| if | Index Level | i (index, local) |
| Syntax | i{root.fid}a.code |
| Category | Processing Codes |
| Type | Processing Code |
| Description |
used in file-defining items to maintain index keys.
The "root.fid" is inserted by the system and MUST not be altered. When an index is created using the "create-index" verb, the system inserts the "i" code in attribute 8 of the file-defining item along with with the "root.fid" and the "a" processing code. "root.fid" is the beginning (frame-id) address of the index. If the index is created before data is entered into the file, the "root.fid" is not assigned until the next item is filed. If data is present and the index processing code is added directly to the file-defining item, the pre-existing items will not be added to the index until they are filed. Any "new" items or pre-existing items which are subsequently filed are automatically added. If data is present and the "create-index" command is issued, the File-Defining item is automatically updated with the index processing code and each item is added to the index. During the creation of the index, a counter displays on the screen indicating the number of items added to the index. "a.code" defines the method by which the index keys are generated. It must be a valid "a processing code" and reference at least one attribute count within the file. |
| Options | |
| See Also | create-index nframe-index verify-index fid cruising fid output-conversion processing codes index, file-defining item i (index, local) input-conversion a (algebraic) i (index, remote) delete-index correlative Processing Codes macro |
| Example | |
| Warnings |
Never delete an index processing code directly from the file-defining item. This is the equivalent of deleting a "d-pointer", in that the space for the index is NOT returned to the overflow table.
Also, never alter a pre-existing root fid in an index, as this can cause data corruption. |
| Compatibility | D3 7.0 AP |
| if | Index Level | i (index, local) |