Coding Standards for Database Files › Data Dictionary/Field Reference File › Standard for Field Reference Files › Structuring the Field Reference File

Structuring the Field Reference File

A standard method should be used for organizing the field reference file for a hand-coded application. The method provides a central dictionary of all fields with as little effort as possible. The method suggests that you divide the field reference file into two sections: a short primary section containing definitions of field types (standard domains), followed by a larger secondary section, which constitutes the main field dictionary. Both sections should be in alphabetical order to facilitate inquiries and maintenance.