Type Tutorial

User Defined Data Types allow you to control the type of data in your Database.   This tutorial will show you how to easily manage your Types using Database Schema Designer.

• Add / Edit a Type

  1. If Adding a new Type:

     There are a number of methods to create a new Type.   Choose the one you are most comfortable with:

     • Open Manage Types screen and click the "Add" button.   See Manage Schema Objects Tutorial
     • Select "Insert -> Type" from the main menu.
       
     • Right Click the Schema and select "New -> Type".
       

     If Editing an existing Type:

     There are a number of methods to edit an existing Type.   Choose the one you are most comfortable with:

     • Open Manage Type screen and click the "Edit" button with the Type selected.   See Manage Schema Objects Tutorial
     • Double Click the Type in the Schema Explorer.
     • Right Click the Type in the Schema Explorer and select "Properties".
       
  2. Editing Type Properties
     • Setup the Type Name and Owner as required.   See Object Names for more information.
     • Select the underlying Physical Storage Type from the drop down list.
       
     • Select the default size for your custom data type.
       
     • Select a Rule to bind to this Type or choose "None" if this feature is not required.   See Rule Tutorial.
       
     • Toggle the Nullable property as needed.
       
     • Toggle the Future Only property as needed.
       
  3. Click OK to submit your changes.
     - OR -
     Click Cancel to discard your settings.
• Delete a Type

  There are a number of methods to delete a Type from the Schema.  Choose the one you are most comfortable with:

  • Open the Manage Types screen and click Delete with the Type selected.   See Manage Schema Objects Tutorial.
  • Right Click the Type in the main screen and select Delete.
    

  ** If you delete a Type that is being used by a Column, further action is requred.   You will be asked if Database Schema Designer should delete the Columns completely or if they should be converted to the Physical Storage Type.