When a file definition is set up under LANSA some of the things that it contains include:

• The names of the fields in the file
• Any logical views of the file that are required
• Rules/triggers that are to be performed
• Access routes to other files
• Batch control logic

Using this information LANSA can create the required physical file, all required logical files and the I/O module required to support I/O to the file.

However, whenever a physical or logical file is set up, it is also possible to specify to the IBM i operating system a series of "attributes" that influence how the file is to be set up and used. Some of the attributes available include:

• How big the file is allowed to be
• When the file is to be recovered after a system failure
• Whether space should be allocated for the file when it is created
• Whether or not the file is to be under commitment control

There are several other attributes, each of these is described in detail in the following sections.

The steps involved in reviewing or changing the database file attributes are as follows:
 

                                          __________
1. Select the option to "Review or       |          |
   change database file attributes"      |   FILE   |
   from the file definition menu.        |DEFINITION|
                                         |   MENU   |
                                         |__________|
                                              |      
                                              |
                                          ____|_____
2. Working from the resulting display    |          |
   review or change the attributes of    |  REV/CHG |
   the physical or logical files         |   FILE   |
   associated with the file definition.  |ATTRIBUTES|
                                         |__________|