Checking the integrity of the schema

Use the Schema Integrity Check wizard to check the integrity of the database schema, that is, whether the database structure follows the rules set up in the database design.

About this task

The wizard reports any problems found and offers to fix those that it can repair. Some repairs can involve additions to the schema to make them consistent. For example, the wizard might add indexes or fields (that can be blank or use the default field value), or change the size of fields. You can choose to abandon repairs at any point up to final approval, allowing you to assess what the repairs would mean. Eventually, you must repair problems to avoid the possibility of prolonged and greater errors.

Note: Schema Integrity Check is unable to check or repair the indexes if you have run the Performance Tuning wizard but not yet completed the reindexing process. For further information, see Performance Tuning in iBase Designer.

Procedure

To use this wizard:

  1. Log on to the relevant security file as a database administrator but do not open the database.

  2. From the Tools menu in iBase Designer, select Database Administration Schema Integrity Check. A list of database files is displayed.

  3. Select a database from the list. If necessary, select More Files to display a file browser where you can locate the database.

  4. Click Next. The next page displays a list of all entities and links, together with details of system and user data for each.

    Note: You can expand the list into a tree by clicking the + signs. At first viewing, the All option is selected; showing you all entities, whether or not they have errors. (Any entries without a tick or check mark to the right of the checkbox have an error.)

  5. Select the Errors option to see only problems. In a properly functioning database, the list for Errors should be empty. If there are errors, you see a message below the list as you move the mouse pointer over the errors with an X in a red circle. Typical messages include: Incorrect schema size and Index missing.

  6. If there are errors, turn on the checkbox for each of the errors that you want the wizard to repair.

  7. Click Next. The next page displays a list of all errors that you have selected for repair, and the corresponding repairs that the wizard will perform. You can click Back to alter your selection or Cancel to abandon all changes.

  8. Click Finish to perform the listed repairs, if any.

  9. The wizard performs the repairs and then displays Close. Click Close.

What to do next

The database is opened, whether or not you asked for any repairs. You might want to check the integrity of links.