Database templates

You can create a new empty database from a template that is created from an existing iBase database. Creating databases in this way reduces the time that is taken to define core components.

Depending on the type of database, the template contains:
  • Entity types, link types, fields, and standard fields
  • Pick lists, icon lists, and SCC lists
  • Datasheets
  • Charting and labeling schemes
  • Folder objects such as report definitions and queries
  • Mapping configurations
  • Common folder objects
The template does not contain anything that relies on the existence of specific records. For example, it does not contain:
  • Sets
  • Alert definitions
  • Database subset definitions
  • Data Access Control group permissions
  • Cases (even if the source database is case-controlled)
  • Support files, such as Analyst's Notebook templates
  • Access permissions for folder objects (permissions are always set to Public unless you are using iBase database replication)
A template is saved with the file extension idt.

It is important to make sure that the template you select for use is up-to-date. It can sometimes be difficult to change the schema of a database that is in constant use or is off-site. A Schema Update utility is available to reduce the time that is taken to apply schema changes. For more information, see Updating Database Schemas.

Templates and database formats

You can create templates from both Microsoft™ Access and SQL Server format databases, and create a database of any format from that template.

However, a Microsoft Access database that is created from a template based on an SQL Server database does not contain any objects that rely on SQL Server. For example:
  • Cube definitions
  • Queries containing semantic conditions or distinct counts
  • Import specifications and Import Batch specifications
Note: A template that is created from a case-controlled database is also case controlled. You can never create a Microsoft Access database from this type of template.

Where database templates are stored

Templates are stored in either the Templates or WorkgroupTemplates folder. By default the workgroup folder contains the database templates that are supplied by i2 and the Templates folder contains the ones that are created by the user locally.

Database templates are always created in the Templates folder. To distribute a database template for general use, you need to copy it to the WorkgroupTemplates folder. For more information, see Installation and Application Data Folders for details of paths.

Any user can change the path of their Templates folder.

Note: To prevent users from moving the templates folder, change the permissions for the Settings.xml file. See Location of Templates, Icons, and other Files for details.

Backing up database templates

Make sure that the folder in which you keep your database templates is included in any backups that are made of the iBase system.