Standard Layouts or .DDF Files

A standard layout (.DDF file) is a file definition that contains the RND standard layout. The data definition format (.DDF) is an IBM® format that contains an XML-formatted description of the input or output side of a source map and has the file name extension .DDF.

The .DDF files include the hierarchical and looping structure of the data, the map objects (groups, records, fields), and their attributes (for example, names, descriptions, data types). A .DDF file can be loaded (imported) or created (for export) from Application Integration. The .DDF files do not contain standard or extended rules, links, or any other map information unrelated to the data, although the one exception is the Use Code code lists. If the map references a Use Code standard rule and instructs Sterling Gentran:Server® to raise a compliance error if the code is not found in the Use Code code list, Sterling Gentran:Server saves the standard rule and the associated code list.

IBM provides a .DDF file for each supported message type. As support is provided for additional messages, IBM will update the standard.

The GENSRVNT\RND Standard\FileDefinitions folder on your hard drive (after you install the RND standards from the Sterling Gentran® Standards DVD) contains the .DDF files for the following RND standard layouts.

See About RND Maps for step-by-step instructions on how to use the .DDF files to create maps.