Data Definition Format Overview

The Data Definition Format (DDF) is a file format that describes file formats that can be imported or exported into Sterling Gentran:Server® Application Integration. This enables you to easily define your proprietary files to Sterling Gentran:Server.

Sterling Gentran:Server supports the import of DDF files in two ways:

  • When you create a new map, the New Map Wizard allows you to select DDF files to use as the basis for creating the input and output file formats.

    See Creating an XML Map for more information on creating a new map using DDF.

  • You can use the Open File Definition function to replace the file format on the select side of the map with a previously-defined file format (either .IFD or .DDF).

    See Importing a DDF for more information on loading a DDF file definition.

You can use the Save File Definition function to save the file format of the selected side of a map as a DDF file.

The DDF contains a definition of a file format used in a map, including the hierarchical and looping structure of the data, and the map objects (such as groups, records, and fields) and their attributes (such as names, descriptions, and data types). The DDF is expressed in XML, as defined in the Gentran_DDF DTD.

The Gentran_DDF DTD (which describes how Sterling Gentran:Server stores the side of a map) is included on the XML installation DVD.

DDF restrictions

Sterling Gentran:Server DDFs have the following restrictions:

  • The DDF does not contain standard or extended rules, links, or any other map information that does not specifically relate to the file format. The exceptions to this rule are the use of code lists and constants. If the map references a "Use code" standard rule and instructs the system to raise a compliance error if the code is not found in the code list, Sterling Gentran:Server saves the standard rule. Sterling Gentran:Server saves every code list and constant, regardless of whether it is used in a rule.

    See the IBM® Sterling Gentran:Server for Microsoft Windows Application Integration User Guide for more information on code lists and the Use code standard rule.

  • To use DDF with Sterling Gentran:Server, you must have the Microsoft XML Parser installed. You can obtain the XML Parser by installing the latest release of Microsoft’s Internet Explorer. If you do not have the XML Parser installed, Sterling Gentran:Server cannot support DDF and will not display it as an available option.
  • Sterling Gentran:Server assigns acceptable defaults when attributes are not included.

    For example: If a value is not specified for Minimum Length, the system assigns zero.

DDF Document Type Definition

The Sterling Gentran:Server Data Definition Format DTD (Gentran_DDF) describes how Sterling Gentran:Server stores one side of a map, including which elements are required, how they are arranged, and which elements they can contain.

The Gentran_DDF is included on the installation DVD.