The interfaces file

The interfaces file is usually named sql.ini on PC operating systems, and interfaces or interfac on UNIX operating systems.

The interfaces file is like an address book. It lists the name and address of every database server known to Open Client applications on your machine. When you use an Open Client program to connect to a database server, the program looks up the server name in the interfaces file and then connects to the server using the address.

The name, location, and contents of the interfaces file differ between operating systems. Also, the format of the addresses in the interfaces file differs between network protocols.

When you install Sybase IQ, the setup program creates a simple interfaces file that you can use for local connections to Sybase IQ over TCP/IP. It is the System Administrator's responsibility to modify the interfaces file and distribute it to users so that they can connect to Sybase IQ over the network.