Chapter 3 DBMS Resource File Reference

DBMS Definition File Overview

A DBMS definition file is a PowerDesigner resource file that provides PowerDesigner with the information necessary to model, reverse-engineer, and generate a particular DBMS.

PowerDesigner provides definition files for most popular DBMSs. The DBMS definition files are located in install_dir/Resource Files/DBMS, and have an .xdb extension.

You can consult or modify a DBMS definition file using the Resource Editor. When you select a category or an item in the left-hand pane, the name, value, and related comment appear in the right side of the dialog box.

To open your target DBMS definition file in the Resource Editor:

Select Database→Edit current DBMS

The DBMS Properties dialog box is displayed.

Caution
You should never modify the DBMS files shipped with PowerDesigner. You should instead copy the DBMS to create a new one. To do so, create a new DBMS from the List of DBMS, define a name, and then select the original file in the Copy From list.

For more information on using the editor, see "Working with the Resource Editor" in the Resource Files and the Public Metamodel chapter.