The Data Definition Format (DDF) is a file format used to describe file formats that can be imported into or exported from Sterling Gentran:Server® Application Integration. Essentially, it's a blueprint for data files.
Here's a breakdown:
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Purpose: The DDF provides a standardized way to define the structure of a data file. This includes specifying the type of data in each field, the length of the fields, and the order in which the fields appear in the file.
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Usage with Sterling Gentran:Server® Application Integration: This file format allows Gentran:Server® to understand and process data from various sources, translating it into a format that it can work with, and vice versa. It acts as an interpreter between different data structures.
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Analogy: Think of it like a dictionary that translates one language to another. The DDF "translates" a specific file format into a format that Gentran:Server® understands.
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Key Features:
- Describes the layout of a data file.
- Specifies data types for each field (e.g., numeric, alphanumeric, date).
- Defines field lengths and positions.
- Enables data validation and transformation.
In summary, the DDF facilitates seamless data exchange by enabling Sterling Gentran:Server® Application Integration to understand and process different data formats, improving data integration workflows.
