Introduction to ENFORM

Summary of ENFORM Features
Overview of ENFORM
058051 Tandem Computers Incorporated 1–11
New Data Relationships The files of a database are often interrelated. For example, Figure 1-9 shows two files
(tables) that share a common field, partnum. The files were designed this way,
intentionally, to associate inventory parts with information related to the suppliers
that provide them. ENFORM has a LINK statement that allows you to specify a
relationship between these two files (at run time) that appears to create a new file
made up of information from each file. Information can be selected from the new file
and synthesized in any report produced for the file.
Figure 1-9. Linking Files
partnum
partname
inventory
location
price
supplier
partcost
Parts File
partnum
partname
inventory
location
price
partnum
supplier
partcost
Fromsup File
OPEN Parts, Fromsup;
LINK Parts to Fromsup VIA partnum;
LINK appears to create a new file.
ENFORM uses the dictionary to identify the relationship and connect files. You do not
have to restructure the database, change the dictionary, or worry about the location of
the files. Instead you concentrate on connecting information in logical ways to satisfy
your need for information. ENFORM takes care of the physical details associated with
the linking.
Use Over an EXPAND
Network
ENFORM allows you to select data from any files distributed over a network. But,
transmitting large amounts of data over a network takes time and increases network
traffic. For example, if your query originates in New York and the related data files
are in Chicago, all of the data might have to be transmitted to New York before
processing on the query could start.