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Version: 3.1.X

The 4 Pillars of ABCD Databases

Every database in ABCD (like books, users, providers) is built upon four configuration files. Understanding these is mandatory for any system administrator.

1. FDT (Field Definition Table)​

  • File extension: .fdt
  • Purpose: Defines what data can be entered. It lists the fields (Tags), their names, and their input types.
  • Example:
    • Tag 245: Title (Text box)
    • Tag 100: Author (Repeatable)

2. FST (Field Selection Table)​

  • File extension: .fst
  • Purpose: Defines how data is indexed for searching. Without an entry here, a field is not searchable.
  • Technique: It extracts content from the record and sends it to the Inverted File (Index).
  • Example: 245 0 v245 (Index the full title).

3. PFT (Print Format Table)​

  • File extension: .pft
  • Purpose: Defines how data is displayed on the screen or printed. ABCD uses the CISIS formatting language.
  • Example: v245^a, " / ", v100^a (Display Title / Author).

4. FMT (Worksheets/Format)​

  • File extension: .fmt
  • Purpose: Defines the interface for data entry. It selects which fields from the FDT appear on the screen for the librarian to fill out.
  • Relation: You can have multiple FMTs for one database (e.g., one for Books, one for DVDs), all feeding into the same structure.