Database Parameters (dbn.par)

The .par file acts as a bridge between the OPAC and the physical files on the server. It maps logical names to absolute or relative paths, ensuring that the system can locate the Master File, the Inverted File, and the Print Formats regardless of the operating system (Windows/Linux).

Script: dbn_par.php File Location: bases/par/[db].par (e.g., bases/par/marc.par)

1. Why is this file necessary?

Unlike the Central module (which assumes standard paths), the OPAC allows for a more distributed architecture. The dbn.par file explicitly tells the search engine:

1. Where the data (.mst and .xrf) is located.
2. Where the search indexes (.cnt and .n01) are located.
3. Where to find the specific PFTs used for display.

2. Path Variables

To make the configuration portable, ABCD uses internal variables instead of hardcoded paths (like C:\ABCD\bases).

Variable	Resolves To
%path_database%	The root of your bases directory (defined in config_opac.php).
%lang%	The current active language (e.g., en, es, pt).

3. Essential Entries

When you open this module, the script automatically checks for missing essential entries and suggests them.

A. The Database Path (Mandatory)

The first lines must point to the Master File and the Inverted File.

marc.mst=%path_database%marc/data/marc.mst
marc.cnt=%path_database%marc/data/marc.cnt

B. The Display Formats

The OPAC requires specific PFTs to render results.

**1. select_record.pft** (The List View) This format is language-dependent (it might contain labels like "Author:" or "Autor:").

• Syntax: select_record.pft=%path_database%marc/pfts/%lang%/select_record.pft
• Note: The %lang% wildcard allows the system to switch folders automatically when the user changes the language.

**2. autoridades_opac.pft** (Index Browsing) This format is usually technical and language-independent (extracts keys from the index).

• Syntax: autoridades_opac.pft=%path_database%marc/pfts/autoridades_opac.pft
• Note: It does not use %lang% because it sits in the root of the pfts folder.

4. Troubleshooting

If you see errors like "Error reading control record" or "Format not found":

1. Check the Path: Ensure %path_database% resolves correctly.
2. Check Permissions: The web server must have read access to the .par file and the files it points to.
3. Check Syntax: Ensure there are no spaces around the = sign.

• Correct: name=path
• Incorrect: name = path

Automatic Fix

If you deleted lines by mistake, simply reload the dbn_par.php page. The script logic detects missing standard PFTs and appends the correct lines to the editor window automatically. Click Save to apply the fix.