Creating a Data Source Description

You can create a Master File and Access File for a data source in several ways. If the data source:

Has an existing description, such as a native schema or catalog, or a COBOL File Description. You can use a tool to automatically generate the Master File and Access File from the existing description.
Does not have an existing description, you can create a Master File and (if required) an Access File by coding them using Information Builders data source description language, and specify their attributes using any text editor.

Creating a Master File and Access File Using an Editor

You can create a Master File and an Access File by:

Coding them using a text editor. You can do this in all Information Builders products. The information that you require about Master File syntax is contained in this documentation. For information about Access File syntax, see your data adapter documentation or Describing a FOCUS Data Source.
After editing a Master File, issue the CHECK FILE command to validate the new Master File and to refresh your session image.
Specifying their attributes using the Master File Editor or the Synonym Editor. The Master File Editor is available in Maintain Data.