PowerBuilder supports many database management systems (DBMSs). For the most part, you work the same way in PowerBuilder for each DBMS, but because each DBMS provides some unique features (which PowerBuilder makes use of), there are some issues that are specific to a particular DBMS. For complete information about using your DBMS, see Connecting to Your Database.
What you can do
Using the Database painter, you can do the following in any DBMS to which you have been given access by the database administrator:
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Modify local table and column properties
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Retrieve, change, and insert data
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Create new local tables or modify existing tables
Setting the database connection
When you open a painter that communicates with the database (such as the Database painter or DataWindow painter), PowerBuilder connects you to the database you used last if you are not already connected. If the connection to the default database fails, the painter still opens.
If you do not want to connect to the database you used last, you can deselect the Connect to Default Profile option in the Database Preferences dialog box.
Changing the database connection
You can change to a different database at any time. You can have several database connections open at a time, although only one connection can be active. The database components for each open connection are listed in the Objects view.
The Database painter title bar displays the number of open connections and which is active. The title bar for each view displays the connection with which it is currently associated. You can change the connection associated with a view by dragging the profile name for a different connection onto the view.
For more about changing the database you are connected to, see Working with Database Connections in Connecting to Your Database.
Creating and deleting databases
When you are connected to SQL Anywhere, you can create a new database or delete an existing database using the Database painter.
For all other DBMSs, creating and deleting a database is an administrative task that you cannot do within PowerBuilder.
