> > > I would like to use the data dictionary information in my database,
> > > particularly the Description information, for columns to be displayed

to

> > > users when they ask for further help on determining the purpose of a
> > > particular field on a form.
> > >
> > > How can I get access to this information from my client application?
> >
> > Check out the RDB$DESCRIPTION field in the RDB$RELATION_FIELDS system

table.

>
> By the way, is there any syntax to fill the description field from within

an

> alter table add <column>-like statement?
> Or any other "built-in" syntax to modify/read the various description

fields?

In addition to Thomasses answer about Firebird 2...

> I haven't seen applications that use, for example,
> RDB$DATABASE.RDB$DESCRIPTION yet.
> It seems like those are "dead" or "legacy" fields.

Naah, not exactly. Pretty much ANY administration tool can use them.

For example, Database Workbench allows you to print the descriptions
when you're doing a database metadata printout. Could be very useful
for documentation purposes.

And it displays it as well -- useful when coding etc...


Martijn Tonies
Database Workbench - development tool for Firebird and more!
Upscene Productions
http://www.upscene.com
My thoughts:
http://blog.upscene.com/martijn/
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http://www.databasedevelopmentforum.com