Creating a PF - Compiled File vs. SQL Create Table Command

Hi All,



Is there any difference between creating a physical source file member
and compiling it versus using an SQL CREATE TABLE command? When using
the i5, I've always created a PF and then compiled it as my table, but I
have never created a table using the SQL CREATE TABLE command.



I did a test of the CREATE TABLE command, and it did indeed create a PF
in the specified directory. However, it doesn't create the associated
member (or does it?) that I can use to modify and update the table if
fields need to be added/modified/deleted.



One advantage I did notice is that I am not limited to ten characters
like a standard physical file (yes, I understand there are ways around
it).



Are there any specific reasons why I would want to select one method
over another? File maintenance would be a matter of editing the PF
member and doing a CHGPF on a modified file versus an ALTER TABLE
command.



Am I missing something fundamental here?



Thanks!



/b;

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Brian Piotrowski
Assistant Mgr. - I.T.
Simcoe Parts Service, Inc.
Ph: 705-435-7814 x343
Fx: 705-435-6746
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