The D3 DBMS has a unique file structure that is universal throughout the system. All files, whether they are system, program, spreadsheets, text files or data files have this same structure. This consistent file structure saves programming time because FlashBASIC and AQL are optimized to interface with it.
D3 file structure allows great flexibility in designing databases. The forgiving nature of the system tolerates inefficient use of the file structure. It is amazing how well a D3 database functions even when it is poorly designed. In the D3 system, an attribute can be added later. If the file is too small, it can be resized. The data displayed can be reformatted by updating the attribute-defining item.
To design a good database, consider how:
Attributes interact with other attributes
Attributes are stored on disk
Items are entered initially
Items are updated and modified
To minimize data storage
To minimize search response time
To restrict access to certain users
Good database design requires more knowledge of how D3 dictionaries work, and how to take advantage of this power. Knowing how to link attributes together with the controlling/dependent structure helps ensure data integrity. Translate correlatives help link attributes with other local or external attributes for faster speed and smaller items. Bridge correlatives let you update more than one item at a time.