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Generators
A generator is a sequential number that can be automatically inserted in a column with the GEN_ID() function. A generator is often used to ensure a unique value in a PRIMARY KEY, such as an invoice number, that must uniquely identify the associated row. In Firebird 2.0 and higher SEQUENCE has been introduced as a synonym for GENERATOR, in accordance with SQL-99.
Creating Generators
New generators are created within Create Generator Wizard. In order to run the wizard you should either
| • | select the Object | Create Database Object... main menu item; |
| • | select the Generator icon in the Create Database Object dialog |
or
| • | select the Generators list or any object from that list in the explorer tree; |
| • | select the Create New Generator... item from the popup menu |
or
| • | open the database in Database Editor and the Generators tab there; |
| • | press the Insert key or select the Create New Generator... item from the popup menu (alternatively, you may use the corresponding link of the Navigation Bar). |
To create a new generator with the same properties as one of the existing generators has:
| • | select the Object | Duplicate Database Object... main menu item; |
| • | follow the instructions of Duplicate Object Wizard. |
Editing Generators
Generators can be edited within Generator Editor. In order to run the editor you should either
| • | select the generator for editing in the explorer tree (type the first letters of the generator name for quick search); |
| • | select the Edit Generator ... item from the popup menu |
or
| • | open the database in Database Editor and the Generators tab there; |
| • | select the generator to edit; |
| • | press the Enter key or select the Edit Generator item from the popup menu (alternatively, you may use the corresponding link of the Navigation Bar). |
Dropping Generators
To drop a generator:
| • | select the generator to drop in the explorer tree; |
| • | select the Drop Generator item from the popup menu |
or
| • | open the database in Database Editor and the Generators tab there; |
| • | select the generator to drop; |
| • | press the Delete key or select the Drop Generator item from the popup menu (alternatively, you may use the corresponding link of the Navigation Bar) |
and confirm dropping in the dialog window.
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