Each database file has a corresponding FDT, which defines the record structure and the content of each field in the physical file. For each field in the record, the FDT defines the level, name, length, format, options, and special field and descriptor attributes.

If you import an FDT, you can open the Adabas data map later without connecting to the remote system because the data definitions in the data map are stored on the local system.

You can display an FDT for an Adabas data map from the PowerExchange Navigator. When you display the FDT, you can optionally refresh the locally saved FDT with data from the FDT on the remote system.