Database variables

Database variables are variables, which are part of the database definition and which are stored in the database. Typically, all extents defined in the dictionary are database variables. Extents are potential collections and may refer to a number of collection options, which are defined under "Collection options".

Since database extents are the entry point for accessing the database, one has to define an extent also for defining a single database variable.

Instead of persistent extents, view extents can be referred to as database variables as well. View definitions (view type) are not database variables but can be referred to as method.