A data dictionary describes the overall organization of a data file; in other words, it gives a description of how data are stored in a file. CSPro requires that a data dictionary be created for each file that is structurally different (i.e., files that would require separate dictionaries to describe their layout). A data dictionary file uses the .dcf extension.
In the data dictionary you can:
- Define simple or complex hierarchical file organization.
- Define hierarchical levels, identification items, records, items (fields or variables), value sets (categories of values), and values.
- Create descriptive notes for documentation.
- Define multiply-occurring items.
- Produce reports of file organization.