How to: View Database Structure
While the Database Designer displays a visual and conceptual representation of the database, you might want to examine the structure of the database (.dbc) file, which is a table. The database file contains a record for each table, view, index, index tag, persistent relationship, and connection associated with the database as well as a record for each table field or view field that has extended properties. It also includes a single record that contains all the stored procedures for the database. For more information, see Table File Structure (.dbc, .dbf, .frx, .lbx, .mnx, .pjx, .scx, .vcx).
You can examine the contents of a database file by browsing the file.
To browse a database file
Close the database.
Use the USE command with the name of the database file, including the .dbc file name extension, and the EXCLUSIVE keyword.
On the next line, follow the USE command with the BROWSE command.
Warning
Do not use BROWSE to modify the contents of the database file unless you understand database file structure. If an error occurs while attempting to change the database file, the database might become invalid and potentially lose data. Instead, use MODIFY STRUCTURE to add fields. For more information, see How to: Extend Database Files.
For example, the following code opens a browse window and displays the contents of a database named MyDatabase as a table:
CLOSE MyDatabase
USE MyDatabase.dbc EXCLUSIVE
BROWSE