Deleting Definitions

Deleting a definition is different from removing a definition from a project. When you remove a definition from a project, the reference to the definition is removed from the project, but the definition still exists in the database and, thus, may be part of another project. Deleting a definition, however, permanently removes the definition from the database. Any projects or other definitions that contain the deleted definition are affected.

Before deleting a definition you should find all references to that definition by running the Find Definition References process. For example, a field definition that you want to delete may be referenced by both record and page definitions.

Note:

If you delete a component definition, you must delete all component interfaces that are based on that definition.

Note:

A component definition must contain at least one page. If you attempt to delete a page definition that is the only page definition within a component, the system does not allow the delete to occur and displays an error message. If the page definition is the only page within a component, the error message appears during a File, Delete action or during an upgrade copy to database (with a Delete action).

This example illustrates the fields and controls on the Delete Definition dialog box.

Delete Definition dialog box

To delete a definition from the database:

  1. Select File, and then Delete.

    The Delete Definition dialog box looks like the Open Definition dialog box, and you select definitions in exactly the same way.

  2. Specify the definition type and any selection criteria that are useful in locating the definition that you want to delete.

    After entering either a partial name or description of the definition, press Enter to retrieve a list of definitions matching your selection criteria.

  3. Select the definition that you want to delete.

    To select multiple definitions, hold down either Shift or Ctrl while clicking the appropriate definitions.

  4. Click the Delete button and confirm that you want to delete the selected definition.