Introduction to Class Definition Classes
The class definition classes provide object and SQL access to all class definitions. Using these classes, you can programmatically examine class definitions, modify class definitions, create new classes, and even write programs that automatically generate documentation. These classes are contained within the %Dictionary package.
Note:
There is an older set of class definition classes defined within the %Library package. These are maintained for compatibility with existing applications. New code should make use of the classes within the %Dictionary package. Make sure that you specify the correct package name when using these classes or you may inadvertently use the wrong class.
There are two parallel sets of class definition classes: those that represent defined classes and those that represent compiled classes.
A defined class definition represents the definition of a specific class. It includes only information defined by that class; it does not include information inherited from superclasses. In addition to providing information about classes in the dictionary, these classes can be used to programmatically alter or create new class definitions.
A compiled class definition includes all of the class members that are inherited from superclasses. A compiled class definition object can only be instantiated from a class that has been compiled. You cannot save a compiled class definition.
This appendix discusses defined class definitions exclusively, though the operation of the compiled class definitions is similar.
The family of class definition classes that represent defined classes includes: