Virtual columns are part of a table definition in the Repository and are accessed while working with a specific table. Remember that the virtual column, like any column in a table, must be defined to the Repository before you add it to a table. If you follow the recommended naming standards, virtual columns are easily identified as they are nine characters long (xxxxxVIR). (Refer to Column Naming Standards.)
If the virtual column is derived using code, you will need to indicate this using the appropriate input column/option. For the IBM i, virtual code is written in RPG while C is used for other platforms such as Windows.
It is recommended that you review the Virtual Column Considerations before using virtual columns.
The procedure for creating a virtual column using the extended definition is as follows:
1. Check that the field is defined in the Repository.
2. Add the field to the table as a virtual column.
3. Select the type of virtual column.
4. Add the details of the virtual column.
Once defined to the table, you may add validation rules for the virtual columns.
Also See
Virtual Column Definition in the Technical Reference Guide
Table Columns tab in the Visual LANSA User Guide.
