There are four configuration files in the encyclopedia. The main property file is SAPROPS.CFG. Another file, called SAPROPS.BIN is the binary version of its companion SAPROPS.CFG. A second file called USRPROPS.TXT (for User Properties) is used to enter your own modifications to the main property file, thereby leaving the original property file intact.

Whenever you create a new encyclopedia, a copy of the USRPROPS.TXT, SADECLAR.CFG, and SAPROPS.CFG from the directory of the main executable is automatically copied into the new encyclopedia’s directory.

Every diagram, every symbol, and every definition in a System Architect encyclopedia has properties, or attributes. Sometimes the only property is text, usually called “Description” or “Text description” where you can explain why that diagram is useful in the project, or why the definition is required.

Sometimes the properties are extensive. A data element, for example, includes a property for the SQL Data type and length, its nullity, and the name of the data domain from which it may be derived.