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On occasion, your application development may be split across two or more different data dictionaries. For example, you may want to merge two separate dictionaries into one, then point your applications at the resulting new dictionary.

Do **not** use the **Application **{{c6h0013.jpg|C6H0013.jpg}}** Change Dictionary** menu command to change to a different dictionary. This command is only appropriate when the two dictionaries are **//exactly//** the same.

To continue developing an existing application with a //different// but similar data dictionary, it is necessary to allow the application to re-establish its internal references to dictionary IDENTs (see the //Advanced Programming Resources// PDF for more information on IDENTs). Follow these steps:

1.Make backups of all .APPs and .DCTs involved in the change.

2.Create the modified dictionary (.DCT).

You may cut and paste from other dictionaries, import from text dictionaries (.TXD), or use the Dictionary Editor.

3.Create a text application file (.TXA) referencing the new dictionary. To do this:

Load the application to modify into the Clarion environment.

Choose **Application **{{c6h0013.jpg|C6H0013.jpg}}** ****Export Application to Text**.

In the **Save Application Text**** **dialog, specify the filename and path of the .TXA file.

Using any text editor, edit the .TXA file. The dictionary name usually appears on the third line of the .TXA file, like this: DICTIONARY 'OLD.DCT.' Change this line to show the new dictionary name: DICTIONARY 'NEW.DCT.'

4.Create a new application by importing the .TXA file.

From the Clarion development environment, choose** ****Tools C6H0013.BMP} Application Options****,** then clear the **Require a dictionary** check box.

Close any active applications (press the **OK** button).

Choose** ****File **{{c6h0013.jpg|C6H0013.jpg}}** New **{{c6h0013.jpg|C6H0013.jpg}}** Solution, Project or Application****,** then specify the application name and path in the **New Project**** **dialog. If you have backed up your application, you may want to specify the same name and path. Press the **Create** button.

From the **Application Properties** dialog, clear the **Application Wizard** check box, then press the** OK** button.

From the Clarion development environment, choose** ****Application **{{c6h0013.jpg|C6H0013.jpg}}** Import Txa**, then specify the .TXA file you created in the previous step. Press **Replace All** when prompted by the **Procedure name clash** dialog.

That's it. You can now develop your application using the new dictionary.