When using Rumba AS/400 File Transfer to send PC data to the host, you must specify the PC description file (.fdf). This text file contains PC file type and field data information for a database file that is downloaded from an AS/400. The description file identifies the file data type (such as ASCII text, or DIF) and each field in the file including the field name, data type, and length.

If the Save description file box in the PC Options dialog box is checked, a description file is automatically created while transferring AS/400 data to the PC.

You need to create a description file if you download a database file from the AS/400 with the intention of sending it back to the host. When sending a database file to the host, the file and field descriptions must be defined for both the AS/400 system and the PC file. The host uses this information to correctly identify and interpret the data.