When using a database file with NI-XNET, you can specify the file path or an alias to the file. The alias provides a shorter, easier-to-read name for use within your application.

For example, for the file path

C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Documents\Vehicle5\MyDatabase.dbc

you can add an alias named MyDatabase. In addition to improving readability, the alias concept isolates your application from the specific file path. For example, if your application uses the alias MyDatabase and you change its file path to

C:\Embedded\Vehicle5\MyDatabase.dbc

your application continues to run without change.

After you create an alias, it exists until you explicitly delete it. If you uninstall NI-XNET, the aliases are deleted; however, if you reinstall (upgrade) NI-XNET, the aliases from the previous installation remain. Deleting an alias does not delete the database file itself, but merely the association within NI-XNET.