File Extended Attributes

File settings are stored in extended attribute (EA) files. EAs are automatically created if the file was created using one of the WPS templates, but not if the file was copied or created directly from a command prompt.

If the Settings view is opened and the EAs do not exist, then they are created at that time. When any of the settings are changed, the EAs are updated. This is done when a page on the notebook is changed and when the Settings view is closed The settings information in a file's EAs looks like this:

EA #: 1  NameLen: 10  Name: >.CLASSINFO< ValueLen: 142
.........w...WPDataFile..rJ..rJ.-sJ.g.....T.WPObject.............

EA #: 2  NameLen: 9  Name: >.LONGNAME< ValueLen: 15
....Test 1 File

EA #: 3  NameLen: 8  Name: >.SUBJECT< ValueLen: 27
....Test file for LAN stuff

EA #: 4  NameLen: 5  Name: >.TYPE< ValueLen: 34
..........Plain Text....BASIC Code

EA #: 5  NameLen: 5  Name: >.ICON< ValueLen: 4070

The file EAs are used to store:

Classinfo

This contains the WPS class to which the object belongs. This ensures that the correct WPS methods are used to instantiate the object when the folder is opened. Any new programs added to the file menu are also stored here.

This contains the descriptive text that is displayed below the icon. This is needed for FAT file systems where filenames are restricted to 8 characters plus 3 for the file extension.

This data is entered in the "Subject" field of the Settings view.

This records the file type of the object. A file can have multiple file types. They are used to provide an association with a program through the OS2.INI file.

This stores the new icon used by the object if the user decides to replace the default icon. Note that if he chooses to "Create" a new icon, 1014 bytes are used, whereas if he "Edits" or "Finds" an icon, 4070 bytes are needed.

File EAs can shrink as well as grow. The disk space needed for the EAs grows as options are chosen but if the choices are removed later the EAs size will be reduced.