Database Checker
The Thermo‑Calc software package includes a program to check that the syntax of unencrypted database files is correct. The program applies the syntax rules set out in the Database Manager User Guide and reports errors and issues warnings. This program is intended for advanced users who develop and manage databases.
Thermo‑Calc accepts some deviations from these syntax rules. Although warnings can be ignored, errors must be corrected. Reported errors must be corrected in the TDB file before the database can be loaded by the application. Sometimes the warnings can also reveal the need for additional corrections as shown in the example below.
For example, a warning is generated if a phase name is detected that is also an abbreviation of another phase name in the database. Although allowed, it is not recommended as this can (in some cases) lead to unexpected results because abbreviations are also used when entering commands in the Console and included in macro files. The following shows why in this case an abbreviation is not recommended.
Imagine that a macro file uses the abbreviation ABC to refer to a phase in a database that is named ABCDE. As long as there is no other phase in the database with the same exact name or initial abbreviation, it works. But if a new phase is added to the database and is actually named ABC then the macro can in error refer to the wrong phase. The macro still runs but now refers to the phase ABC instead of ABCDE because ABC is an exact match, which takes precedence over abbreviations. The Database Checker displays a warning because this situation can only occur when one phase name is an abbreviation of another.
With respect to using this tool, the executable DatabaseChecker file is found in the Thermo‑Calc home directory.
The program can also be launched by selecting Tools → 
Database Checker from the main menu in Thermo-Calc.