4D generates and maintains a number of files. Two of these files that are seens sometimes are the .4DA and the .REA files.

The .4DA file is the file that contains user editable forms. This file is located in the database folder.


The .REA file is the cache version on remote side of the .4DA file on the server side. This file is created when a remote client connects to the server at the cache locatation.


The .REA file is created regardless if edited user forms are enabled or not on in the cache location while the .4DA is only created when an edited user form has been created. These files cannot be touched during runtime.

If the .REA file is deleted it will automatically be recreated during connection as it will sync with the server. If the .4DA file is deleted, the user forms are deleted and the forms will revert to their default states and the .REA file will sync with the server and update to remove the stored remote client cache of the edited user forms. User forms modified on clients will update the .4DA and the clients will automatically sync immediately.

Related Links:
Tech Tip: Allowing users to edit forms
Tech Tip: Client cache folder location for built client