What is the purpose of a linkage record in Method 2?

• A. To create a new master file.
• B. To map display columns to the correct item.
• C. To define how to navigate from base master to target master.
• D. To provide the mapping that links to the target master file so the display column can retrieve data.

Answer: (D)

In Method 2, the linkage record serves as the bridge that connects the base master to the target master. It holds the mapping keys that identify which row in the target master corresponds to each row in the base master. With that mapping, a display column can retrieve data from the target master to show alongside the base record. So the primary purpose is to provide the linkage that enables data from the target master to be accessed and displayed. It’s not about creating a new master file or simply naming which item to display; it’s about establishing the precise link to the target master so retrieval is possible. For example, linking an Employee base master to a Department target master allows a display column to pull the department name from the Department master for each employee.