Updating rows in compressed tables can increase the size of a given table
block. Additional space is required in order for the block to be written back to disk.
When contiguous space is not available on the hard drive, a new block fragment stores
the excess, updated quantity. Over time, the table will experience block fragmentation.
When opening compressed tables for OUTPUT or UPDATE, you can use the SPDSCMPF
macro variable to anticipate growth space for the table blocks. If you estimate correctly, you can
greatly reduce block fragmentation in the table.
Note: SPD Server table metadata
does not retain compression buffer or growth space settings.