This configuration variable sets the file format on a file-by-file basis. The filename is replaced by the base name of the file (the file name minus directory and
extension). The meaning of the variable is the same as for "V_VERSION ". This variable is useful if you want to have all your files in one
format, with a few exceptions. For example, you might want to maintain most of
your files in Version 3 format to conserve file handles, but have a few files
in Version 4 format to take advantage of the larger file size. Note that this
variable only affects the file format when it is created. You can always
rebuild the file in another format later.
This variable (and the "V_VERSION" variable) is most helpful when you are using transaction management.
The transaction system does not record the format of the created file if an
OPEN OUTPUT is done during a transaction, because the transaction system is not
tied to any particular file system. If you need to recover a transaction, then the system will recreate the OPEN OUTPUT
files using the settings of the "VERSION" variables.