<OpenVMS>

    A full or relative repository path name that specifies the source
    of the schema definitions. When you use the PATHNAME argument,
    any changes you make to schema definitions are entered in the
    repository and the database system file. Oracle Rdb recommends
    using the PATHNAME argument if you have the repository on your
    system and you plan to use any data definition statements.

    The path name that you specify overrides the path name associated
    with the alias at run time.

    If you specify PATHNAME at run time, your application attaches to
    the database file name extracted from the repository.