>Multi-part Question:
>
>I have the following file types in my directory that stores databases/tables:
>
>.dbf, .cdx, .fpt, .dpc, .dct, .dcx, and one .idf
>
>The .dbf, .cdx, .fpt, and .idf files appear to be associated with the tables themselves. The .dpc, .dct, and .dcx appear to be associates to the database container.
>
>When I modify a view, table, or index, I am trying to figure out what files I am actually affecting.

Oh, dear.

.dbf = table
.cdx = structural index file, contains 1..n indices
.fpt = table memo file. dbf has a pointer to an entry here for each memo
.dct = database container memo file. see above.
.dcx = database structural index file

views, and extended table information is stored in the database container.

idf? No clue.

With regard to distributing updated data structures? Do yourself a favor and look at using Stonefield Data Toolkit. Better even than a Toyota.