Datatypes

Several types can be used in the Semarchy xDM models:

  • Built-in Types are part of the platform. For example: string, integer, etc.

  • List of Values (LOVs) are a user-defined list of string codes and labels. For example: Gender (M:Male, F:Female), VendorStatus (OK:Active, KO:Inactive, HO:Hold).

  • User-Defined Types are a user restriction on a built-in type. For example the GenericNameType type can be defined as a String(80) and the ZipCodeType can be used as an alias for Decimal (5,0).

  • Complex Types are a customized composite type made of several Definition Attributes using Built-in Type, User-Defined Type or a List of Values. For example, an Address complex type has the following definition attributes: Street Number, Street Name, Zip Code, City Name and Country.

All of these types, including user-defined types, are used across the entire model.

Lists of values, user-defined types, or complex types are referenced throughout the rest of the model. Any modifications made to such a type will directly affect the entities and attributes that use it. To view the attributes using a specific type and assess the impact of changing it, open the editor for that type, and then select the Used in item in the left sidebar.