Data Representation

Adapters use two methods of transferring data: buffer and tree. The buffer method moves raw data to and from the transport with no additional processing. The tree method moves the data in an hierarchical (tree) structure. The term New Era of Networks Data Object (NDO) is the New Era of Networks-specific name given to the tree method of exchanging data.

Acquire, Deliver, and Process modes each handle both types of transferred data: buffer and tree. Schema handles only tree data. When using the tree methods, the Adapter Shell serializes and deserializes data to and from the transport. The basic difference between using a buffer or a data tree is that if your adapter plug-in returns or requires a data tree, the e-ADK will serialize or deserialize the tree for transportation purposes.

You must create the following functions, depending on whether you are using the buffer or tree representation. The Adapter Shell calls this function during processing.

**Table 1-1:**
	For Tree (NDO)	For Buffer
Schema	acquireSchema()	none
Catalog	acquireCatalog()	none
Schema Remove	none	none
Acquire	acquireData()	acquireBuffer()
Deliver	deliverData()	deliverBuffer()
Process	processData()	processBuffer()

NNADKStubPlugIn.cpp contains templates for buffer and tree functions. For additional inforamtin about using buffer and tree represnetaiton, see the Programmer’s Reference.