Data Structure Column Properties

Name

Specifies the name of the item, which should be clear and meaningful, and should convey the item's purpose to non-technical users.

Code

Specifies the technical name of the item, which is used for generating code or scripts.

Comment

Specifies a descriptive comment for the object.

Stereotype

Extends the semantics of the object. You can enter a stereotype directly in this field, or add stereotypes to the list by specifying them in an extension file.

Data type

Specifies the type of the column, such as numeric, alphanumeric, boolean, etc. If you change the type of the transformation process, the data type used by the data structure column will be converted to its equivalent in the new transformation engine. For more information about data types, see Script/Data Type Category in Chapter 2, DBMS Resource File Reference in Customizing and Extending PowerDesigner .

Length

Specifies the maximum length of the data type.

Precision

Specifies the maximum number of places after the decimal point.

Mandatory

Specifies a column that must be assigned a not null value.

Default value

Specifies a default value for the data structure column.

Identifier

Specifies the data structure column as an identifier. This is useful when you update the target tables used to create a join.

Target object

[data structure column owned by a data output only] Specifies the target object in which the data structure column is loaded. You can use the tools to the right of the list to browse the complete tree of available objects or view the properties of the currently selected object.