The PowerDesigner data modeling environment includes a set of parameters and configuration options that define various aspects of the model content and behavior. You can set these parameters:
At model creation
After creating a model with default options and parameters
When creating a model template
Setting CDM/LDM Model Options
This section explains how to set global options for the objects in your CDM/LDM. These options apply only to the current CDM/LDM.
Setting PDM Model Options
This section explains how to set global options for the objects in your PDM. For information about controlling the naming conventions of your models, see "Naming Conventions" in the Models chapter of the Core Features Guide.
Setting Data Model Display Preferences
PowerDesigner display preferences allow you to customize the format of object symbols, and the information that is displayed on them.
Supported CDM/LDM Notations
PowerDesigner supports the most popular data modeling notations in the CDM and LDM via the notation model option
Specifying the PDM DBMS
PowerDesigner can be used with many different DBMSs. Each supported DBMS has its own DBMS definition file, which provides PowerDesigner with the syntax for generating databases, triggers, and stored procedures for a that DBMS.
Working with Data Model Extended Model Definitions
Extended model definitions (.XEM files) provide means for customizing and extending PowerDesigner metaclasses, parameters and generation. Extended model definitions are typed like models in PowerDesigner. You create an extended model definition for a specific type of model and you cannot share these files between heterogeneous models.
Working with Data Model Extended Dependencies
Extended dependencies are links between PDM objects. These links help to make object relationships clearer but are not interpreted and checked by PowerDesigner as they are meant to be used for documentation purposes only.