Generating a Model

PowerDesigner provides powerful capabilities for generating one model from another, and then keeping the two models synchronized. Thus, you could model your data at an abstract level in a CDM, generate an LDM to model implementation-neutral features, and then generate multiple PDMs for various DBMSs.

1. Select Tools, and then one of the following to open the appropriate Model Generation Options Window:
   
   

   • Generate Business Process Model... Ctrl+Shift+B

   • Generate Conceptual Data Model... Ctrl+Shift+C

   • Generate Logical Data Model... Ctrl+Shift+L

   • Generate Physical Data Model... Ctrl+Shift+P

   • Generate Information Liquidity Model...

   • Generate Object-Oriented Model... Ctrl+Shift+O

   • Generate XML Model... Ctrl+Shift+M

2. On the General tab, select a radio button to generate a new or update an existing model, and complete the appropriate options. For more details, see Model Generation Options window.
3. [optional – PDM-PDM generation only] Click the DBMS Preserve Options tab and set any appropriate options. For more details, see Model Generation Options window DBMS Preserve Options tab.
4. [optional] Click the Detail tab and set any appropriate options. For more information, see Model Generation Options window Detail tab.
5. [optional] Click the Target Models tab and specify the target models for any generated shortcuts. For more information, see Model Generation Options window Target Models tab.
6. [optional] Click the Selection tab and select or deselect objects to generate. For information about using the tools on this tab, see Adding an Item from a Selection List.
7. Click OK to begin generation.

• Model Generation Options Window
  The following options are available on the General tab:
• Data Type Conversion
  PowerDesigner converts from the data types of the source model to those of the target model using its standard conceptual types (which are also used in the CDM). You can review the conversions that will be made by accessing the relevant resource file.
• Using the Generation Links Viewer
  The Generation Links Viewer allows you to view all the generation links of a given model. You can identify the origin of each generated or derived object of the model. Note that you cannot edit any of these links.
• Using Impact Analysis on Generated Models
  In order to use impact analysis on your generated models, you must consolidate them in the PowerDesigner Repository, and then extract them with the Extract Dependencies option selected. This enables the display of the Generated As sub-tab in the Dependencies tab of source objects.