Object Replications

While shortcuts allow you to reference objects in other models, they have some limitations:

For example, in one model you may need a Client table with Name and detailed Address columns, while in another model you may need only the Name column.

In this case, instead of using a shortcut, you should replicate the object.

When you replicate an object, PowerDesigner creates a complete copy (or replica) of the object. The replica retains the name, code, type and Id of the original object and is automatically updated when the original is modified.

A replica looks exactly like other objects in the Browser and diagram, but its property sheet is, by default, uneditable, because all its properties are synchronized with the original:

You can desynchronize any property that you want to change, while retaining synchronization of the others.

The link to and synchronization with the original object is maintained by a replication, which is not visible in the Browser or diagram, but whose properties are accessible via the List of Replications.

• Creating a Replica
  You can creating replicas using:
• Replica and Replication Properties
  Replicas have the property sheets appropriate to their object type. For example, a replica of a class has a standard class property sheet. However, by default, the property sheet of a replica is read-only because all its properties are synchronized with the original object.
• Moving Replicas, Replications, and Original Objects
  If you move a replica to a different package or model, the replication that links it to the original object is also moved.
• Deleting Replicas, Replications, and Original Objects
  If you delete a replica, the replication that linked it to the original object is also deleted.
• Displaying Replicas and Replications
  Replicas look identical to normal objects, but all or part of their property sheets will be grayed out and uneditable.
• Generating Replications
  You can generate a replica in another type of model and preserve the link with its original object through generation. You will then be able to continue the synchronization in the generated model.