Generating Models

PowerDesigner provides powerful capabilities for generating one model from another, and 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.

The following table shows which model types you can generate from each model type. The left column lists the source model and the column headings the model types that can be generated from it:

	BPM	CDM	LDM	PDM	ILM	OOM	XSM
BPM	X
CDM		X	X	X		X
LDM		X	X	X
PDM		X	X	X		X	X
ILM					X
OOM		X		X		X	X
XSM				X			X

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
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.
[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.
[optional] Click the Detail tab and set any appropriate options. For more information, see Model Generation Options window Detail tab.
[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.
[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.
Click OK to begin generation.