Object Replications

While shortcuts allow you to reference objects in other models, the complete definition of the target object can only be accessed if the target model is open, and you cannot locally redefine any of the properties of the target object. For example, in one model you may need a Client table with Name and detailed Address columns, while in another you may need only the Name column. In this case, instead of using a shortcut, you could replicate the object.

You should use shortcuts when you want to reference an object in order to share it between different models or packages. The shortcut is not a local copy of the target object and cannot be modified independently of its target object. You should use object replications when you want to have a local copy of an object that can also diverge from its original 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.

You can create replicas for most PowerDesigner objects (including composite objects and other replicas). When you replicate an object, its sub-objects are replicated as well. You cannot create replicas of diagrams, links, packages, or the following objects:

• 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.