Chapter 6 Managing Objects

Working with Extended Model Definitions

Extended model definitions provide means for customizing and extending PowerDesigner metaclasses, parameters and generation. You use extended model definitions to:

Extend the PowerDesigner metamodel and develop the definition of metaclasses using profiles
Complement the generation targets and commands of an object language
Generate for an extended model definition

For more information on extended model definitions, see chapter Extended Model Definitions Reference Guide in the Advanced User documentation .

What is an extended model definition?

An extended model definition is made up of a number of categories. A category can contain other categories, entries, and values. These entries are parameters recognizable by PowerDesigner.

The values for extended model definition categories and entries vary for each extended model definition. Some entries may not exist in the extended model definition file if they are not applicable to the particular extended model definition.

How to use extended model definitions?

You can create generic and specific extended model definitions.

A generic extended model definition is a library of metamodel extensions and generation parameters saved in a file with the .XEM extension. This file is stored in a central area and can be referenced by models to guarantee data consistency and save time to the user
A specific extended model definition is embedded into a model and develops object definitions and generation parameters in this particular model