Datatypes

Several types can be used in the Semarchy xDM models:

  • Built-in types are part of the platform (e.g., string, integer, etc.).

  • Lists of values (LOVs) are a user-defined list of string codes and labels. For example, Gender (M:Male, F:Female), `VendorStatus (OK:Active, KO:Inactive, HO:Hold)`.

  • User-defined types are a user restriction on a built-in type. For example, the GenericNameType type can be defined as a String(80) and the ZipCodeType can be used as an alias for Decimal (5,0).

  • Complex types are customized composite types made of several definition attributes using built-in types, user-defined types, or lists of values. For example, an Address complex type has the following definition attributes: Street Number, Street Name, Zip Code, City Name, and Country.

All of these types, including user-defined types, are used across the entire model.

Lists of values, user-defined types, or complex types are referenced throughout the rest of the model. Any modifications made to such a type will directly affect the entities and attributes that use it. To view the attributes using a specific type and assess the impact of changing it, open the editor for that type, and then select the Used in item in the left sidebar.