Creating a Class Automatically from the Table Schema

You can create classes automatically by selecting a table in the table schema and dragging it into the Universe pane. The table name is the class name by default. New objects are also automatically created under the class. Each new object corresponds to a column in the table. You should edit the new class and object properties to ensure that they are appropriately named, and are relevant to end user needs. Editing object properties is described in the section Defining Objects. The Objects strategy selected on the Strategies page in the Universe Parameters dialog box determines how the classes and objects are created automatically (File>Parameters>Strategies tab). This strategy can be modified. You can also create strategies to customize the class and object creation process. See the section Using External Strategies to Customize Universe Creation, and the section Selecting Strategies for more information on strategies.

Note.pngWhen you create class and objects automatically, you are creating the universe components directly from the database structure. The class and objects that you create should be the result of a user needs analysis, and not be directed by the columns and tables available in the database. Designing the universe from user needs is described in the section Universe Design Methodology.

To create a class automatically from the table schema:

1      Select a table in the table schema.

2      Drag the table across to the Universe pane and drop the table at the desired position in the class hierarchy.
A new class appears in the hierarchy. It contains an object for each column in the table dragged into the Universe pane. By default, the class name is the same as the table name, and each object name is the same as its corresponding column name.