Previous Topic: Save Your Property Selections in the Link Wizard as an Option SetNext Topic: Import and Export Data


Link Wizard Example

You can use the Link Wizard to keep similar attributes synchronized across your model. You do this by creating a link object and then associating attributes with it. In this example, we are using the logical side of a Logical/Physical model. There are two entities, E/1 and E/2. E/1 contains PK attribute attr11 and non-key attribute attr12. E/2 contains PK attribute attr21 and non-key attribute attr22. We need to link E/1 attr12 to E/2 attr22 to keep the properties synchronized.

Link Wizard Example 1_Two Entities Unlinked

Right-click attribute attr12 in the E/1 entity and select Attribute Properties. In the Attribute Editor, click the Link tab, and then click New New icon in property editors to create a new object on the toolbar to open the Link Wizard. Click the Link page to define the Link Object. Enter the Link Object name, synchronization direction, and optionally enter a definition. In this example, Two Way synchronization is used, which synchronizes properties in both directions.

Example: Link Page

Link Wizard Example 2_Link Page

Click the Target page. Select the Target Owner Table and select or create a target column. In this example, entity E/2 and existing attribute attr22 is selected for the target.

Example: Target Page

Link Wizard Example 3_Target Page

Click the Properties page to specify the properties to synchronize. In this example, the properties selected are Comment, Font, Font Size, and Name.

Example: Properties Page

Link Wizard_Select Properties to Synchronize

Click Apply to complete the Link Object creation process and close the Link Wizard. When you return to the Attribute Editor, the new Link Object appears on the Link tab as you defined it:

Link Wizard Example 5_Link Object in Attribute Editor

Because Two Way synchronization was used the properties are synchronized in both directions. On the diagram, the changed entities display:

Link Wizard Example 6A_Changed Entities on the Diagram Window

Changes made to one attribute is immediately reflected in the other attribute. For example, renaming one of these attributes on the diagram also renames the linked attribute:

Example: Rename attribute in E/1

Link Wizard Example 7A_Rename attribute in first entity

Link Wizard Example 7B_Rename attribute in first entity

Example: Rename attribute in E/2

Link Wizard Example 8A_Rename attribute in second entity

Link Wizard Example 8B_Rename attribute in second entity