Enhancing Data Integrity Using Defaults

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Defaults enhance data integrity in your model by supplying a value to an attribute or column when you do not specify one. Defaults ensure that attributes and columns always adopt a value, even when the user or transaction does not. provide one.

You can bind defaults to columns, attributes, and domains, along with user-defined datatype created in the Data Dictionary. Defaults are created in the Data Dictionary, which lets you manage and reuse commonly used defaults.

Create and Edit Defaults

  1. In the Data Dictionary, right-click the Defaults folder and then click New Default.
  2. Define the default as required and then click OK to complete the editor.
  3. Once you have created the Default, you can edit it by right-clicking the default you want to change, and then selecting Edit Default.

The following describe options that require additional explanation:

Default Value tab

You must add the value in the same syntax as the database platform in which you intend to use the default.

Attachment Bindings tab

Bind an external piece of information, or attachment to the domain. You can also remove an attachment from an object, override an attachment binding's default value, or change the position of a bound attachment. To override the value of the attachment you have moved to the Selected Attachments grid, double-click the Value field of the target attachment. ER/Studio Data Architect opens the Value Override Editor or a list depending on the attachment datatype. Attachments are created in the Attachments folder of the Data Dictionary and must be applied to the default before they will display on this tab. For more information, see Attaching External Documents to the Data Model.

Binding Information tab

Select the object classes and/or specific objects to which you want to bind this default. You can override this setting using the Default tab of the data model object editor.

See Also