Pseudo data type support for databases

[robsax]

I find it useful for simple ER diagrams to be included in the requirements. However, I would like to not have to redo the data types when I get to the database design stage (business users understand enumerations, references, and strings, but not number(38) or varchar2(4000) in their place). To this end, I think there should be a way to define pseudo types for each database, so I can (for example) show a field with a "String" data type that will be directly mapped to varchar2 in oracle.

I believe this could be accomplished by a simple addition to the database datatypes dialog box, although it would require support in ddl generation also.

I am currently accomplishing something similar by adding an analysis database type to the list and using the data type conversions.

[kmartine]

I have a similar problem.  I'm using EA to maintain a consistent data model between a relational database and XML files.  There is no way (that I can see) to convert the data types in my UML class diagram into database types when transforming to DDL, and into schema types when transforming to XSD.  A feature would be great, but I would also appreciate a workaround.  I can search/replace to fix the auto-generated DDL, but the XSD Code Generator just converts anything unrecognized to "xs:string" which means I have to go back and manually update all the data types.  

Thanks,
Kirk

[Paolo F Cantoni]

This is actually required for Domain support for datatypes in general.  Many RDBMS do support the notion of domains and many modelling tools support them regardless of whether the underlying RDBMS do.

As has been previously mentioned, these are especially useful in the higher levels of abstraction.  They only need to be converted to actual datatypes (if required) at the Platform Specific Model (PSM) level.

Formally request a feature from Sparx.  You can use the [size=13]Request a Feature[/size] link via the Support link at the top of the page.
Place a reference back to this topic in the feature request.  That way, the Sparxians can see any ongoing discussion.
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Paolo

[peter.zrnko]

My vote for Domain support. This feature is in our corporate standards and we find it is missing in  EA.