About the Data Table wizard

Purpose and benefits

A data table is a simple structure consisting of the rows of a PRPC concrete class that contains only scalar (Single Value) properties. Informally, a data table is PRPC's internal representation of a "flat file" that contains no repeating groups.

Use the Data Table wizard to generate a data table. The wizard creates:

• a concrete class
• properties
• optionally, a dedicated table in the PegaRULES database and a corresponding database table data instance
• list rules, editing, and validation rules
• a data transform rule to supply initial values for properties

After you generate the data table, you can then create, update or delete items in the table with the Data Table editor. Typically, developers use the Data Table editor to add, update, or delete instances of a concrete class derived from the Data- class for which no form is defined, or instances of other classes for which an Excel template rule is defined. The Data Table editor allows for easy entry and maintenance of data instances for classes that have a simple structure. See About the Data Table editor.

You can use the Data Table wizard to generate an edit form for a class that meets these requirements:

• Derived from the Data- base class
• Contains properties of mode either Single Value or Value List
• Does not require user input for properties inherited from any higher classes
• Contains a Single Value property that defines a unique key

After a data table is defined for the class, you can maintain instances of the class using either a PRPC HTML form or an Excel spreadsheet.

Any Value List properties cannot be maintained with an Excel spreadsheet. If an instance of the class has both Single Value and Value List properties, only the Single Value properties can be maintained with an Excel spreadsheet.

Don't attempt to create a Data Table class derived from the Work- base class. Work objects are not designed to define reference data, though they may contain properties that have values from Data Tables.

The system is initially limited to 200 data tables. This limit can be increased if needed.

To create a data table

To create a new data table (concrete class and associated properties and rules):

1. Select >Data Model > Data Tables. A list of existing Data Tables in your application appears.
2. Click Add a new Data Table .
3. Complete the Data Table wizard form to define the class, properties in the class, and other parts. See Using the Data Table wizard.

When to use a dedicated table

If you do not select the Create Dedicated Database Table checkbox, instances of the classes created through this facility are stored in the PegaRULES database table named pr_other and are limited to 1,000 rows.
If your data table may eventually contain hundreds of rows, has high turnover, or may be moved to other PRPC systems, it is advisable to use a dedicated table.

Tools — Data Model