About the Data Table wizard

Note: In Pega 7.1.7 and later versions, local data storage has replaced data tables. Click Convert for each data table displayed on this landing page to convert it to the new format.

A data table is a simple structure that consists of the rows of a Pega 7 Platform concrete class that contains only scalar (Single Value) properties. Informally, a data table is the Pega 7 Platform'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 Pega 7 Platform 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

Local data storage has now replaced data tables.

To create local data storage for data types, select the data type in the Data Explorer. For more information, see Configuring local data storage.

When to use a dedicated table

If you do not select the Create Dedicated Database Table check box, 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 might eventually contain hundreds of rows, has high turnover, or might be moved to other systems, use a dedicated table.

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