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Hierarchy rule
Completing the Create, Save As, or Specialization form

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Records can be created in various ways. You can add a new record to your application or copy an existing one. You can specialize existing rules by creating a copy in a specific ruleset, against a different class or (in some cases) with a set of circumstance definitions. You may copy data instances but they do not support specialization as they are not versioned.

Based on your use case, the Create, Save As, or Specialization form is used to create the record. The number of fields and available options vary by record type. Start by familiarizing yourself with the generic layout of these forms and their common fields:

This information identifies the key parts and options that are applicable to the record type you are creating.

Create a hierarchy rule by selecting Hierarchy from the Decision category.

When a hierarchy rule is opened (copied to the clipboard), the complete subtree hierarchy is assembled from the rules that share a common class and purpose, linking branch nodes into the structure.

Key parts:

A hierarchy rule has three key parts:

Field

Description

Apply to

Select the name of a class. A typical selection is a class that is derived from the Data- class.

Identifier

Enter a name for this hierarchy rule. Begin the name with a letter and use only letters, numbers, the ampersand character, and hyphens. The collection of hierarchy rules that have the same Apply to and Identifier key parts forms one hierarchy.

Branch

Optional. Leave blank if this rule defines an entire hierarchy or defines the topmost elements in a hierarchy that involves multiple rules.

If not blank, type a name for the top element in this rule. Begin the name with a letter and use only letters, numbers, and hyphens. This name can also appear in as the name of an element in another hierarchy rule (with the same Apply to and Identifier key parts).

Rule resolution

When searching for instances of this rule type, the system uses full rule resolution which: