Creating a data extension using the model editor

To create a first-level data extension (or entity type extension) using the model editor, take the following steps:

1. Select the project you are working with from Project Explorer.
2. Open the module.mdmxmi file in the Development Module Model editor.
3. Click the Model tab.
4. Right-click on the folder you are adding the extension to, and click New > Entity Type Extension.
5. Specify the following definitions for the extension:
   • Name: The name of the entity type extension.
   • Documentation: An optional description of the extension.
   • Database table name: If the extension uses the same table as the base entity, this is the name of base database table. Otherwise, this is the name of the new database table that will be used for the extension fields, and defaults to be the same as the extension name.
   • Documentation URL: An optional URL that links to documentation for the entity type extension.
   • Extends: Displays the base entity that the data extension applies to, such as Person. Click Browse
   • Add fields to base table: Selected by default when you create an extension, this option modifies the base entity database table, creating an inline entity extension. When this option is not selected, a side-table extension, or separate database table, is created for the data extension.
     Important: If you plan to allow an extension to be extended, ensure that this option is selected to create an inline extension. Extending a side-table extension is not supported in the MDM Workbench.
   • Override base query: Select this option if you want to optimize the SQL queries for the data extension. This option requires manual coding and should not be used for entities that support pluggable SQL. See Generated code for data extensions for additional information.
     Important: This option must be the same on the second-level extension of this first-level extension. That is, if the first-level extension overrides the base query, then its second-level extension must too. If the first-level extension does not override the base query, then its second-level extension also must not.
6. You must manually add an attribute to a data extension you create by right-clicking the newly created extension, clicking New > Attribute, then you can enter the attribute details. The mandatory fields are Name, Attribute field name, and Database field name. For more information, see Adding attributes to an entity
7. Click Generate code and save the extension.