Algorithm used to match synonyms

The way in which synonyms are matched by the Auto map (automap) function, to create mappings between specific inputs and outputs, follows a set of rules.

  1. Fixed value outputs and mapped outputs are excluded in name matching. Any output field that has a fixed value is excluded in name matching. Any output that is already mapped, or under a container that is already mapped, is excluded from name matching.
  2. The synonym matching is done by using the name of an element, a database column, or an attribute regardless of its type. If an input and an output have the same name, it is a match, regardless of the kind of, and XSD type of, the input and output. An element, a database column, or an attribute can all form a match if their names are the same.
  3. The synonym matching of alphanumeric characters is not case-sensitive, and is identical to that used in Mapping input to output elements automatically.
  4. Namespace or namespace prefixes do not participate in synonym matching. XML namespaces are excluded from name matching. Therefore, abc:something and xyz:something are considered the same, as are {http://www.abc.com}:something and {http://www.xyz.com}:something.
  5. When multiple inputs have the same name as one output, one mapping is created. However, if you have multiple inputs with the same name as one output and you choose to map by the same name (or similar name) and to match descendants, an attempt is made first to match by path and name. If a match is found, one transform is made, and no further matches are considered.
  6. If an input and an output have the same name, they are not considered a match under the option for synonyms. If you require a mapping for same-name inputs and outputs, you must also select the Create transforms when the names of inputs and outputs are the same option.
  7. In addition to mapping synonyms, you might want to create mappings for some, but not all, same-name inputs and outputs. In this case, you have two options:
    • Clear Create transforms when the names of inputs and outputs are the same, and include the same-name inputs and outputs in the synonym file
    • Select Create transforms when the names of inputs and outputs are the same, and clear the unwanted mappings on the second page of the wizard.
  8. When you select the Map all simple descendants of the selected elements option together with both same name and synonym mapping options, the following steps are taken to match names:
    • Compare the relative path and item name of the selected input and output
    • Compare the item name without relative path
    • Compare the item name without relative path to synonym

    Inputs and outputs matched in a previous step do not participate in later steps.

  9. When you select the Map the immediate children of the selected elements option together with both same name and synonym mapping options, the following steps are taken to match names:
    1. Compare the item name without relative path
    2. Compare the item name without relative path to synonym

    Inputs and outputs matched in a previous step do not participate in later steps.