Configuring object properties

Configure DFDL, validation, and documentation properties.

Before you begin

Create or open a DFDL schema file. See DFDL schema editor for a description of the DFDL schema editor.

About this task

You can set properties for message, elements, types, groups, escape schemes, and formats. Different properties are displayed, depending on the object selected. The value of a property can be either inherited, or set locally. If the value is inherited, the following icon is shown to the left of the property value: inherited properties icon. For more information, see sections 10 - 17 of the DFDL v1.0 Specification.

Procedure

  1. In the Outline view, select the appropriate message, element, type, group, escape scheme, or format.
    The selected object is displayed in the Editor area.
  2. In the Editor area, select the element to configure.
    If properties can be configured for that element, they are displayed in the DFDL Properties area.
  3. To change the type of an element, click the Type field in the Editor area.
    Other properties that are displayed in the Editor area can be set there.
  4. Otherwise, find the property that you want to configure on the Representation Properties tab of the DFDL Properties area.
    These tools are available:
    • Filter, near the top of the Properties area.
    • The Show Only Basic Properties button at the top of the properties area will cause only basic properties to be displayed. If only basic properties are displayed, click Show All Properties to display all the properties.
    • The Show Only Basic Properties button at the top of the properties area hides properties that are inherited. If only local properties are displayed, click Show Inherited Properties to display all properties that this object possesses.
    • Hover over a property to see more information. If the property is inherited, information about the inheritance is displayed, and a link to the source is provided.
    Tip:
    • Use the property wizard property wizard icon where available.
    • Use the Validation section to specify permissible values for the object. You can then check the data during test parsing.
    • Use the Comment property to add a brief note about an object.