Schema design

Use the schema designer to:

  • Create and manage schema that define properties for data structures.
  • Define containment of data.
  • Create data validation rules.

Using schemas

A schema is a graphical data dictionary that contains metadata definitions of the structure of the inputs and outputs that are the source and target data for integration solutions. It provides visual cues for understanding the structure of an object and supports point-and-click techniques enabling you to "drill down" to uncover an object's complete definition.

Each data object in the input or output data is defined as a reusable object in a schema that uses a sophisticated set of properties to describe attributes such as length, justification, possible values, delimiters, and the order of the data objects that comprise a complex data object. You can use the schema designer to define properties for text or binary data, different character sets, data structures, and semantic validation rules. The sophisticated type properties and type model of IBM Sterling Transformation Extender enable the precise definition of highly complex data, such as EDI, SWIFT, and legacy data structures.

  • Schemas can be manually created using the schema designer.
  • Schemas can be automatically created by a schema importer or the Database Interface Designer. These components generate schemas based on known metadata, such as database catalogs, SAP R/3 IDocs, or COBOL Copybooks.
  • Schemas can be predefined and included as part of IBM Sterling Transformation Extender Packs that support particular standards, such as ASC/X12, UN/EDIFACT, SWIFT, or HIPAA.
  • Schemas can be created by the Type Tree Maker: a tool that enables creation of custom importers to automate the capture of metadata definitions from other machine-readable sources.
  • The IBM Sterling Transformation Extender includes native support for XSD and JSON schemas.

Importing schemas

The schema designer includes importers to automatically generate schemas (data object definitions) from known metadata, such as COBOL Copybooks.

Some importers are available in the Design Server. Additional importers for data formats are provided as part of the IBM Sterling Transformation Extender Packs.

Comparing schemas for differences

You can use the schema differences feature in the schema designer to compare two schemas. When the analysis is complete, both schemas appear. Source compare differences are distinguished by either blue or red text. When a type is present in one schema but not in the other, the text is blue. When a type is present in both schemas, but they each have different properties, components, or restrictions, the text is red. There is a "step-through" facility that cycles through each of the differences in turn. In extremely large, complex schemas, this can save a great deal of time.