Editing Input Sets

Input Sets

The Input Set represents a special class that contains attributes from a parent mapping class. When you create mapping classes for an XML Document model, the Dimension Designer automatically adds an Input Set to all XML transformation diagrams for mapping classes beneath the highest node in the Document meta object.
The Input Set proves especially useful for information integration using the MetaMatrix Server. Through the Input Set, you can access a row of data generated by any XML transformation in a mapping class higher in the XML document’s hierarchy. You can use Input Set attributes, which are individual columns from the rows of data, within the criteria of an XML transformation query of the child mapping class.

You cannot use the Input Set attributes within the SELECT portion of the XML transformation query.

To use an Input Set, you must use the Input Set Editor to bind attributes from parent classes.

Once you have created an Input Set, you can use the attributes within it as source material for the XML transformation diagram’s query.

The Input Set only serves to enable data flow between nested mapping classes. If you use the MetaMatrix Server for data access, your applications cannot query an Input Set. Input Sets only display in the XML transformation diagram to which they belong. Input Sets do not display on the VDB Explorer view and you cannot use them as you would a normal class, such as for source classes in other transformations.

Input Set Editor

The Input Set Editor you to create mapping attributes for this Input Set by selecting mapping attributes from one or more parent mapping classes.

Top open the Input Set Editor, either double-click the input set in the Mapping Transformation Diagram or click the edit button on the Input Set in the diagram. (see below)

The Input Parameters table contains a list of mapping attributes within the input set and the mapping attributes bound to input set mapping attributes. The tree on the right displays the parent mapping classes and the attributes available from each.

Using the Input Set Editor, you can:

Add a mapping attribute from a parent mapping class to the Input Set.

- In the tree on the right, select the symbol for which you want to create an attribute and click New. The item displays in the Input Parameters and Mapping Class Bindings table.
- Delete a mapping attribute from the Input Set. Click the row in the Input Parameters and Mapping Class Bindings table that you want to delete and click Delete. The Dimension Designer removes this row from the table and this mapping attribute from your Input Set.
- Bind and Unbind Input Parameters

Once you have created the mapping attributes within the Input Set that you need, you can use the Input Set Paramers within a mapping class transformation to produce mapping attributes you can map to your XML document.

Related Topics

- Create a New VDB
- Web Service Advisor View
- Getting Started with Metamatrix Dimension

(c) Copyright © 2000-2006 MetaMatrix, Inc. All rights reserved.
Visit http://www.metamatrix.com