Custom Comparator Overview

Creating a custom matching comparator for the Master Index Match Engine requires coding the processing and validation logic for the comparator in Java. The Master Index Match Engine provides the interfaces and supporting Java classes you need to implement in order to incorporate the comparators into a master index application.

The Master Index Match Engine framework consists of two modules. The real-time module stores the basic logic for the matching comparators. The design-time module stores all of the configuration logic for the comparators, including parameter validations, data source definitions, and curve adjustment logic. The two pieces are pulled together by the configuration in the comparators list file (comparatorsList.xml). For each custom comparator package you create, you need to create a comparators list file.

You can define the following information in the comparators list for each comparator you create.

• A code that is used to reference the comparator in the match configuration file (matchCOnfigFile.cfg).

• The class that defines the comparator logic.

• Parameters for the comparator. Parameter values are entered in the match configuration file for any entries that reference the comparator.

• Any classes from which the comparator class inherits.

• Data sources that provide additional information to the comparator during the match process.

• Whether to use curve adjustment logic for the comparator.

After you create the package, you can import the custom comparators into NetBeans using the easy import function of Sun Master Index. When you import the files, Sun Master Index automatically validates the files and merges the comparators list information into the comparators list for the application. You can then add and configure entries in matchConfigFile.cfg that reference the comparator, which makes the comparator available to be used in the match string.