Make sure that when you modify the configuration files directly, you use the Check Out and Check In commands to maintain version control. Version control is automatic with the Configuration Editor-Repository. If you open and modify a file without first checking the file out, a warning appears when you try to save the file. This warning lets you save and check out the file in one step. Also, be sure to verify that the modifications are valid by verifying the XML syntax. After modifying each file, save the changes.
There are a few restraints on modifying these files. In addition to the general rules listed below, the match or standardization engine you choose might place other requirements on customizations. Be sure to review Understanding the Sun Match Engine before modifying the Match Field file.
Keep the following guidelines in mind when modifying the XML files directly.
All fields specified in any of the configuration files must be included in the Object Definition file.
If you add fields to the object structure, make sure you add them to the survivor calculator in the Best Record file.
If you define additional fields for normalization, parsing, or phonetic encoding, make sure to add the normalized, parsed, and phonetic fields to the Object Definition file and, optionally, the blocking query.
After modifying any of the configuration files, you must regenerate the master index application and redeploy the project. You must also refresh any client projects that reference the master index server project.