About Data Modeling

There are two basic approaches for modeling data in Design Studio:

  • Data-centric

    In the data-centric approach, you first model data for a cartridge project and then model the cartridge project entities using specific data, as needed. To model the data, you use the Data Schema editor, which you access by double-clicking a Data Schema entity icon in one of several Design Studio views. For example, you can filter the Solution view to display data schemas and you can view data schemas in the Studio Projects view. Also, you can double-click data elements in the Dictionary view to open Data Schema editors. See "Solution View," "Studio Projects View," and "Dictionary View" for more information.

  • Entity-centric

    In the entity-centric approach, you first model your business process and entities, and then model the data specifically required by the entities used by the business process. The data for these entities can be modeled directly within their respective editors.

    Oracle recommends that you use the Data Schema editor for all of your data modeling activities. Third-party XML Schema editors (including the Eclipse editor) may not support all Design Studio data types and may not fully support refactoring throughout the entire model. See "Creating Simple Data Elements, Structured Data Elements, and Data Structure Definitions" for information about modeling data. See Design Studio Developer's Guide for information about working with externally created schemas.

Important:

Do not edit Design Studio entities directly in XML. For example, do not open and edit model entities in a text editor. Create and edit Design Studio entities using Design Studio editors only.