Defining Valid Values

The product provides several options for defining valid values for a column on a table:

The following provides more information about the functionality of each of the options available for defining valid values for a column.

Lookup

The simplest mechanism for defining valid values for a column on a table is via the Lookup table. This is sometimes referred to as a “simple” lookup to distinguish it from an extendable lookup (described below). Using the lookup table, you can define valid values and their descriptions. When choosing a valid value that is defined by a lookup, a dropdown UI metaphor is used.

The following highlights functionality related to lookups:

Fastpath: For more information, refer to Defining Lookup Options.

Extendable Lookup

The extendable lookup provides a way of defining valid values for a column with additional capabilities that are not supported using the Lookup table. When choosing a valid value that is defined by an extendable lookup, a dropdown UI metaphor is used.

The following highlights functionality related to extendable lookups:

Fastpath: For more information, refer to Defining Extendable Lookups.

Control Table

There may be scenarios where a list of valid values warrants a standalone maintenance object, which is considered an administrative or control table object. When choosing a valid value that is defined by a control, either a dropdown UI metaphor or a search metaphor is used, depending on how it has been designed.

The following points highlight some reasons why this option may be chosen:

In this situation, if a product has provided a control table for this type of functionality, it will be documented fully in the appropriate functional area. If an implementation determines that a custom control table is warranted, all the standard functionality for a maintenance object is required: database tables, maintenance object metadata, appropriate Java maintenance classes, portals, zones, etc. Refer to the Software Development Kit for more information. No further information is provided in this section for this option.