Jargon Fundamentals

Each data dictionary item can be used on many different forms. As developers use and reuse data dictionary items, they can modify the descriptions for the items. To do this, they apply jargon. Jargon enables developers to customize data dictionary text so that an alternate description appears, depending on the context and system code in which the item is used.

Developers can apply two types of jargon to data dictionary items:

• Alpha and glossary

• Row and column

Jargon is applied to form controls and grid items when the data dictionary default value is used. Using the data dictionary is always preferred because terminology changes can be managed through the data dictionary instead of a form-by-form vocabulary override basis. When a translator overrides the item with a specific translation, jargon can no longer be applied. In the case that jargon does not exist, you should work with content developers or product experts to add new jargon terminology to the data dictionary so that the proper jargon translation can be applied during runtime processing.

Note: If you create an override for a translation item, that translation item is static and cannot be used dynamically anywhere else. You will have to maintain overrides individually. Therefore, you should use the data dictionary default values whenever possible.