# Metadata Overview

The generation of program components is dependent upon the Oracle Utilities Application Framework meta-data. The meta-data used by framework consists of program variables, program locations, program elements, menu options, navigation keys, tables and fields, and many more.

The meta-data itself can be split into distinct groupings. These groupings will be covered in more detail below.

- Table-Related Metadata
- Maintenance Object Metadata
- Defining Generator Tools Metadata

Parent topic: User Guide