Comparing Primary Rules, Sub-Rules, and Checkpoints

The following table compares the rule scenario building components.

Table 8-2 Comparisons of Rule Scenario Building Components

Rule	Sub-Rule	Checkpoint
Only one primary rule is defined per rule pattern.	Defines many possible sub-rules within a rule pattern.	Defines many possible checkpoints within a rule pattern.
Processes data to create matches.	Processes data to sort any unmatched data from the matches found in the primary rule.	Processes data to eliminate any unmatched data from the matches found in the primary rule and sub-rules.
Defines only one dataset for the primary rule.	Identifies a dataset unique to the primary rule for each sub-rule.	Does not define a dataset for a checkpoint.
Compares data to constraints within the specified dataset.	Compares matches of the primary rule and sub-rule. If they match, then compares potential matches to constraints within the primary rule and sub-rules within the pattern.	Compares data to constraints. If no matches are created, the checkpoint constraint continues to search for the next match.
Calculates sums, counts, minimums, maximums, and averages.	Calculates sums, counts, minimums,maximums, and averages.	Compares data to constraints, and does not create matches if a checkpoint constraint fails.