Rule templates
To simplify the process of creating rules, experienced programmers can create rule templates to define the most common rules. Non-programmers can then use the rule templates to create rules. A rule created using a rule template is called an intrinsic rule. Intrinsic rules are typically used for simple, item-level checks.
A rule templateis a function that is defined on a study object, study object template, or study object type and can be used as the expression clause of a rule.
A rule template defines only the expression clause of an intrinsic rule. You must supply the precondition clause, action clause, and parameters for an intrinsic rule in the Rule Wizard to form a complete rule.
Rule templates are especially useful when they are part of a study object template or type because the rule template is part of all study objects created from the template or type. For example, a rule template that tests the value of an item against a minimum or maximum value can be part of the integer item type. Then, when you create an integer item, the rule template is part of the item. A user who works on the rule can create an intrinsic rule based on the rule template.
Note:
If you modify a rule template, you must re-validate existing rules that use the template, and make necessary changes.Rule Templates tab
Rule templates are created and managed using the Rule Templates tab. The Rule Templates tab displays a list of all rule templates that are attached to the study object and a toolbar for adding, modifying, or deleting a rule template.
The Rule Templates tab appears in the Form Editor, Section Editor, and Item Editor. The tab provides a summary of all the rule templates that are attached to the selected study object. You can create rule templates for:
- Forms
- Form templates
- Sections
- Section templates
- Items
- Item templates
- Item types
For more information, see: