Reusing Existing Definitions

There are several ways you can reuse an existing definition.

• Create an instance of an existing definition and use the definition as it is. This is the easiest and fastest way to reuse a definition, requiring no revalidation of the definition. Use this method if the definition you need is validated and appropriate for your needs (see Creating an Instance of an Existing Definition).
• Create an instance of an existing definition and then copy the definition to the current Application Area. After you create an instance of an existing definition, check in the definition through the instance if it is not already checked in. Then check it out, selecting the option to create a copy of the definition in the current Application Area (see Checking Out an Object Definition through an Instance) and modify it as necessary.

  This method leaves the original definition unchanged and readily available for reuse elsewhere. You must validate the copied definition when you have finished modifying it.

  The system enforces unique object names within a container; see Naming Objects.

• Create an instance of an existing definition and modify it as necessary. If you have the necessary privileges, you can modify the definition through the new instance. The system creates a new version of the definition, which you must revalidate. You can label the new version to distinguish it from other versions; see Version Labels.