Checking a Data Model

The data model is a very flexible tool, which allows you quickly to develop your model without constraints. You can check the validity of your Data Model at any time.

A valid Data Model conforms to the following kinds of rules:

Each object name in a data model must be unique
Each entity in a CDM must have at least one attribute
Each relationship in a LDM must be attached to at least one entity
Each index in a PDM must have a column

Note

We recommend that you check your data model before generating another model or a database from it . If the check encounters errors, generation will be stopped. The Check model option is enabled by default in the Generation dialog box.

You can check your model in any of the following ways:

Press F4, or
Select Tools Check Model , or
Right-click the diagram background and select Check Model from the contextual menu

The Check Model Parameters dialog opens, allowing you to specify the kinds of checks to perform, and the objects to apply them to. The following sections document the Data Model-specific checks available by default. For information about checks made on generic objects available in all model types and for detailed information about using the Check Model Parameters dialog, see Core Features Guide > Modeling with PowerDesigner > Objects > Checking Models.