In a database management system, a path is what you use to locate and retrieve requested data. In Dovetail Admin and Dovetail Agent, you create these paths with the Path Editor, which is used by several forms.
The three essential components of a path are objects, fields, and relations. Every object in your database has fields and relations. Fields contain the actual data native to the object. Relations are pointers - they point to related data. With fields and relations, you can create data paths through your database to obtain needed information.
Paths can include as many relations as needed, in a chain, until you get to the final (destination) table, and then the path always terminates with a field on the destination table. Relations and fields in paths are always separated by colons. If the path only includes a field on the starting table, it has no colons in the path string.
For example,the following are all valid paths using table_case:
id_number
title
case_reporter2contact:first_name
case_reporter2site:name
case_reporter2site:cust_primaddr2address:address
The Path Editor is a simplified way of entering paths. You need to know your data model and the pathways to your destination object and field, but the Path Editor removes the tedium from entering paths and the common typing mistakes (and debugging time) associated with entering paths manually.
Create a New Path
Select Path from the form. The Path Editor will open up and show four key fields:
Current Object: The name of the current table or view.
Fields: The fields for the current object.
Relations: The relations for the current table (empty for views).
Path: The path you are creating. This section is read-only and empty for views.
For Queries only: select the JOIN type:
INNER JOIN: The current and all subsequent relations for this path will use INNER JOIN mechanism.
LEFT OUTER JOIN: The current and all subsequent relations for this path will use LEFT OUTER JOIN mechanism.
FULL OUTER JOIN: The current and all subsequent relations for this path will use FULL OUTER JOIN mechanism (not available for Oracle database version 8.x).
Double-click a relation. It will be moved to the Path section.
Add a relation: Add as many relations as needed. Adding a relation is not required to create a path. Once a relation is added to the path, the current object will change accordingly, as will the fields and relations. MTO relations can be used as Query Properties to filter on the current object being related to the relation target - after adding an MTO relation, click Done.
Remove a relation: To remove the most recent relation added to the path, select Up Level.
Leave the Path Editor: To leave the Path Editor without selecting a path, select Done.
Double-click a field name. Once a field is selected, the Path Editor will close, and the full path with the field name will be moved to the form.
Path Editor for Business Rules Properties screenshot:
