Introduction¶

The modeling process starts with the representation of real-life entities and their relationships, using Business Objects.

In order to create a Business Object, we need to describe it in terms of three basic notions:

First, we need to define the Classes that represent the Business Object’s concepts.
Subsequently, we need to define the way these Classes are mapped to the Data Layer, so that we enable data to be persistent
Finally, we may define the logic that governs the Business Object’s concepts by introducing constraints, validations and other operations.

New Business Objects Model¶

To create a new Business Objects Model, you can use one of two ways:

Right-click at the Business Objects Item of the Model Tree and select Add
Click on the button of the Taskbar

Finally, add a Unique name to your new Model and click Ok

As soon as you do that, the Business Objects Editor will be opened, allowing you to model your real-life entities and their relationships.

Business Object from External Data Structure

If what you wish to Model is a Structure that has come from an External API (e.g. a REST Service whose data you wish to map into your Business Objects Model and/or save into your Database), then add a Business Object from External Data Structure, following the documentation here.

The Editor¶

The Business Object Editor is used to capture the semantics of business entities and their relationships by using classes and enumerations. There are three (3) basic types of Business Objects in a Business Object Model:

Class: a representation of a business entity
Enumeration: a variable type representing a restricted set of values
Shadow Class: a Class whose initial definition exists in an other Business Objects Model, linked to your current Business Objects Model for easier modeling

By selecting a Tab from the bottom left part of the Designer you can:

Design your Classes and Enumerations, as well as defined their Associations, rules, properties etc., modeling your Business structure
Set the Operations of a Class, to define your Business Logic as a set of its methods
Set the Localization Resources of your Model, to define the translations to be used for any written-word element.

At a Glance¶

Section	Description
Class	Defining Business Entities as zAppDev Classes
Enumeration	Creating lists of restricted Values
Shadow Class	Organizing your Models and reusing Classes and Enumerations
Associations	Connecting two or more Classes/Enumerations with each other, creating Business Relationships and rules between them
Operations	Adding Operations (Methods) to Classes
External Data Structures	Defining whole Business Objects Modal using an External Interface's Structures (API) with a few clicks
Localization	Assigning Localized (translated and translatable) texts to Business Model Entities, Relationships, Operations etc.
Helpful Tools	Time saving tools that will help you with your Models' Organization and Look