powerdesigner

Add a comments for tables columns in a physical data diagram


I can see my column comments through double-clicking on table and selecting a Columns tab. But when I choose Display Preferenses-> Table-> Advanced...-> Columns-> List Columns [select] - I cant't find this attribute "Comment" there.

Is it possible to add the attribute ColumnComment from the model to be shown in Physical Diagram, and how?


Solution

  • You can't add it directly because they are rtf texts not simple strings,
    so this kind of attributes are not listed.

    But there is a workaround!
    You can add an custom calculated attribute to columns which will return the converted string from description (comment)

    First of all you have to add an Extension to your PDM model,
    go to Model->Extensions and add a new one,
    then follow these instructions:

    Open properties of newly created extension
    Select Profile and right click, select Add Metaclasses, check Column and press OK.
    Select Column and right click, select New->Extended Attribute
    Give it a name
    Select data type string
    Check Computed
    Select Read only (Get method)
    Select Get Method Script tab
    Replace

    %Get% = ""
    

    with

    %Get% = Rtf2Ascii (obj.Description)
    

    Press OK to close the extension properties window.
    Press OK to close the extension list window.

    Now open Tools->Display Preferences->Table->Advanced->Columns
    Click Select for columns list Check your new attribute and press OK three times to return to diagram

    enter image description here
    Enjoy