PowerDesigner Import Table from Excel to create

Question

I have an Excel file with the following format:

• Column 1: Domain Name
• Column 2: Entity Name
• Column 3: Attribute Name
• Column 4: Data Type

I am using the "Excel import wizard" in PowerDesigner, and I am unsure about the selections I need to make after choosing the file.

• What should I select in the "Import Table as" list box? I want to ensure that the data is imported correctly.
• In the "Import Column Attribute List," what should I choose as the list of associated objects for each column, considering the format of my Excel file?

Any guidance or step-by-step instructions on the selections to make in these options would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

The details in the similar question could help you. There are many explanations also in the Comment of the Excel Import extension.

You have to select one class to import each sheet from the Excel document.

Given your list of columns, you are importing "Entity.Entity Attribute" (in "Import table: Sheet1, As:").

• First column becomes a Domain
• Second column becomes a <Parent> (the object under which the Entity Attribute is attached)
• Third column becomes the Name
• Fourth column becomes the Data Type.

In my test, it nearly works, with just some error messages about the Data Type:

Error: Could not set attribute DataType for Entity Attribute 'Employee.First name' with value 'A30' (Cannot set value 'A30' for attribute Data Type of Entity Attribute 'Employee.First name': Data Type cannot be set to this value)

Maybe it would be more efficient to have several sheets:

• first sheet: Domain (name, code, data type)
• second sheet: Data Item (name, code, data type, domain name)
• third sheet: Entity Attribute (entity, data item name)

EDIT: moved "domain name" from the third to the second sheet in the final suggestion.