5.4 Entities and LANSA

Entity type determines what object is implemented in the LANSA Repository when the model is built.

An entity type will influence:

• Whether repository object are built for the entity,

• the physical object implemented and,

• the type of validation rules, access routes and logical files implemented, based on its relationships with other entities.

Data and Variant entities are implemented as physical and logical files.

Conceptual entities are implemented as fields. Conceptual entities cannot have user views.

External Entities already exist in the LANSA repository and are not implemented as database files. However, Data and Variant entities that are related to the External Entity may have appropriate Access Routes, Logical Views and Referential Integrity Validation Rules created for them.