Defining additional features

With the core data structure complete, we can now look at extending the functionality of our Data ElementsData Element (DataElement). A fundamental data concept or entity within an application's domain, acting as an anthropomorphic translation of a real-life object or concept. by defining applicationApplicationThe overarching model container grouping all components, domain logic, and configurations for an enterprise solution. behavior through Options and FindersFinderA search specification combining field-operator pairs to execute standard data queries on a DataElement..

Adding a default value using options

In many business scenarios, proposing a default value during data entry saves user time. In Normalized SystemsSystemA set of interconnected components that work together to achieve a specific purpose or function., this kind of extended functionality is provided by adding an Option to the relevant Data ElementData Element (DataElement). A fundamental data concept or entity within an application's domain, acting as an anthropomorphic translation of a real-life object or concept. or FieldFieldA property of a DataElement expanded to a database column and user interface input element..

Let us configure the brand fieldFieldA property of a DataElement expanded to a database column and user interface input element. to suggest "Mercedes" as a default value when a new car record is being created.

Step 1: Open the Field editor

Open the detailed editor screen for the Car Data ElementData Element (DataElement). A fundamental data concept or entity within an application's domain, acting as an anthropomorphic translation of a real-life object or concept. and select the brand fieldFieldA property of a DataElement expanded to a database column and user interface input element..

Step 2: Add the option

1. Select the Add option feature for the fieldFieldA property of a DataElement expanded to a database column and user interface input element..
2. From the dropdown menu listing all possible options, choose or type defaultValue.
3. In the associated input fieldFieldA property of a DataElement expanded to a database column and user interface input element., enter the string value: Mercedes.

Note on Options

The availability and behavior of specific Options are often determined by the various ExpandersExpanderA unit of generation that combines a data tree instance (functional M1 model) with a template to generate an artifact. (code generation plugins) and Plugins installed in your NS environment. The documentation for these specific components should be consulted to understand the full range of available functionality.

Adding search functionality with finders

For an applicationApplicationThe overarching model container grouping all components, domain logic, and configurations for an enterprise solution. to be usable, we need a method for users to efficiently look up data records. In NS, this is achieved by creating FinderFinderA search specification combining field-operator pairs to execute standard data queries on a DataElement. elements. A FinderFinderA search specification combining field-operator pairs to execute standard data queries on a DataElement. specifies which fieldsFieldA property of a DataElement expanded to a database column and user interface input element. can be used to search for particular instances of a Data ElementData Element (DataElement). A fundamental data concept or entity within an application's domain, acting as an anthropomorphic translation of a real-life object or concept..

Let us create a FinderFinderA search specification combining field-operator pairs to execute standard data queries on a DataElement. that allows users to look up all cars of a specific brand.

Step 1: Initiate a new finder

Click the Car Data ElementData Element (DataElement). A fundamental data concept or entity within an application's domain, acting as an anthropomorphic translation of a real-life object or concept. and select the New FinderFinderA search specification combining field-operator pairs to execute standard data queries on a DataElement. option.

Step 2: Specify the search parameters

You must specify the fieldFieldA property of a DataElement expanded to a database column and user interface input element. to be searched along with a FieldFieldA property of a DataElement expanded to a database column and user interface input element. Operator Pair.

Click on Add a fieldFieldA property of a DataElement expanded to a database column and user interface input element. operator pair:

• FieldFieldA property of a DataElement expanded to a database column and user interface input element.: Choose brand.
• Operator: Specify the Lk operator (which typically stands for "Like," enabling partial or pattern-based searching).

The Micro RadiantMicro Radiant (MicroRadiant). The graphical modeling IDE and tooling environment used to design, edit, and maintain NS applications and project models. will automatically suggest a name based on your choices: findByBrandLk. Accept this suggested name.

By defining this FinderFinderA search specification combining field-operator pairs to execute standard data queries on a DataElement., we instruct the NS ExpandersExpanderA unit of generation that combines a data tree instance (functional M1 model) with a template to generate an artifact. to generate the necessary database queries and service layerLayerLogical separation of functionality within a single system/application, focused on code organization. code, allowing the applicationApplicationThe overarching model container grouping all components, domain logic, and configurations for an enterprise solution. interface to present a search function for cars based on their brand.

Adding Document Uploads

We will now add a feature to enable customers to upload their driving license when making a booking.

Since we included the assets base component, our applicationApplicationThe overarching model container grouping all components, domain logic, and configurations for an enterprise solution. is automatically provisioned with document management functionality. We simply need to create a Link FieldFieldA property of a DataElement expanded to a database column and user interface input element. from Person to the Asset Data ElementData Element (DataElement). A fundamental data concept or entity within an application's domain, acting as an anthropomorphic translation of a real-life object or concept. within the assets component.

Add the following Link FieldFieldA property of a DataElement expanded to a database column and user interface input element. to the Person Data ElementData Element (DataElement). A fundamental data concept or entity within an application's domain, acting as an anthropomorphic translation of a real-life object or concept.:

Name	Add to info	LinkField	TargetElement	Type	Options
drivingLicence	✅	✅	assets::Asset	Ln02	assets.upload.type::INTERNAL

By linking to the TargetElement assets::Asset and specifying the Option assets.upload.type::INTERNAL, the resulting web applicationApplicationThe overarching model container grouping all components, domain logic, and configurations for an enterprise solution. will automatically generate a dedicated upload button and screen, allowing the customer to link documents to their Person record.

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Congratulations!

You have successfully completed the initial modeling of the euRent car rental systemSystemA set of interconnected components that work together to achieve a specific purpose or function. within the Micro RadiantMicro Radiant (MicroRadiant). The graphical modeling IDE and tooling environment used to design, edit, and maintain NS applications and project models..