Synonyms (PDM)

Synonyms are alternative names for various types of database object, which can be used to mask the name and owner of the object, provide location transparency for remote objects of a distributed database, and simplify SQL statements for database users.

For example, if the table SALES_DATA is owned by the user JWARD, you could define a synonym Sales for it to hide the ownership and simplify the required SQL select statement:

Standard Statement	Statement with Synonym
SELECT * FROM jward.sales_data	SELECT * FROM sales

You can create multiple synonyms for a base object (table, view, etc.), but each synonym can have only one base object. You can view the synonyms defined for a particular base object on the Dependencies tab of its property sheet. If you delete the base object of a synonym, the synonym is deleted as well.

Note: PowerDesigner supports the generation and reverse-engineering of synonyms. When you reverse-engineer synonyms, the link with the base object is preserved if both objects are reverse engineered and if the base object is displayed before the synonym in the script. You can reverse a synonym without its base object, but then you should define a base object for it in your model.

Creating a Synonym
You can create synonyms from the Model menu.
Synonym Properties
To view or edit a synonym's properties, double-click its Browser or list entry. The property sheet tabs and fields listed here are those available by default, before any customization of the interface by you or an administrator.
Creating a View from a Synonym
You can create views from synonyms in the same way as for tables. The view query displays the content of the object aliased by the synonym.

Parent topic: Physical Diagrams