Transformation Manager (TM) is designed to enable you to move data between a variety of source and target formats (such as relational databases, flat files, XML instances and Java/IDL Classes). Each of these formats has a different vocabulary for discussing its structure, e.g:
TM uses the generic terms element, attribute and relationship to represent the structure of source and target data, and these are the terms used in the manuals.
An element therefore is used to refer to a database Table structure, or an XML Element or Java Class.
An attribute therefore is used to refer to a database column, or an XML or Java attribute.
A relationship therefore is used to represent database foreign key constrains, XML ID/IDREF attribute types or KEY/KEY Ref relationship.
Similarly when accessing models using the Generic Adapter the model is read in terms of Elements, Attributes and Relationships.
The general term data store is also used unless a particular type of database or an XML document is being referred to.
Please also refer to the Glossary for concise definitions and descriptions of all terminology and concepts used in this manual.