Creating Synonyms

Synonyms define unique names (or aliases) for each object that is accessible from the server. Synonyms are useful because they hide the underlying data source location and identity from client applications. They also provide support for extended metadata features of the server, such as virtual fields and additional security mechanisms.

Using synonyms allows an object to be moved or renamed while allowing client applications to continue functioning without modification. The only modification required is a redefinition of the synonym on the server. The result of creating a synonym is a Master File and an Access File, which represent the server metadata.

Note: If you are creating a synonym for a SQLBase data source, you must first add the syntax SET SYNONYM=BASIC to the edasprof.prf file.

Procedure: How to Create a Synonym

To create a synonym, you must have previously configured the adapter. You can create a synonym from the Applications or Adapters pages of the Web Console.

From the Web Console menu bar, click Applications.
The Applications page opens.
Click the New button and select Synonym from the drop-down menu.
The Select adapter to configure or Select connection to create synonym pane opens.
Click a connection for the configured adapter.
The first of a series of synonym creation panes opens.
Enter values for the parameters required by the adapter as described in the synonym creation parameters reference.
After entering the parameter values, click Create Synonym.
The Status pane indicates that the synonym was created successfully.

The synonym is created and added under the specified application directory.

Note:

You can also create a synonym from the Adapters page by right-clicking a configured adapter connection and selecting Create Synonym.
When creating a synonym, if you choose the Validate check box, the server adjusts special characters and checks for reserved words. For more information, see Validation for Special Characters and Reserved Words.