Domains usage in SQL Developer data MODELER

Question

Hi,
I'm trying to understand how to use Domains in Oracle SQL Developer Data Modeler. We use version 3.1.3 .  before I used Toad Modeler  where domains are just part of your main design.
Oracle data modeler has some different concept.
let's assume I'm working on 2 designs:  DesignA and DesignB that include relational models.
DesignA and Design B should use domains but list of domains in design A is very different than in design B.
Default domain file is located on c: drive where SqlModeler is installed. It is obviously unacceptable , so I need to change Default System Type directory in preferences.
And of course I want to have different domain directories for DESIGN A and DESIGN B.
So when I open design A then I changed   Default System Type directory  let's say to x:\AAA.   Then i close design A and open Design B and change Default System Type directory to x:\BBB
I checked folders AAA and BBB and they  have necessary XML files there:  defaultdomains.xml, defaultRFDBSSites and so on....
Now questions:
can I rename defaultdomains.xls to something else like AAAdomains.xls?  Domain administration can edit any domain file with any name , but how  can I associate certain domain file with my design?  My wish , when I open my design , then corresponding domain file will be open automatically.  Is it possible?
If I open 2 designs in Sql Modeler and switch between designs  then corresponding domain files should be changed automatically as well.  Currently   I shouldn't forget to change default System Type directory every time when I switch models.  Is it the only way to handle it?
Thanks
vitaliy

Answer 1

Hi Vitaliy,
We use version 3.1.3
I recommend always to use the latest version. If you don't want to use beta (DM 4.0 EA is out) you can use DM 3.3.
Otherwise Oracle SQL Developer Data Modeler supports two types of domains:
1) DM installation domains - those in file defaultdomains.xml
2) Design level domains - they are stored in design directories and are visible to particular design only. They can be created in following ways:
2.1 Manually - there is a property "Domains file" and you id it's not set "defaultdomains" domain will become design level domain and will be stored in file with provided name (without .xml extension)
You can change later the file for design level domains, however you cannot change file for domain already in defaultdomains.xml.
2.2 Using types to domains wizard you can generate design level domains
2.3 Design level domains are created during import of  DDL files (controlled in preferences)
2.4 You can import domains from specific file with domains using "File>Import>Domains" - you need to rename the source file if it's named defaultdomains.xml otherwise you'll get domains as installation domains
If the list with domains is too long you can define  a list with preferred domains (or/and logical types) in "Preferences>Data Modeler>Model" and you can use shorter list in Table/Entity dialog if check "Preferred" check box next to "Type:" combo box.
If I open 2 designs in Sql Modeler and switch between designs  then corresponding domain files should be changed automatically as well
If you open 2 designs in one instance of DM they will use the same file with default domains i.e. you'll lose domains in one of design depending of setting for "system data type directory". You need to go with design level domains.
Philip