HP System Dictionary/XL General Reference Manual Vol 1 (32256-90004)

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An important function of a data dictionary is to ensure the standardization and integrity of the definitions
you use in an information system. The domain and version features allow you to experiment with new
definitions and maintain separate sets of definitions. System Dictionary has security features that prevent
unauthorized users from creating domains and versions, and that prevent one user from creating new
versions of an entity or relationship that another user owns.
Dictionary Security
System Dictionary provides a comprehensive security scheme consisting of scopes, sensitivity levels, and
scope associations. A scope is a dictionary user name with a password and a set of capabilities called scope
rights. The System Dictionary scope rights determine whether you can create or merely read entities and
relationships, extend the dictionary structure, create scopes and obtain information about dictionary
security, and create domains and versions.
Scopes own entities, relationships, structures, domains, versions, and other scopes. Some operations
require you to be the owner of the dictionary object on which the requested operation is to be performed.
Every dictionary has a built-in scope named CORESET that owns the entity types, relationship types, and
other structures of the core set. When you create a dictionary, you name and assign a password to a
Dictionary Administrator (DA) scope. The DA scope automatically has all scope rights plus other
capabilities not available to other scopes.
Each entity and relationship has a sensitivity level that determines whether other scopes can read or
modify it. Domains also have sensitivity levels that designate them as public or private.
If an entity or relationship has a sensitivity level of read or private, its scope-owner can grant a higher
level of access to a selected scope by creating a scope association.
Naming Considerations
All names used in System Dictionary are handled exactly the same. This subsection provides general
information and rules for handling names within System Dictionary.
Syntax
The syntax for all dictionary names is the same, with the exception of entity naming, which is discussed in
Chapter 3 under Special Entity Naming. All names must be 32 characters, left justified, and right blank
filled. No blanks are allowed between characters, however. All lowercase letters are upshifted. You may use
all alphanumeric and special characters in a name EXCEPT the following.
. System Dictionary Restricted Characters
. , ; : ! " ( ) < > ^ =
When you create or access an object, you can supply any combination of upper or lowercase characters in
the name, but System Dictionary always upshifts the name. Thus orders, Orders, and ORDERS all refer to
the same object.
Name Sets
Each name in System Dictionary must be unique within its set of names. The following sets of names exist
in the dictionary:
• domain names
• version names within a domain
• entity type names