topic Re: How to set up multiple custom models? in Alfresco Archive

How to set up multiple custom models?

llin — Wed, 14 May 2008 16:32:46 GMT

Hi there,I got a question about how to set up multiple custom models, possibly with same properties.When our Alfresco grows, I need to create more than one custom content models. Some models share several properties, but mostly different. For example, Model A has "URL" property, Model B has "URL" pr

Re: How to set up multiple custom models?

frederick — Thu, 15 May 2008 09:23:42 GMT

Hi Ally,

If several models share a number of properties, you might want to consider creating a base model and have other models extend its types and/or aspects.
For example, cmbject defines the cm:name property. Since cm:content and cm:folder both extend from cmbject, they both have a cm:name property too.

So if you define a c:basedoc type with c:url property, you can have a:doc and b:doc extend from it. That way, you can display urls of a:doc objects and b:doc objects with just c:url.

Re: How to set up multiple custom models?

llin — Thu, 15 May 2008 16:54:14 GMT

Hi Frederick,

Thanks for your reply. That will be one way I will go, if nothing is better.

But what if, the same properties among multiple models are somewhat different. Does it mean I have to create more than one base model? The issue with inheritance in OOP hits me. Could I create several aspects and use them more flexibly whenever I need them? I am going to give it a shot, using "contentModel.xml" as an example.

Sorry if I didn't state clearly, just the concepts of OOP and AOP are messing up in my mind now.

Thanks for help.

Ally

Re: How to set up multiple custom models?

frederick — Fri, 16 May 2008 07:35:19 GMT

Could I create several aspects and use them more flexibly whenever I need them?

Yes, that's exactly what they're for. My example was only derived from cmbject. If you need the c:url property on all different kinds of objects (i.e. cross-cutting), you could put c:url in an aspect and use it anywhere you want.

Kind regards,