Generic Entity XML Importer form

Administration System Generic Entity XML Importer Generic Entity XML Importer form

You use the Generic Entity XML Importer form to import customization metadata, such as schema modifications (entities and fields), database-backed variforms, metafield overrides, code extensions, and extension triggers. This is helpful when you need to move data between N4 systems, for example from a test system to a production system, or to bring in custom extensions.

Prerequisites

• The Import and Export Extension Metadata privilege.

The Generic Entity XML Importer form imports data into N4 from an import data XML file that you create in another system using the Display Export XML option (on page 1) in designated views, such as the Schema Extension Modification Registry view (on page 1), the Extension Triggers view (on page 1), the Code Extensions view (on page 1), and the Custom Menu Items view (on page 1).

Importing customization data does not cause any schema changes; instead, it makes this information available in the Schema Extension Modification Registry view (on page 1). From there, you can continue the work flow of creating schema extensions by creating a schema snapshot (on page 1) and then reloading the session factory (on page 1).

To import entity XML data:

1. In the Generic Entity XML Importer form, select any of the following.

• Process Elements (Single Thread / Elements Processed in Order): Select this option to have N4 process elements in a single thread. This option is recommended for small amounts of data or if the data involves dependencies and hierarchies that must be maintained.

• Process File (Multiple Threads / Elements Not Processed in Order): Select this option to have N4 process elements in multiple threads. If a large amount of data is involved, this option is usually faster, provided the elements are distinct separate entities, such as units. However, if the data involves dependencies and hierarchies that need to maintained, multi-threading is not recommended.

N4 runs a single-threaded process regardless of which option you select because 4.0.13 only supports single-threaded processes.

2. Click Import XML File.

3. In the Open form, browse to the XML file that you want to import and click Open.

N4 processes the file and displays progress information. If errors occur, N4 displays them in the form and writes them to a file called <filename>_errors.xml. When done, N4 displays the message "FINISHED," including information on:

• Number of files read and processed

• Processing time

Notes

• To import data derived from dynamic flex fields, you use the SNX Importer (Administration DBA Import SNX File). See also Export and import dynamic flex fields (on page 1).

• You cannot import system-seeded extensions.