Difference between Data Models & Sheet Configurations

When you are just getting started exploring the Nextedy Powersheet, it might be confusing the difference between the two configuration files.

This article describes the purpose of both files and what configuration holds each one of them.

Data Model

• Defines what slice of the Polarion data model is visible and editable within Powersheet. 
  It is also responsible for the following decisions:
  • What Polarion entities and their properties can be used in the configuration;
  • What types of relationships exist between these entities;
  • What rules or constraints shall be respected when working with those items;
    

Sheet Configuration

• Uses the entities and relationships defined in the Model
• Holds information about columns configuration
• Defines the format and style of how these columns are shown
• Stores the connection to a dedicated Data Model 

Connecting the Data Model to the Sheet Configuration

Once the Model is configured, it can be used in connection with the Sheet. 

The connection between the Data Model and a dedicated sheet configuration is defined in the "sources" section of the sheet configuration.

The most important properties are:

• id (required): unique ID for the given connection;
• model (required): specify the Model name that shall be connected to this sheet;
• title: human-readable name for this connection;
• query:
  from:entityName(required): specify the starting point for the configuration breakdown structure.  

sources:
  - id: "Powersheet"
    title: User Need
    model: rtm
    query:
      from: UserNeed