About project dependencies
Most files in an Actuate BIRT project depend on other files in the project. For example, the project model diagram on the left in Figure 6-4 shows the dependencies between files in a very simple project consisting of a data connection definition, a map, an information object, and a report design. A change to a file impacts the files that depend on it. In our example, let’s assume that a column’s data type changes in the database table from which the map is built and you update the map. A change to the map obviously impacts the information object and the report design. In a typical project, however, the impact of a change is not so obvious, as most files depend on several other files and there are several layers of information objects.
Information Object Designer provides tools to make it easier to assess the impact of project changes. You can search for specific data connection definitions, maps, and columns used in a project. You can then display a project model diagram and use the search results to show the impact of a change to a file or column. Figure 6-3 shows the search results for the paymentDate column in the project shown on the left in Figure 6-4. The project model diagram on the right in Figure 6-4 shows the impact of a change to the map.
To assess the impact of a change on files in an Encyclopedia volume such as report designs created in BIRT Studio and dashboard designs, you must use command-line scripts.

Additional Links:

Copyright Actuate Corporation 2012