Online Help | Desktop App

Configuring object relationship

The General > Object Relationship Map section allows you to customize types of relationship that users can use to relate objects in Alloy Navigator. In addition, objects can be related automatically, by Create Object and Relate To workflow operations. When the user opens an object details window, related objects are shown on the Related Objects tab.

A single relation between two objects, A <-> B, consists of two directional links: a direct link A -> B coupled with a reverse link B -> A. Each link is has a verb identifying the relation. For example, A depends on B, B provides for A; A based on B, B is basis for A.

There are two kinds of relationship types:

  • Parent-Child: This is an asymmetrical relationship between two objects, which requires two different verbs to describe each side of the relationship. For example, "A requires B" - "B is required by A", or "A contains B" - "B is contained in A".

  • Sibling: This is a symmetrical, equal relationship, which uses the same verb for each side of the relationship. For example "A is connected to B", "B is connected to A".

You can add multiple relationship types, such as "Contains / Is part of", "Connected", etc. Each type has its scope –the list of object classes for which the relationship is available. By default, there are several system relationship types. You cannot delete the system relationship type, but you can modify it.

You can manage relationship types as follows: