This page takes you step-by-step through the process of creating a new DSD.

If you want to skip this stage and go directly to the Designer click “Enter Manually”. This will take you to the DSD Properties page where you can start the new DSD by entering its details directly.

The step-by-step processes are listed below. You can go back at each step or even jump between steps by clicking on a step, but you must complete all of the steps before continuing. The process will create a new DSD with one main data group and optionally an Abandon data group.

Other than Id values, all entries may be changed and added to later. This is just a quick start facility.

Give the DSD a name and optionally a unique alias by which it may be referenced and/or exported.

A DSD must be designated as being for a purpose. This not only makes it easier to choose a DSD where you are asked to in various parts of fSeries but is also checked when an output is generated to ensure the data being used is appropriate. Choose any from:

• fPanels
• fDocs
• fSheets
• Menu - as the subject DSD in menus
• DSD - as the DSD referred to in data groups that access other DSDs
• Lookup - to gather lookup lists for us in selection criteria pages
• Abandon - to check whether data gathering should be abandoned
• Security - to check if a user is permitted and to gather details about a user (User Data)

Choose the data source for your initial main data group. This is optional as some data group types do not require a data source.

Use the Source Type and Filter options to find the right source.

Choose the Data Group Type.

If you have chosen a source above then the Data Group Type will be limited to those appropriate to the source type. Give the data group an Id (which cannot be changed later) and a name (defaults will be provided).

The optional Abandon data group is a special type that stops data gathering. Elsewhere you are able to use separate DSD to check values but this option is based on a simple test using a function which can be built using the Function Builder. The function must return “true” for data gathering to continue; if not, this will be a “firebreak” abandon which will stop gathering of any data groups added later as well as the main data group added here.

Give the data group an Id (which cannot be changed later) and name (defaults will be provided).

If your DSD requires external inputs (e.g. supplied by a user or from a link from another application) add them in this section.

For each input, click “Add An Input” and enter its Id, name and select its entry format (text, number, password, true/false checkbox, date, date/time, text list).

Add as many as are required.

Click “Finish” to complete the process. Your entries and selections will be checked to ensure they are complete and correct. You will not be able to proceed if any errors are highlighted.

Once complete, you will be taken to the most appropriate Designer page to start designing your DSD (e.g. Sql query page for a Sql type data group).