<%@ page language="C#" masterpagefile="~/templates/Documentation.master" inherits="Page" pagetitle="Creating New Structure Definitions" keywords="Creating New Structure Definitions"%>

Creating New Structure Definitions

A structure definition is a top-level definition in an EDI Structure:

Message

Segment

Element

Composite

Code list

Structure definitions can be created from anywhere in the EDI Structure - that is, context (as shown by cursor placement or focus) does not matter. New structure definitions are placed in the appropriate EDI structure folder, sorted alphanumerically. Creating a new structure definition does not affect existing definitions in the EDI Structure.

For information on creating context-specific definitions (code list values, segment references, and similar definitions, see Modifying Existing Definitions.

Adding a Message

To add a message:

1. Right-click any node in the EDI Structure and select New Definition > Message from the shortcut menu.

Alternative: Select EDI > New Definition > Message from the Stylus Studio menu.

The Message Definition dialog box appears.

Figure 211. Message Definition Dialog Box

2. Enter a message name and, optionally, a description.

3. Click OK.

The message definition is added to the existing transaction messages in the EDI Structure; new messages are sorted in alphanumeric order.

Adding a Segment

To add a segment:

1. Right-click any node in the EDI Structure tree and select New Definition > Segment from the shortcut menu.

Alternative: Select EDI > New Definition > Segment from the Stylus Studio menu.

The Segment Definition dialog box appears.

Figure 212. Segment Definition Dialog Box

2. Enter a segment name and, optionally, a description.

3. Click OK.

The segment definition is added to the existing segments in the EDI Structure; new segments are sorted in alphanumeric order.

Adding an Element

To add an element:

1. Right-click any node in the EDI Structure and select New Definition > Element from the shortcut menu.

Alternative: Select EDI > New Definition > Element from the Stylus Studio menu.

The Element Definition dialog box appears.

Figure 213. Element Definition Dialog Box

2. Enter an element name and specify a data type (the default is AN - Alphanumeric).

3. Optionally specify minimum and maximum lengths and a description.

4. Click OK.

The element definition is added to the existing elements in the EDI Structure; new elements are sorted in alphanumeric order.

Adding a Composite

To add a composite:

1. Right-click any node in the EDI Structure and select New Definition > Composite from the shortcut menu.

Alternative: Select EDI > New Definition > Composite from the Stylus Studio menu.

The Composite Definition dialog box appears.

Figure 214. Composite Definition Dialog Box

2. Enter a composite name and optionally specify a description.

3. Click OK.

The composite definition is added to the existing composites in the EDI Structure; new composites are sorted in alphanumeric order.

Adding a Code List

To add a code list:

1. Right-click any node in the EDI Structure and select New Definition > Code List from the shortcut menu.

Alternative: Select EDI > New Definition > Code List from the Stylus Studio menu.

The Code List Definition dialog box appears.

Figure 215. Code List Definition Dialog Box

2. Enter a code list name and click OK.

The code list definition is added to the existing code lists in the EDI Structure; new code lists are sorted in alphanumeric order.

See Creating a Code to learn how to add values to a code list.

< Previous| Next >