JDO : XML Meta-Data Reference

JDO has always accepted Metadata in XML format. As described in the Metadata Overview this has to be contained in files with particular filenames in particular locations (relative to the name of the class), and that this metadata is discovered at runtime. You can provide JDO metadata, or alternatively ORM metadata, but with virtually identical format. This page defines the format of the XML Metadata. Here is an example header for package.jdo files with JDO XSD specification

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" ?>
<jdo xmlns="http://xmlns.jcp.org/xml/ns/jdo/jdo"
    xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance"
    xsi:schemaLocation="http://xmlns.jcp.org/xml/ns/jdo/jdo
        http://xmlns.jcp.org/xml/ns/jdo/jdo_3_0.xsd" version="3.0">
    ...
</jdo>

Here is an example header for package.orm files with ORM XSD specification

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" ?>
<orm xmlns="http://xmlns.jcp.org/xml/ns/jdo/orm"
    xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance"
    xsi:schemaLocation="http://xmlns.jcp.org/xml/ns/jdo/orm
        http://xmlns.jcp.org/xml/ns/jdo/orm_3_0.xsd" version="3.0">
    ...
</orm>

What follows provides a reference guide to MetaData elements (refer to the relevant XSD for precise details).

Metadata for package tag

These are attributes within the <package> tag (jdo/package). This is used to denote a package, and all of the <class> elements that follow are in this Java package.

Attribute Description Values
Standard (JDO) Tags
name Name of the java package
catalog Name of the catalog in which to persist the classes in this package. See also the property name "javax.jdo.mapping.Catalog" in the PMF Guide.
schema Name of the schema in which to persist the classes in this package. See also the property name "javax.jdo.mapping.Schema" in the PMF Guide.

Metadata for class tag

These are attributes within the <class> tag (jdo/package/class). This is used to define the persistence definition for this class.

Attribute Description Values
Standard (JDO) Tags
name Name of the class to persist
identity-type The identity type, specifying whether they are uniquely provided by the JDO implementation (datastore identity), accessible fields in the object (application identity), or not at all (nondurable identity). DataNucleus only supports nondurable identity for SQL views. datastore, application, nondurable
objectid-class The class name of the primary key. When using application identity.
requires-extent Whether the JDO implementation must provide an Extent for this class. true, false
detachable Whether the class is detachable from the persistence graph. true, false
embedded-only Whether this class should only be stored embedded in the tables for other classes. true, false
persistence-modifier What type of persistability type this class exhibits. Please refer to JDO Class Types. persistence-capable | persistence-aware | non-persistent
catalog Name of the catalog in which to persist the class. See also the property name "javax.jdo.mapping.Catalog" in the PMF Guide.
schema Name of the schema in which to persist the class. See also the property name "javax.jdo.mapping.Schema" in the PMF Guide.
table Name of the table/view in which to persist the class. See also the property name "datanucleus.identifier.case" in the Persistence Properties Guide.
cacheable Whether the class can be cached in a Level 2 cache. From JDO2.2 true | false
serializeRead Whether to default to locking objects of this type when reading them. From JDO2.2 true | false

Metadata for datastore-identity tag

These are attributes within the <datastore-identity> tag (jdo/package/class/datastore-identity). This is used when the <class> to which this pertains uses datastore identity. It is used to define the precise definition of datastore identity to be used. This element can contain column sub-elements allowing definition of the column details where required - these are optional.

Attribute Description Values
Standard (JDO) Tags
strategy Strategy for datastore identity generation for this class. native allows DataNucleus to choose the most suitable for the datastore.
sequence will use a sequence (specified by the attribute sequence) - if supported by the datastore.
increment will use the id values in the datastore to decide the next id.
uuid-string will use a UUID string generator (16-characters).
uuid-hex will use a UUID string generator (32-characters).
identity will use a datastore inbuilt auto-incrementing types.
auid is a DataNucleus extension, that is an almost universal id generator (best possible derivate of a DCE UUID).
max is a DataNucleus extension, that uses "select max(column)+1 from table" for the identity.
timestamp is a DataNucleus extension, providing the current timestamp.
timestamp-value is a DataNucleus extension, providing the current timestamp millisecs.
[other values] to utilise user-supplied DataNucleus value generator plugins.
native | sequence | increment | identity | uuid-string | uuid-hex | auid | max | timestamp | timestamp-value | [other values]
sequence Name of the sequence to use to generate identity values, when using a strategy of sequence. Please see also the class extension tags for controlling the sequence.
column Name of the column used for the datastore identity for this class.

These are attributes within the <extension> tag (jdo/package/class/datastore-identity/extension). These are for controlling the generation of ids when in datastore identity mode.

Attribute Description Values
Extension (JDO) Tags
sequence-table-basis This defines the basis on which to generate unique identities when using the TableValueGenerator (used by the "increment" strategy, and sometimes by "native"). You can either define identities unique against the base table name, or against the base class name (in an inheritance tree). Used when the strategy is set to native or increment class | table
sequence-catalog-name The catalog used to store sequences for use by value generators. See Value Generation. Default catalog for the datastore will be used if not specified.
sequence-schema-name The schema used to store sequences for use by value generators. See Value Generation. Default schema for the datastore will be used if not specified.
sequence-table-name The table used to store sequences for use by value generators. See Value Generation. SEQUENCE_TABLE
sequence-name-column-name The column name in the sequence-table used to store the name of the sequence for use by value generators. See Value Generation. SEQUENCE_NAME
sequence-nextval-column-name The column name in the sequence-table used to store the next value in the sequence for use by value generators. See Value Generation. NEXT_VAL
key-min-value The minimum key value for use by value generators. Keys lower than this will not be generated. See Value Generation.
key-max-value The maximum key value for use by value generators. Keys higher than this will not be generated. See Value Generation.
key-initial-value The starting value for use by value generators. Keys will start from this value when being generated. See Value Generation.
key-cache-size The cache size for keys for use by value generators. The cache of keys will be constrained by this value. See Value Generation.
key-database-cache-size The database cache size for keys for use by value generators. The cache of keys will be constrained by this value. See Value Generation.

Metadata for primary-key tag

These are attributes within the <primary-key> tag (jdo/package/class/primary-key or class/field/join/primary-key). It is used to specify the name of the primary key constraint in the datastore during the schema generation process. When used under <join> it specifies that the join table has a primary-key.

Attribute Description Values
Standard (JDO) Tags
name Name of the primary key constraint.
column Name of the column to use for the primary key

Metadata for inheritance tag

These are attributes within the <inheritance> tag (jdo/package/class/inheritance). It is used when this class is part of an inheritance tree, and to denote how the class is stored in the datastore since there are several ways (strategies) in which it can be stored.

Attribute Description Values
Standard (JDO) Tags
strategy Strategy for inheritance of this class. Please refer to the Inheritance Guide. Note that "complete-table" is a DataNucleus extension to JDO2 new-table, subclass-table, superclass-table, complete-table

Metadata for discriminator tag

These are attributes within the <discriminator> tag (jdo/package/class/inheritance/discriminator). This is used to define a discriminator column that is used when this class is stored in the same table as another class in the same inheritance tree. The discriminator column will contain a value for objects of this class, and different values for objects of other classes in the inheritance tree.

Attribute Description Values
Standard (JDO) Tags
strategy Strategy for the discrimination column value-map | class-name | none
value Value for the discrimination column
column Name for the discrimination column
indexed Whether the discriminator column should be indexed. This is to be specified when defining index information true | false | unique

Metadata for version tag

These are attributes within the <version> tag (jdo/package/class/version). This is used to define whether and how this class is handled with respect to optimistic transactions.

Attribute Description Values
Standard (JDO) Tags
strategy Strategy for versioning of this class. The "version-number" mode uses an incremental numbered value, and the "date-time" mode uses a java.sql.Timestamp value. state-image isn't currently supported. state-image, date-time, version-number
column Name of the column in the datastore to store this field
indexed Whether the version column should be indexed. This is to be specified when defining index information true | false | unique

These are attributes within the <extension> tag (jdo/package/class/version/extension).

Attribute Description Values
Extension (JDO) Tags
field-name This extension allows you to define a field that will be used to contain the version of the object. It is populated by DataNucleus at persist. See JDO Versioning


Metadata for query tag

These are attributes within the <query> tag (jdo/package/class/query). This element is used to define any "named queries" that are to be available for this class. This element contains the query single-string form as its content.

Attribute Description Values
Standard (JDO) Tags
name Name of the query. This name is mandatory and is used in calls to pm.newNamedQuery(). Has to be unique for this class.
language Query language to use. Some datastores offer other languages JDOQL | SQL | JPQL
unique Whether the query is to return a unique result (only for SQL queries). true | false
result-class Class name of any result class (only for SQL queries).

Metadata for field tag

These are attributes within the <field> tag (jdo/package/class/field). This is used to define the persistence behaviour of the fields of the class to which it pertains. Certain types of fields are, by default, persisted. This element can be used to change the default behaviour and maybe not persist a field, or to persist something that normally isn't persisted. It is used, in addition, to define more details about how the field is persisted in the datastore.

Attribute Description Values
Standard (JDO) Tags
name Name of the field.
persistence-modifier The persistence-modifier specifies how JDO manage each field in your persistent class. There are three options: persistent, transactional and none.
  • persistent means that your field will managed by JDO and stored in the database on transaction commit.
  • transactional means that your field will managed by JDO but not stored in the database. Transactional fields values will be saved by JDO when you start your transaction and restored when you roll back your transaction.
  • none means that your field will not be managed by JDO.
persistent, transactional, none
primary-key Whether the field is part of any primary key (if using application identity). true, false
null-value How to treat null values of persistent fields during storage. Valid options are "exception", "default", "none" (where "none" is the default). exception, default, none
default-fetch-group Whether this field is part of the default fetch group for the class. Defaults to true for non-key fields of primitive types, java.util.Date, java.lang.*, java.math.*, etc. true, false
embedded Whether this field should be stored, if possible, as part of the object instead as its own object in the datastore. This defaults to true for primitive types, java.util.Date, java.lang.*, java.math.* etc and false for persistable, reference (Object, Interface) and container types. true, false
serialized Whether this field should be stored serialised into a single column of the table of the containing object. true, false
dependent Whether the field should be used to check for dependent objects, and to delete them when this object is deleted. In other words cascade delete capable. true, false
mapped-by The name of the field at the other end of a relationship. Used by 1-1, 1-N, M-N to mark a relation as bidirectional.
value-strategy The strategy for populating values to this field. Is typically used for generating primary key values. See the definitions under "datastore-identity". native | sequence | increment | identity | uuid-string | uuid-hex | auid | max | timestamp | timestamp-value | [other values]
sequence Name of the sequence to use to generate values, when using a strategy of sequence. Please see also the class extension tags for controlling the sequence.
recursion-depth The depth that will be recursed when this field is self-referencing. Should be used alongside FetchPlan.setMaxFetchDepth() to control the objects fetched. -1, 1, 2, ... (integer)
field-type Used to specify a more restrictive type than the field definition in the class. This might be required in order to map the field to the datastore. To be portable, specify the name of a single type that is itself able to be mapped to the datastore (e.g. a field of type Object can specify field-type="Integer").
indexed Whether the column(s) for this field should be indexed. This is to be specified when defining index information true | false | unique
table Table name to use for any join table overriding the default name provided by DataNucleus. This is used either for 1-N relationships with a join table or for Secondary Tables. See also the property name "datanucleus.identifier.case" in the Persistence Properties Guide.
column Column name to use for this field (alternative to specifying column sub-elements if only one column).
delete-action The foreign-key delete action. This is a shortcut to specifying foreign key information. Please refer to the <foreign-key> element for full details. cascade | restrict | null | default | none
cacheable Whether the field/property can be cached in a Level 2 cache. From JDO2.2 true | false
load-fetch-group Name of a fetch group to activate when a load of this field is initiated (due to it being currently unloaded). Not used for getObjectById, queries, extents etc. Better to use "fetch-group" and define your groups

These are attributes within the <extension> tag (jdo/package/class/field/extension).

Attribute Description Values
Extension (JDO) Tags
cascade-persist JDO defines that when an object is persisted then all fields will also be persisted using "persistence-by-reachability". This extension allows you to turn off the persistence of a field relation. true | false
cascade-update JDO defines that when an object is updated then all fields containing persistable objects will also be updated using "persistence-by-reachability". This extension allows you to turn off the update of a field relation. true | false
cascade-refresh When calling PersistenceManager.refresh() only fetch plan fields of the passed object will be refreshed. Setting this to true will refresh the fields of related PC objects in this field true | false
allow-nulls When the field is a collection by default it will not be allowed to have nulls present but you can allow them by setting this DataNucleus extension tag true | false
insertable Whether this field should be supplied when inserting into the datastore. true | false
updateable Whether this field should be supplied when updating the datastore. true | false
implementation-classes Used to define the possible classes implementing this interface/Object field. This is used to limit the possible tables that this is a foreign key to (when this field is specified as an interface/Object in the class). Value should be comma-separated list of fully-qualified class names
key-implementation-classes Used to define the possible classes implementing this interface/Object key. This is used to limit the possible tables that this is a foreign key to (when this key is specified as an interface/Object). Value should be comma-separated list of fully-qualified class names
value-implementation-classes Used to define the possible classes implementing this interface/Object value. This is used to limit the possible tables that this is a foreign key to (when this value is specified as an interface/Object). Value should be comma-separated list of fully-qualified class names
strategy-when-notnull This is to be used in conjunction with the "value-strategy" attribute. Default JDO2 behaviour when you have a "value-strategy" defined for a field is to always create a strategy value for that field regardless of whether you have set the value of the field yourself. This extension allows you to only apply the strategy if the field is null at persistence. This extension has no effect on primitive field types (which can't be null) and the value-strategy will always be applied to such fields. true | false
relation-discriminator-column Name of a column to use for discrimination of the relation used by objects stored. This is defined when, for example, a join table is shared by multiple relations and the objects placed in the join table need discriminating for which relation they are for RELATION_DISCRIM
relation-discriminator-pk Whether the column added for the discrimination of relations is to be part of the PK when using a join table. true | false
relation-discriminator-value Value to use in the relation discriminator column for objects of this fields relation. This is defined when, for example, a join table is shared by multiple relations and the objects placed in the join table need discriminating for which relation they are for. Fully-qualified class name
select-function Permits to use a function when fetching contents from the database. A ? (question mark) is mandatory to have and will be replaced by the column name when generating the SQL statement. For example to specify a value of UPPER(?) will convert the field value to upper case on a datastore that supports that UPPER function.
insert-function Permits to use a function when inserting into the database. A ? (question mark) is optional and will be replaced by the column name when generating the SQL statement. For example to specify a value of TRIM(?) will trim the field value on a datastore that supports that TRIM function.
update-function Permits to use a function when updating into the database. A ? (question mark) is optional and will be replaced by the column name when generating the SQL statement. For example to specify a value of FUNC(?) will perform "FUNC" on the field value on a datastore that supports that FUNC function.
sequence-table-basis This defines the basis on which to generate unique identities when using the TableValueGenerator (used by the "increment" strategy, and sometimes by "native"). You can either define identities unique against the base table name, or against the base class name (in an inheritance tree). Used when the strategy is set to native or increment class | table
sequence-catalog-name The catalog used to store sequences for use by value generators. See Value Generation. Default catalog for the datastore will be used if not specified.
sequence-schema-name The schema used to store sequences for use by value generators. See Value Generation. Default schema for the datastore will be used if not specified.
sequence-table-name The table used to store sequences for use by value generators. See Value Generation. SEQUENCE_TABLE
sequence-name-column-name The column name in the sequence-table used to store the name of the sequence for use by value generators. See Value Generation. SEQUENCE_NAME
sequence-nextval-column-name The column name in the sequence-table used to store the next value in the sequence for use by value generators. See Value Generation. NEXT_VAL
key-min-value The minimum key value for use by value generators. Keys lower than this will not be generated. See Value Generation.
key-max-value The maximum key value for use by value generators. Keys higher than this will not be generated. See Value Generation.
key-initial-value The starting value for use by value generators. Keys will start from this value when being generated. See Value Generation.
key-cache-size The cache size for keys for use by value generators. The cache of keys will be constrained by this value. See Value Generation.
key-database-cache-size The database cache size for keys for use by value generators. The cache of keys will be constrained by this value. See Value Generation.
mapping-class Specifies the mapping class to be used for mapping this field. This is only used where the user wants to override the default DataNucleus mapping class and provide their own mapping class for this field. Fully-qualified class name

Metadata for property tag

These are attributes within the <property> tag (jdo/package/class/property). This is used to define the persistence behaviour of the Java Bean properties of the class to which it pertains. This element can be used to change the default behaviour and maybe not persist a property, or to persist something that normally isn't persisted. It is used, in addition, to define more details about how the property is persisted in the datastore.

Attribute Description Values
Standard (JDO) Tags
name Name of the property. The "name" of a property is obtained by taking the getXXX, setXXX method names and using the XXX and making the first letter lowercase.
persistence-modifier The persistence-modifier specifies how to manage each property in your persistent class. There are three options: persistent, transactional and none.
  • persistent means that your field will be managed and stored in the database on transaction commit.
  • transactional means that your field will be managed but not stored in the database. Transactional fields values will be saved by JDO when you start your transaction and restored when you roll back your transaction.
  • none means that your field will not be managed.
persistent, transactional, none
primary-key Whether the property is part of any primary key (if using application identity). true, false
null-value How to treat null values of persistent properties during storage. exception, default, none
default-fetch-group Whether this property is part of the default fetch group for the class. Defaults to true for non-key fields of primitive types, java.util.Date, java.lang.*, java.math.*, etc. true, false
embedded Whether this property should be stored, if possible, as part of the object instead as its own object in the datastore. This defaults to true for primitive types, java.util.Date, java.lang.*, java.math.* etc and false for persistable, reference (Object, Interface) and container types. true, false
serialized Whether this property should be stored serialised into a single column of the table of the containing object. true, false
dependent Whether the property should be used to check for dependent objects, and to delete them when this object is deleted. In other words cascade delete capable. true, false
mapped-by The name of the property at the other end of a relationship. Used by 1-1, 1-N, M-N to mark a relation as bidirectional.
value-strategy The strategy for populating values to this property. Is typically used for generating primary key values. See the definitions under "datastore-identity". native | sequence | increment | identity | uuid-string | uuid-hex | auid | max | timestamp | timestamp-value | [other values]
sequence Name of the sequence to use to generate values, when using a strategy of sequence. Please see also the class extension tags for controlling the sequence.
recursion-depth The depth that will be recursed when this property is self-referencing. Should be used alongside FetchPlan.setMaxFetchDepth() to control the objects fetched. -1, 1, 2, ... (integer)
field-type Used to specify a more restrictive type than the property definition in the class. This might be required in order to map the field to the datastore. To be portable, specify the name of a single type that is itself able to be mapped to the datastore (e.g. a field of type Object can specify field-type="Integer").
indexed Whether the column(s) for this property should be indexed. This is to be specified when defining index information true | false | unique
table Table name to use for any join table overriding the default name provided by DataNucleus. This is used either for 1-N relationships with a join table or for Secondary Tables. See also the property name "datanucleus.identifier.case" in the Persistence Properties Guide.
column Column name to use for this property (alternative to specifying column sub-elements if only one column).
delete-action The foreign-key delete action. This is a shortcut to specifying foreign key information. Please refer to the <foreign-key> element for full details. cascade | restrict | null | default | none
cacheable Whether the field/property can be cached in a Level 2 cache. From JDO2.2 true | false
load-fetch-group Name of a fetch group to activate when a load of this field is initiated (due to it being currently unloaded). Not used for getObjectById, queries, extents etc. Better to use "fetch-group" and define your groups

These are attributes within the <extension> tag (jdo/package/class/property/extension).

Attribute Description Values
Extension (JDO) Tags
cascade-persist JDO defines that when an object is persisted then all fields will also be persisted using "persistence-by-reachability". This extension allows you to turn off the persistence of a field relation. true | false
cascade-update JDO defines that when an object is updated then all fields containing persistable objects will also be updated using "persistence-by-reachability". This extension allows you to turn off the update of a field relation. true | false
cascade-refresh When calling PersistenceManager.refresh() only fetch plan fields of the passed object will be refreshed. Setting this to true will refresh the fields of related PC objects in this field true | false
allow-nulls When the field is a collection by default it will not be allowed to have nulls present but you can allow them by setting this DataNucleus extension tag true | false
insertable Whether this field should be supplied when inserting into the datastore. true | false
updateable Whether this field should be supplied when updating the datastore. true | false
implementation-classes Used to define the possible classes implementing this interface/Object field. This is used to limit the possible tables that this is a foreign key to (when this field is specified as an interface/Object in the class). Value should be comma-separated list of fully-qualified class names
key-implementation-classes Used to define the possible classes implementing this interface/Object key. This is used to limit the possible tables that this is a foreign key to (when this key is specified as an interface/Object). Value should be comma-separated list of fully-qualified class names
value-implementation-classes Used to define the possible classes implementing this interface/Object value. This is used to limit the possible tables that this is a foreign key to (when this value is specified as an interface/Object). Value should be comma-separated list of fully-qualified class names
strategy-when-notnull This is to be used in conjunction with the "value-strategy" attribute. Default JDO2 behaviour when you have a "value-strategy" defined for a field is to always create a strategy value for that field regardless of whether you have set the value of the field yourself. This extension allows you to only apply the strategy if the field is null at persistence. This extension has no effect on primitive field types (which can't be null) and the value-strategy will always be applied to such fields. true | false
relation-discriminator-column Name of a column to use for discrimination of the relation used by objects stored. This is defined when, for example, a join table is shared by multiple relations and the objects placed in the join table need discriminating for which relation they are for RELATION_DISCRIM
relation-discriminator-pk Whether the column added for the discrimination of relations is to be part of the PK when using a join table. true | false
relation-discriminator-value Value to use in the relation discriminator column for objects of this fields relation. This is defined when, for example, a join table is shared by multiple relations and the objects placed in the join table need discriminating for which relation they are for. Fully-qualified class name
select-function Permits to use a function when fetching contents from the database. A ? (question mark) is mandatory to have and will be replaced by the column name when generating the SQL statement. For example to specify a value of UPPER(?) will convert to upper case the field value on a datastore that supports that UPPER function.
insert-function Permits to use a function when inserting into the database. A ? (question mark) is optional and will be replaced by the column name when generating the SQL statement. For example to specify a value of TRIM(?) will trim the field value on a datastore that supports that TRIM function.
update-function Permits to use a function when updating into the database. A ? (question mark) is optional and will be replaced by the column name when generating the SQL statement. For example to specify a value of FUNC(?) will perform FUNC() on the field value on a datastore that supports that FUNC function.
sequence-table-basis This defines the basis on which to generate unique identities when using the TableValueGenerator (used by the "increment" strategy, and sometimes by "native"). You can either define identities unique against the base table name, or against the base class name (in an inheritance tree). Used when the strategy is set to native or increment class | table
sequence-catalog-name The catalog used to store sequences for use by value generators. See Value Generation. Default catalog for the datastore will be used if not specified.
sequence-schema-name The schema used to store sequences for use by value generators. See Value Generation. Default schema for the datastore will be used if not specified.
sequence-table-name The table used to store sequences for use by value generators. See Value Generation. SEQUENCE_TABLE
sequence-name-column-name The column name in the sequence-table used to store the name of the sequence for use by value generators. See Value Generation. SEQUENCE_NAME
sequence-nextval-column-name The column name in the sequence-table used to store the next value in the sequence for use by value generators. See Value Generation. NEXT_VAL
key-min-value The minimum key value for use by value generators. Keys lower than this will not be generated. See Value Generation.
key-max-value The maximum key value for use by value generators. Keys higher than this will not be generated. See Value Generation.
key-initial-value The starting value for use by value generators. Keys will start from this value when being generated. See Value Generation.
key-cache-size The cache size for keys for use by value generators. The cache of keys will be constrained by this value. See Value Generation.
key-database-cache-size The database cache size for keys for use by value generators. The cache of keys will be constrained by this value. See Value Generation.
mapping-class Specifies the mapping class to be used for mapping this field. This is only used where the user wants to override the default DataNucleus mapping class and provide their own mapping class for this field. Fully-qualified class name

Metadata for fetch-group tag

These are attributes within the <fetch-group> tag (jdo/package/class/fetch-group). This element is used to define fetch groups that are utilised at runtime, and are of particular use with attach/detach. This element can contain fetch-group sub-elements allowing definition of hierarchical groups. It can also contain field elements, defining the fields that are part of this fetch-group.

Attribute Description Values
Standard (JDO) Tags
name Name of the fetch group. Used with the fetch plan of the PersistenceManager.
post-load Whether to call jdoPostLoad when the fetch group is invoked. true | false

Metadata for embedded tag

These are attributes within the <embedded> tag (jdo/package/class/embedded). It is used when this field is a persistable and is embedded into the same table as the class.

Attribute Description Values
Standard (JDO) Tags
owner-field Name of the field in the embedded persistable that is the link back to the owning object (if any).
null-indicator-column Name of the column to be used for detacting if the embedded object is null.
null-indicator-value Value of the null-indicator-column that signifies that the embedded object is null.

Metadata for key tag

These are attributes within the <key> tag (jdo/package/class/field/key). This element is used to define details for the persistence of a Map.

Attribute Description Values
Standard (JDO) Tags
mapped-by When the map is formed by a foreign-key, the key can be a field in a value persistable class. This attribute defines which field in the value class is used as the key
column Name of the column (if only one)
delete-action Action to be performed when the owner object is deleted. This is to be specified when defining foreign key information cascade | restrict | null | default | none
indexed Whether the key column should be indexed. This is to be specified when defining index information true | false | unique
unique Whether the key column should be unique. This is to be specified when defining unique key information true | false

Metadata for value tag

These are attributes within the <value> tag (jdo/package/class/field/value). This element is used to define details for the persistence of a Map.

Attribute Description Values
mapped-by When the map is formed by a foreign-key, the value can be a field in a key persistable class. This attribute defines which field in the key class is used as the value.
Standard (JDO) Tags
column Name of the column (if only one)
delete-action Action to be performed when the owner object is deleted. This is to be specified when defining foreign key information cascade | restrict | null | default | none
indexed Whether the value column should be indexed. This is to be specified when defining index information true | false | unique
unique Whether the value column should be unique. This is to be specified when defining unique key information true | false

Metadata for order tag

These are attributes within the <order> tag (jdo/package/class/field/order). This is used to define the column details for the ordering column in a List.

Attribute Description Values
Standard (JDO) Tags
mapped-by When a List is formed by a foreign-key, the ordering can be a field in the element persistable class. This attribute defines which field in the element class is used as the ordering. The field must be of type int, Integer, long, Long. DataNucleus will write the index positions to this field (starting at 0 for the first item in the List)
column Name of the column to use for ordering.

These are attributes within the <extension> tag (jdo/package/class/field/order/extension).

Attribute Description Values
Extension (JDO) Tags
list-ordering Used to make the list be an "ordered list" where it has no index column and instead will order the elements by the specified expression upon retrieval. The ordering expression takes names and ASC/DESC and can be a composite {orderfield [ASC|DESC] [,{orderfield} ASC|DESC]}

Metadata for index tag

These are attributes within the <index> tag (jdo/package/class/field/index). This element is used where a user wishes to add specific indexes to the datastore to provide more efficient access to particular fields.

Attribute Description Values
Standard (JDO) Tags
name Name of the index in the datastore
unique Whether the index is unique true | false
column Name of the column to use (alternative to specifying it as a sub-element).

These are attributes within the <extension> tag (jdo/package/class/field/index/extension).

Attribute Description Values
Extension (JDO) Tags
extended-setting Additional settings to the index. This extension is used to set database proprietary settings.

Metadata for foreign-key tag

These are attributes within the <foreign-key> tag (jdo/package/class/field/foreign-key). This is used where the user wishes to define the behaviour of the foreign keys added due to the relationships in the object model. This is to be read in conjunction with foreign-key guide

Attribute Description Values
Standard (JDO) Tags
name Name of the foreign key in the datastore
deferred Whether the constraints are initially deferred. true | false
delete-action Action to be performed when the owner object is deleted. cascade | restrict | null | default
update-action Action to be performed when the owner object is updated. cascade | restrict | null | default

Metadata for unique tag

These are attributes within the <unique> tag (jdo/package/class/unique, jdo/package/class/field/unique). This element is used where a user wishes to add specific unique constraints to the datastore to provide more control over particular fields.

Attribute Description Values
Standard (JDO) Tags
name Name of the constraint in the datastore
column Name of the column to use (alternative to specifying it as a sub-element).

Metadata for column tag

These are attributes within the <column> tag (*/column). This is used to define the details of a column in the datastore, and so can be used to match to an existing datastore schema.

Attribute Description Values
Standard (JDO) Tags
name Name of the column in the datastore. See also the property name "datanucleus.identifier.case" in the Persistence Properties Guide.
length Length of the column in the datastore (for character types), or the precision of the column in the datastore (for floating point field types). positive integer
scale Scale of the column in the datastore (for floating point field types). positive integer
jdbc-type JDBC Type to use for this column in the datastore when the default value is not satisfactory. Please refer to JDBC for the valid types. Not all of these types are supported for all RDBMS mappings. Valid JDBC Type (CHAR, VARCHAR, LONGVARCHAR, NUMERIC, DECIMAL, BIT, TINYINT, SMALLINT, INTEGER, BIGINT, REAL, FLOAT, DOUBLE, BINARY, VARBINARY, LONGVARBINARY, DATE, TIME, TIMESTAMP, BLOB, BOOLEAN, CLOB, DATALINK)
sql-type SQL Type to use for this column in the datastore. This should not usually be necessary since the specification of JDBC type together with length/scale will likely define it. Valid SQL Type (e.g VARCHAR, CHAR, NUMERIC etc)
allows-null Whether the column in the datastore table should allow nulls or not. The default is "false" for primitives, and "true" otherwise. true | false
default-value Default value to use for this column when creating the table. If you want the default to be NULL, then put this as "#NULL". This is particularly for cases where you have a table that stores multiple classes in an inheritance tree (subclass-table, superclass-table) so when you persist a superclass object it doesn't have the subclass fields in its INSERT and so the datastore uses the default-value settings that are embodied in the CREATE TABLE statement. Default value expression
target Declares the name of the primary key column for the referenced table. For columns contained in join elements, this is the name of the primary key column in the primary table. For columns contained in field, element, key, value, or array elements, this is the name of the primary key column of the primary table of the other side of the relationship. target column name
target-field Declares the name of the primary key field for the referenced class. For columns contained in join elements, this is the name of the primary key field in the base class. For columns contained in field, element, key, value, or array elements, this is the name of the primary key field of the base class of the other side of the relationship. target field name
insert-value Value to use for this column when it has no field in the class and an object is being inserted. If you want the inserted value to be NULL, then put this as "#NULL" Insert value
position Position of the column in the table (0 = first). positive integer

These are attributes within the <extension> tag (*/column/extension).

Attribute Description Values
Extension (JDO) Tags
datastore-mapping-class Specifies the datastore mapping class to be used for mapping this field. This is only used where the user wants to override the default DataNucleus datastore mapping class and provide their own mapping class for this field based on the database data type. This datastore mapping class must be available for the DataNucleus PersistenceManagerFactory classpath. Fully-qualified class name
enum-check-constraint Specifies that a CHECK constraint for this column must be generated based on the values of a java.lang.Enum type. e.g. enum Color (RED, GREEN, BLUE) where its name is persisted a CHECK constraint is defined as CHECK "COLUMN" IN ('RED', 'GREEN', 'BLUE'). true | false

Metadata for join tag

These are attributes within the <join> tag (jdo/package/class/field/join). This element is added when the field has a mapping to a "join" table (as part of a 1-N relationship). It is also used to specify overriding of details in an inheritance tree where the primary key columns are shared up the hierarchy. A further use (when specified under the <class> element) is for specifying the column details for joining to a Secondary Table.

Attribute Description Values
Standard (JDO) Tags
column Name of the column used to join to the PK of the primary table (when only one column used). Used in Secondary Tables.
table Table name used when joining the PK of a FCO class table to a secondary table. See Secondary Tables.
delete-action Action to be performed when the owner object is deleted. This is to be specified when defining foreign key information cascade | restrict | null | default | none
indexed Whether the join table owner column should be indexed. This is to be specified when defining index information true | false | unique
unique Whether the join table owner column should be unique. This is to be specified when defining unique key information true | false
outer Whether to use an outer join here. This is of particular relevance to secondary tables true | false

These are attributes within the <extension> tag (jdo/package/class/field/join/extension). These are for controlling the join table.

Attribute Description Values
Extension (JDO) Tags
primary-key This parameter defines if the join table will be assigned a primary key. The default is true since it is considered a best practice to have primary keys on all tables. This allows the option of turning it off. true | false

Metadata for element tag

These are attributes within the <element> tag (jdo/package/class/field/element). This element is added when the field has a mapping to a "element" (as part of a 1-N relationship).

Attribute Description Values
Standard (JDO) Tags
mapped-by The name of the field at the other ("N") end of a relationship when this field is the "1" side of a 1-N relationship (for FK relationships). This performs the same function as specifying "mapped-by" on the <field> element.
column Name of the column (alternative to specifying it as a sub-element).
delete-action Action to be performed when the owner object is deleted. This is to be specified when defining foreign key information cascade | restrict | null | default | none
indexed Whether the element column should be indexed. This is to be specified when defining index information true | false | unique
unique Whether the element column should be unique. This is to be specified when defining unique key information true | false

Metadata for collection tag

These are attributes within the <collection> tag (jdo/package/class/field/collection). This is used to define the persistence of a Collection.

Attribute Description Values
Standard (JDO) Tags
element-type The type of element stored in this Collection or array (fully qualified class). This is not required when the field is an array. It is also not required when the Collection is defined using JDK 1.5 generics.
embedded-element Whether the elements of a collection or array-valued persistent field should be stored embedded or as first-class objects. It's a hint for the JDO implementation to store, if possible, the elements of the collection as part of the it instead of as their own instances in the datastore. See the <embedded> element for details on how to define the field mappings for the embedded element. true, false
dependent-element Whether the elements of the collection are to be considered dependent on the owner object. true, false
serialized-element Whether the elements of a collection or array-valued persistent field should be stored serialised into a single column of the join table (where used). true, false

These are attributes within the <extension> tag (jdo/package/class/field/collection/extension).

Attribute Description Values
Extension (JDO) Tags
cache Whether this SCO collection will be cached by DataNucleus or whether every access of the collection will go through to the datastore. See also "datanucleus.cache.collections" in the Persistence Properties Guide. This MetaData attribute is used to override the value used by the PersistenceManagerFactory true | false
cache-lazy-loading Whether objects from this SCO collection will be lazy loaded (loaded when required) or whether they should be loaded at initialisation. See also "datanucleus.cache.collections.lazy" in the Persistence Properties Guide. This MetaData attribute is used to override the value used by the PersistenceManagerFactory true | false
comparator-name Defines the name of the comparator to use with SortedSet, TreeSet collections. The specified name is the name of the comparator class, which must have a default constructor. This extension is only used by SortedSet, TreeSet fields. Fully-qualified class name

Metadata for map tag

These are attributes within the <map> tag (jdo/package/class/field/map). This is used to define the persistence of a Map.

Attribute Description Values
Standard (JDO) Tags
key-type The type of key stored in this Map (fully qualified class). This is not required when the Map is defined using JDK 1.5 generics.
embedded-key Whether the elements of a Map key field should be stored embedded or as first-class objects. true, false
value-type The type of value stored in this Map (fully qualified class). This is not required when the Map is defined using JDK 1.5 generics.
embedded-value Whether the elements of a Map value field should be stored embedded or as first-class objects. true, false
dependent-key Whether the keys of the map are to be considered dependent on the owner object. true, false
dependent-value Whether the value of the map are to be considered dependent on the owner object. true, false
serialized-key Whether the keys of a map-valued persistent field should be stored serialised into a single column of the join table (where used). true, false
serialized-value Whether the values of a map-valued persistent field should be stored serialised into a single column of the join table (where used). true, false

These are attributes within the <extension> tag (jdo/package/class/field/map/extension).

Attribute Description Values
Extension (JDO) Tags
cache Whether this SCO map will be cached by DataNucleus or whether every access of the map will go through to the datastore. See also "datanucleus.cache.collections" in the Persistence Properties Guide. This MetaData attribute is used to override the value used by the PersistenceManagerFactory true | false
cache-lazy-loading Whether objects from this SCO map will be lazy loaded (loaded when required) or whether they should be loaded at initialisation. See also "datanucleus.cache.collections.lazy" in the Persistence Properties Guide. This MetaData attribute is used to override the value used by the PersistenceManagerFactory true | false
comparator-name Defines the name of the comparator to use with SortedMap, TreeMap maps. The specified name is the name of the comparator class, which must have a default constructor. This extension is only used by SortedMap, TreeMap fields. Fully-qualified class name

Metadata for array tag

This is used to define the persistence of an array. DataNucleus provides support for many types of arrays, either serialised into a single column, using a join table, or via a foreign-key (for arrays of PC objects).

Attribute Description Values
Standard (JDO) Tags
embedded-element Whether the array elements should be stored embedded (default = true for primitives, wrappers etc and false for persistable objects). true, false
serialized-element Whether the array elements should be stored serialised into a single column in the join table. true, false
dependent-element Whether the elements of the array are to be considered dependent on the owner object. true, false

Metadata for sequence tag

These are attributes within the <sequence> tag. This is used to denote a JDO datastore sequence.

Attribute Description Values
Standard (JDO) Tags
name Symbolic name for the sequence for this package
datastore-sequence Name of the sequence in the datastore
factory-class Factory class for creating the sequence. Please refer to the Sequence guide
strategy Strategy to use for application of this sequence. nontransactional | contiguous | noncontiguous
allocation-size Allocation size for the sequence for this package 50
initial-value Initial value for the sequence for this package 1

These are attributes within the <extension> tag (jdo/package/class/sequence/extension). These are for controlling the datastore sequences created by DataNucleus. Please refer to the documentation for the value generator being used for applicability

Attribute Description Values
Extension (JDO) Tags
sequence-catalog-name The catalog used to store sequences for use by value generators. See Value Generation. Default catalog for the datastore will be used if not specified.
sequence-schema-name The schema used to store sequences for use by value generators. See Value Generation. Default schema for the datastore will be used if not specified.
sequence-table-name The table used to store sequences for use by value generators. See Value Generation. SEQUENCE_TABLE
sequence-name-column-name The column name in the sequence-table used to store the name of the sequence for use by value generators. See Value Generation. SEQUENCE_NAME
sequence-nextval-column-name The column name in the sequence-table used to store the next value in the sequence for use by value generators. See Value Generation. NEXT_VAL
key-min-value The minimum key value for use by value generators. Keys lower than this will not be generated. See Value Generation.
key-max-value The maximum key value for use by value generators. Keys higher than this will not be generated. See Value Generation.
key-initial-value The starting value for use by value generators. Keys will start from this value when being generated. See Value Generation.
key-cache-size The cache size for keys for use by value generators. The cache of keys will be constrained by this value. See Value Generation.
key-database-cache-size The database cache size for keys for use by value generators. The cache of keys will be constrained by this value. See Value Generation.

Metadata for fetch-plan tag

These are attributes within the <fetch-plan> tag (jdo/fetch-plan). This element is used to define fetch plans that are utilised at runtime, and are of particular use with queries. This element contains fetch-group sub-elements.

Attribute Description Values
Standard (JDO) Tags
name Name of the fetch plan.
maxFetchDepth Max depth to fetch with this fetch plan 1
fetchSize Size to fetch with this fetch plan (for use with query result sets 0

Metadata for class extension tag

These are attributes within the <extension> tag (jdo/package/class/extension). These are for controlling the class definition

Attribute Description Values
Extension (JDO) Tags
requires-table This is for use with a "nondurable" identity case and specifies whether the class requires a table/view in the datastore. true | false
ddl-definition Definition of the TABLE SCHEMA to be used by the class. true | false
ddl-imports Classes imported resolve macro identifiers in the definition of a RDBMS Table.
mysql-engine-type "Engine Type" to use when creating the table for this class in MySQL. Refer to the MySQL documentation for ENGINE type (e.g INNODB, MEMORY, ISAM)
view-definition Definition of the VIEW to be used by the class. Please refer to the RDBMS Views Guide for details. If your view already exists, then specify this as " " and have the autoStart flags set to false.
view-imports Classes imported resolve macro identifiers in the definition of a RDBMS View. Please refer to the RDBMS Views Guide for details.
read-only Whether objects of this type are read-only. Setting this to true will prevent any insert/update/delete of this type true | false

Metadata for extension tag

These are attributes within the <extension> tag. This is used to denote a DataNucleus extension to JDO.

Attribute Description Values
Standard (JDO) Tags
vendor-name Name of the vendor. For DataNucleus we use the name "datanucleus" (lowercase).
key Key of the extension property
value Value of the extension property