Database Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 2. Using the Designer Screen -
Advanced
In our first chapter, we developed our skills in order to use the PowerCenter Designer
screen; you also learned how to create mappings using sources, targets, and transforma-
tions.
Before you read this chapter, make sure that you have a complete understanding of the vari-
ous components of the PowerCenter Designer screen that we discussed in
Chapter 1
,
Start-
ing the Development Phase - Using the Designer Screen Basics
. You should be clear on
how to use sources and targets and how to create mappings.
In this chapter, we will talk about the high-level aspects of the PowerCenter Designer
screen. Once we are clear with the basics of the designer screen, we are all set to work on
the advanced concepts of PowerCenter Designer.
Apart from the basic functionalities of creating mappings, the designer screen offers mul-
tiple utilities that assist you in smoother execution of the ETL processing. Some of these
functionalities will be regularly used, and some will be rare for you. It is always good to
have an understanding of these functionalities in order to have an upper hand while using
the tool.
The topics that will be covered in this chapter are as follows:
• Debugger
• Reusable transformations
• Mapplets
• Target load plans
• Parameters and variables
• Comparing objects
