Create and Manage Sources

Define your data model in the Editor.

Sources define what data your app can store.

A source is made of fields.

Before you start

Write down the real-world thing you’re modeling.

Examples: Task, Customer, Order.

Keep the first version small.

Create a source

1

Open Sources

Open the Editor.

Click Sources in the left sidebar.

2

Create the source

Click New source.

Name it using a plural noun.

Examples: Tasks, Customers.

3

Add fields

Click Add field.

For each field:

• Set a clear name.

• Pick the simplest type that fits.

Common types:

• Text

• Number

• Boolean

• Date

• Select / Enum

4

Set field rules

Configure rules where available:

• Required for must-have input.

• Unique for identifiers.

• Default for common starting values.

Use required rules sparingly.

Over-validating slows people down.

5

Add relationships

If two entities relate, add a reference field.

Pick the target source.

Name the field like a sentence.

Examples: Customer, Assigned to.

6

Save

Click Save.

Then create one page to validate the source.

Add and test records

Use the Editor’s data view or Runtime preview.

Add 5–10 realistic rows.

Then validate:

• Sorting and filtering make sense.

• Required fields match real workflows.

• Relationship fields are easy to pick.

Edit a source

1

Select the source

Open Sources.

Click the source you want to change.

2

Change fields carefully

Safe changes:

• Add new fields.

• Relax validation.

• Add optional relationships.

Risky changes:

• Rename fields.

• Change types.

• Delete fields.

3

Re-test dependent pages

After saving, open the pages using this source.

Check lists and forms.

Fix missing mappings.

Naming rules that scale

• Sources: plural nouns. Tasks.

• Fields: short phrases. Due date.

• Avoid internal abbreviations.

If people will see it, name it for them.

Next

• Ready to design screens? Go to Create and manage pages.

• Want the end-to-end workflow? Go to Build an application in the Editor.

• Brand new to SchemaFX? Start with How to Start: First 30 Minutes.