Instances

An instance is defined as a set of metadata relating to a specific data object or the associated data integration process.

Metadata is stored in MetaKraftwerk in relational form, i.e. it is made visible to the developer in the form of a table. Instances thus consist of rows of metadata records and columns with the properties of an instance. For each row, it is specified what functional role it plays in the build of the instance, i.e. whether it is, for example, a key in a table or a parameter for the process.

An instance is always assigned to a specific pattern, so the schema of the instance is determined by the pattern, i.e. by the instance properties defined in the pattern, such as field names, data type or comments.

The developer can create and edit instances using the table editor. However, it is also possible to insert instances via Meta SQL, i.e. to automate instance creation via script.

Instance metadata is validated using constraints defined in the pattern. Only valid instances can be built.

Instance metadata can be uploaded or downloaded as Excel/CSV files, meaning that MetaKraftwerk offers an open metadata format that enables metadata to be exchanged with other systems. Metadata can also be imported or exported via MetaKraftwerk's REST API.

All instance metadata is historized in MetaKraftwerk, i.e. after changing an instance, the developer can create a commit that records the current state of one or more instances.