The derived instances

You can create a derived instance from a reference instance and use this derived instance to generate the reference instance with different generation parameters, without duplicating its design.

Derivation is available only on the entities that can be generated, except Database Blocks and Volumes.

It is useful when an instance must be generated with different generation parameters. You use it, for example, to generate a Program for CICS and for IMS. So, you create a derived instance that points to a reference instance and to a generation Library. This derived instance does not contain any design. You can then generate the reference instance from another Library without duplicating its design.

To create the derived instance, you must use the creation wizard of the entity. For example, you use the Program creation wizard to create an instance that is derived from another Program instance. Enter its required fields and select Create a derived entity. Then, specify its reference instance in the <Entity> to derive field. The length of the derived instance name is controlled against the entity type. For example, the name of the derived instance of a Program is limited to 6 characters.

The derived instance is displayed in the Design Explorer view, under the entity that it is derived from. Double-click the instance to open its editor.

Then, you must generate the derived instance. It generates the reference instance with the generation parameters of the Library and in the generation target that are indicated in the derived instance.
Note: If the design of the reference instance has been modified, the generation of the derived instance recognizes this modification, except if the change was only a change of Library.

Feedback