Search Results ff_database_items

Overview

The FF_DATABASE_ITEMS table is a core metadata repository within the Oracle E-Business Suite FastFormula (FF) engine. It serves as the central catalog for defining and managing the basic data items, or "database items," that are available for use within FastFormula calculations. These database items act as the fundamental building blocks, representing specific columns of data from the underlying application tables. The table's primary role is to provide a layer of abstraction and reference, allowing formula writers to use logical, user-friendly names (USER_NAME) that are dynamically resolved to actual database columns at runtime, thereby decoupling formula logic from the physical data model.

Key Information Stored

The table stores the metadata that maps logical FastFormula items to physical database entities. The two most critical columns, which together form the primary key (FF_DATABASE_ITEMS_PK), are USER_NAME and USER_ENTITY_ID. The USER_NAME column holds the unique, case-sensitive identifier for the database item as it is referenced within FastFormula code (e.g., 'ASG_SALARY_BASIS'). The USER_ENTITY_ID is a foreign key that links the item to its corresponding definition in the FF_USER_ENTITIES table, which describes the underlying SQL source (table or view) and the specific column. This relationship is fundamental to the item's resolution during formula execution.

Common Use Cases and Queries

The primary use case is the development, auditing, and troubleshooting of FastFormulas across modules like Payroll, Compensation, and Benefits. Common queries involve listing available items for a specific context or diagnosing formula compilation errors. For instance, to find all database items related to a particular user entity or to verify the existence and definition of an item referenced in a failing formula. A typical diagnostic query would join FF_DATABASE_ITEMS to FF_USER_ENTITIES to see the full SQL mapping.

• Listing items for an entity: SELECT fdi.user_name, fue.user_entity_name FROM ff_database_items fdi, ff_user_entities fue WHERE fdi.user_entity_id = fue.user_entity_id AND fue.user_entity_name = 'PER_ALL_PEOPLE_F';
• Validating a specific item: SELECT * FROM ff_database_items WHERE user_name = 'ASG_SALARY_BASIS';

Related Objects

The FF_DATABASE_ITEMS table has a direct, documented foreign key relationship with the FF_USER_ENTITIES table, which is its most critical dependency. The relationship is defined as follows:

• Foreign Key from FF_DATABASE_ITEMS to FF_USER_ENTITIES: The column FF_DATABASE_ITEMS.USER_ENTITY_ID references the primary key of the FF_USER_ENTITIES table. This join is essential for retrieving the SQL statement and context that defines how the logical database item retrieves its actual data value. Other important related objects, though not explicitly listed in the provided metadata, typically include FF_CONTEXTS and formula definition tables (like FF_FORMULAS_F), as database items are often validated and used within specific legislative or business contexts.