Flattening a Relationship

Follow these steps to flatten a relationship:

1. Add a relationship from one entity (entity_1) to a second entity (entity_2). For example, add a to-many relationship called suggestions from Customer to Suggestion.
2. Add a relationship from entity_2 (Suggestion) to a third entity (entity_3, Listing). For example, add a to-many relationship called listing from Suggestion to Listing.
3. In browser mode, from entity_1 (Customer), select the relationship to entity_2 (suggestions) to display its attributes and relationships.

   Figure 5-8 Select the relationship that contains the relationship to flatten

   
4. In the list of attributes and relationships for entity_2 (Suggestion), select the relationship (listing) you want to flatten.

   Figure 5-9 Select the relationship to flatten

   
5. Choose Flatten Property from the Property menu. The flattened relationship should appear in bold typeface as shown in Figure 5-10; the name is derived from the relationship key path.

   Figure 5-10 A flattened relationship displayed in browser mode

   

The flattened relationship (in this example, suggestions_listing) appears in the list of properties for Customer.