XI

[Former Member]

can anybody explain to me the difference between data types , message types and message interfaces in XI and how these are related to each other?

[Former Member · Accepted solution]

Data type is the basic entity to define the structure of XML elements. As for example u can create a data type ADDRESS_DT with elements Street (of type String), City (of type String) and Zip (of type Integer). Nesting of data types are also possible/u can create complex type like CUSTOMER_DT with the elements firstName (of type String), lastName (of type String) and ADDRESS_DT (complex type).

Message type corresponds to the root of the XML message. Each message type reference exactly one single data type. It basically describes what the actual payload message of an XI interface looks like. As for example u can create the message type "customer" and select the "data type used" as CUSTOME_DT.

Message interface is the highest level representation of XML metadata. It could be inbound/outbound/abstract. It could be sync/async. You need to specify the 2 important attribute of a mesg interface, mode (sync/async) and direction (inbound/outbound). Abstract interfaces has mode but no direction, this is just a design time placeholder.

Thanks,

Atin

[Former Member]

Hi Pintu,

First of all data types are created. From that message type is created and from this message interface is created. <b>Message interface</b> is the main item that is used for mappings and connecting between systems.

Important point here is that it gives opportunity for reusability. i.e. multiple message interfaces can be created from the same message type.

Hope it helps,

Regards,

Johhny

[Former Member]

Hi Pintu,

Data types can be seen as the structures in which we define all the fields which are used to define some information. For example, address can be a datatype in which we will define all the fields like name, street, city, pin etc. All these fields will be represented by some inbuilt XSD data types like xsd:string etc.

Message type is the container of the data type which will take part in the exchange of messages.

Message Interfaces tell the behaviour of the message, ie. whether the mode of communication is inbound, outbound or abstract or whether the communication is synchrouous or asynchrounous.

Regards,

Mona

[former_member192798]

Hi Pintu,

I elaborate Data Type, Message Type and Message Interface in detail:-

Data Types are the most basic entity to define the structure of XML elements. Equivalent to XML Schema (XSD). Data type editor provies all XSD basic data types. XI message types are based on data types that are defined on XSD types. Data Types in the Integration Repository map to type elements in WSDL.

The Message Type describes what the actual payload message of an XI interface will look like. The Message Type name in the Integration Repository corresponds to the root element of the instantiated XML document. Message Types in the Integration Repository translate to message elements in the WSDL standard.

The Message Interface is the highest level representation of XML metadata. It has two important attributes :- Mode (Sync or Async) and Direction (Inbound or Outbound). For Business Process Abstract Interface are used, which has a mode but no direction. Message Interfaces are portType elements in WSDL.

I hope this provides you a better understanding.

Regards.

Praveen

[Former Member]

Hi,

Please refer this thread for differences between Datatypes and Messagetypes:

To know about message interfaces refer this link.

To know about Message interfaces refer this link.

http://help.sap.com/saphelp_nw2004s/helpdata/en/0f/80243b4a66ae0ce10000000a11402f/frameset.htm

Thanks and Regards,

Sudheer.

Message was edited by: sudheer