How to Select a Field Population Method

provides four methods for populating field options:
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Identity Manager
provides four methods for populating field options:
  • Simple Lists
  • Select Box Data
  • JavaScript
  • Logical Attribute Handler
When selecting a method, consider the following criteria:
  • Ease of implementation
    Some methods allow you to configure field options in the field properties dialog when you configure a profile screen. Other options require additional configuration or custom code.
  • Support for dynamic options
    Certain methods allow you to write custom code to dynamically populate field options, or to retrieve field options from another source, such as a database.
  • Support for dependent fields
    Certain methods allow you to configure a dependency between two fields in a task screen. For example, the options that are available in the City field may depend on the option a user chooses in the State field.
Method
Description
Dynamic?
Supports Dependent Fields?
Simple Lists
Administrators enter static options in the field properties dialog.
No
No
Select Box Data
A static list of options is imported to a database from an XML file, which can be generated dynamically. 
Yes. The options in dependant fields can change, based on selected values.
Yes, for hierarchical fields only
JavaScript
A JavaScript function provides a dynamic list of options. The JavaScript is configured in the field properties dialog. This server-side JavaScript may access any Java APIs available on the application server that hosts
Identity Manager
.
Yes
No
Logical Attribute Handler
A custom Java Logical Attribute Handler provides a dynamic list of options. An administrator writes the Logical Attribute Handler using the
Identity Manager
Logical Attribute API, and then configures the
Identity Manager
environment to use the Logical Attribute Handler. The administrator then associates the field with the logical attribute.
Yes
No