Regenerating Objects

In SnapApp, Regenerating an Object is the process of synchronizing the application’s data structure and objects with the current structure of your underlying database. This is a critical step whenever you modify your database schema externally - such as adding a new column, changing a data type, or renaming a field—to ensure SnapApp recognizes these updates.

Table of Contents

• When to Regenerate
• How to Regenerate an Object
• Step-by-Step Process:
• Important Considerations
• Troubleshooting
• Support

When to Regenerate

You should perform a regeneration whenever the “Source of Truth” (your database) changes. Common scenarios include: * Adding Columns: If you add a new field to your SQL table or spreadsheet, it will not appear in SnapApp until you regenerate. * Changing Data Types: If a field changes from a Text to a Number, regeneration updates the Field settings to reflect the new format. * Renaming Fields: Regenerating updates field names to the new database column name when regenerated. To prevent broken Expressions, go through your existing expressions and confitions that use the old column name and replace it with the new field name.

How to Regenerate an Object

Regeneration is handled within the Data settings for each specific object.

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Navigate to Settings > Data > Objects.
2. Select the Object you wish to update from the list.
3. In the Object Detail view, locate the Regenerate button (sync or refresh icon).
4. Confirm the action. SnapApp will scan the data source and update the field list.

Important Considerations

• Impact on Existing Data: Regenerating only updates the structure (metadata) of the object; it does not delete the actual data stored in your database.
• Broken Expressions: If you delete or rename a column in your database and then regenerate, any Workflows or Format Rules referencing that old column may fail. Always review your logic after a schema change.
• Field Personalization: Custom display names or specific field-level settings in SnapApp are generally preserved, but it is best practice to verify them after the sync.

Troubleshooting

If a new column does not appear after regenerating: 1. Check Permissions: Ensure the database user connected to SnapApp has SELECT permissions for the new column. 2. Verify Data Source: Confirm the changes were successfully committed to the database before clicking regenerate in SnapApp. 3. Check Logs: Review the Events log in the object settings to see if the sync encountered any connection errors.

Support

Thank you for following these steps to effectively manage your SnapApp experience. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please reach out to our support team. We’re here to help you get the most out of your SnapApp experience.

For support, email us at snapapp@bluevector.ai.