View source for Restrict Code IDs In A Codelist

[[Category:How_To]]

= Restricting the Code IDs in a Codelist =
It is possible to create a Codelist which specifies a restriction on the code IDs that can be created within the Codelist. This is useful if you wish to ensure that the codes in your codelist conform to a specific format

To achieve this, on step 1 of the Codelist Wizard enter a Regular Expression in the input area titled: "Restrict Codes". For example to restrict the codes to only be 3 upper-case alphabetic characters, you could use the Regular Expression:  '''[A-Z]{3}'''

When you define your codes within the Codelist you should specify IDs that conform to this restriction. The Registry User Interface will not warn you if the restriction is not adhered to. When you click "Finish" and submit the Codelist to the Registry, all the codes all checked to ensure that they meet the standard defined in the Regular Expression.



= Applying a Restriction to an existing Codelist =
If you have a Codelist with code IDs already in it, it is permissable to apply a restriction.  This is achieved by editing the existing codelist and on step 1, entering the Regular Expression in the appropriate field. Clicking "Finish" will attempt to save the Codelist in the Registry. 

If any of the code IDs do not conform to the Regular Expression, you will be informed by way of an error message on the screen. You will then need to either change the codes or change the Regular Expression.