# Package org.eclipse.birt.report.model.api.metadata

package org.eclipse.birt.report.model.api.metadata
Defines the elements, properties, types, structures and slots in the Report Object Model.

## Package Specification

The Design Engine is based on a series of definitions that provide "meta-data" about the various objects that make up a report design. The definitions include:

Property types
  define data types for properties such as string, URI, expression, etc.
Properties
  define the attributes of report elements.
Report elements
  define objects that combine to describe the report.
Choices
  available to properties such as colors, text alignment and other attributes with a fixed set of values.
Slots
  define how elements contain other elements.
Standard styles
  defined by the product itself.

The definition information resides in the meta-data dictionary. There is one instance of the dictionary shared by all designs. The meta-data is invariant across designs.

## Related Documentation

See Also:
  - `IElementDefn`
  - ``

Related Packages
Package
Description
org.eclipse.birt.report.model.api
Tool-writer's interface for the BIRT design model (also known as the "Design Engine.")
Class
Description
ArgumentInfo
Represents the definition of argument.
ArgumentInfoList
Represents an optional argument list of a method.
ClassInfo
Represents the script object definition.
DimensionValue
Representation of a dimension property value.
IArgumentInfo
Represents the definition of argument.
IArgumentInfoList
Represents an optional argument list of a method.
IChoice
Describes the options for a property value.
IChoiceSet
Represents a set of choices on a predefined or user defined property type or property definition.
IClassInfo
Represents the script object definition.
IColorConstants
The interface for constants of colors used in BIRT.
IElementDefn
Interface for a report element definition.
IElementPropertyDefn
Interface of the Meta-data information for an element property or an extension model property.
ILocalizableInfo
Represents the abstract definition which can be localized.
IMemberInfo
Represents the definition of class member.
IMetaDataDictionary
Global, shared dictionary of design meta data.
IMetaLogger
Interface to handle meta-data errors during initialization.
IMethodInfo
Represents the method information for both class and element.
IObjectDefn
Base Interface for methods common to elements and structures.
IPredefinedStyle
BIRT defines a fixed set of predefined styles.
IPropertyDefn
Base Interface for both element property, extension model property and structure member definitions.
IPropertyType
Base class for the meta-data for property types.
ISlotDefn
Interface for the definition of a slot within an element.
IStructureDefn
Interface for the definition of a property structure: an object that is "managed" by the model to allow generic member access and undo/redo support for updates.
ITemplateMethodInfo
Represents the method information that can provide code template.
MemberInfo
Represents the definition of class member.
MetaDataConstants
Provides constants used in the meta-data package.
MetaDataReaderException
Exception thrown if an error occurs when reading the meta-data description file or the building the meta-data description.
MethodInfo
Represents the method information for both class and element.
PropertyValueException
Indicates an invalid property value.
UserChoice
Describes the user defined choices for a user defined property.
ValidationValueException
Indicates an invalid validation value.