1. Metadata fundamentals

1.1. What this covers

  • Core concepts: object types, classes, properties, value lists, aliases

  • Class tables and column mapping: how properties materialize in SQL

  • Direction of change: M-Files → SQL vs SQL → M-Files and when to use which

  • Happy path and guardrails for keeping metadata aligned in integrations

1.2. Quick start checklist

  1. Confirm object types and classes in scope; list required properties.

  2. Verify class tables and property columns exist; create missing ones if needed.

  3. Align aliases across vault and SQL; ensure deterministic IDs in all environments.

  4. Decide update strategy (event‑driven vs batch); enable logging early.

  5. Review property/column usage to detect schema drift and address with metadata refresh routines.

1.3. See also