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Zero Key Expression

Override the default SQL expression to generate Zero Keys in Data Vault insert scripts. Use with caution: altering this expression may affect data consistency.

The default value @@this is a placeholder meaning "use the built-in expression": BimlFlex generates a CAST of the default key value to the key's data type, in the form matching the target platform and the Hash Binary and Hash Algorithm settings (for hash-keyed models) or the primary key's data type (for natural-keyed models). Any other value entered here is used verbatim as the zero-key SQL expression in the generated scripts.

When to Change This Setting

Keep the default @@this unless your environment mandates a specific ghost/zero key representation that differs from the generated default. A custom expression must produce a value compatible with the key column's data type on the target platform, and it must remain stable over time: changing it after loads have run creates zero-key records that no longer match.

SettingInteraction
Add Zero KeysEnables zero-key substitution for empty Link keys
Use Hash KeysDetermines the format of the built-in zero key value
Hash BinaryDetermines whether the built-in zero key is a BINARY or CHAR value

Notes

  • This setting is part of the Data Vault settings category.
  • The default value for this setting is @@this.