Data Reference changes to query for concrete class without keys, but not for abstract class.

General
1

Hi Pega community,
I am creating a Data reference field and selecting a concrete class as the referenced data object. However, Pega automatically changes the field type from Data reference to Query

The referenced class is a concrete class, but it does not have any keys defined.

  • Is this expected behavior in Pega?

  • Why does Pega automatically change Data Reference to Query when the selected class has no keys?

  • Is a Data Reference supported only when the referenced class has a key?

  • If the class intentionally has no keys, is Query the recommended approach?

  • Is there a way to configure the field as a Data Reference without adding a key to the referenced class?

    Any explanation of the underlying behavior and recommended modeling approach would be appreciated.

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2

Data Reference field is designed to store a reference to a specific data record by using a unique identifier (key). Pega stores only the key and retrieves the complete record when needed. This is the fundamental purpose of a Data Reference field.

  • Is this expected behavior in Pega? Yes

  • Why does Pega automatically change Data Reference to Query when the selected class has no keys? This is working as desinged .

  • Is a Data Reference supported only when the referenced class has a key? Yes