Although Data Structures represent a separate concept, they are an extension to the ITP Model development language with new types that define a collection of member variables. Each member of such a collection is treated as a variable with its own type. Model developers can work with the Data Structure as a whole or manipulate members as if they were variables of the specified type.
Note
In contrast to other ITP types Data Structure variables are treated as references. If a Data Structure variable is assigned to another variable both variables will share the same content and changes made to either variable will apply to the other variable as well. This differs from other types where an assignment will cause an explicit copy of the contents.
If contents should not be shared the model developer must use the statement NEW when assigning Data Structure variables. The statement NEW will copy all contents to the new variable.