A physical data object is the physical representation of data that is used to read from, look up, or write to data sources. If the data object source changes, you can synchronize the physical data object. When you synchronize a physical data object, the Developer tool reimports the object metadata.
You can create any physical data object in a project or folder. Physical data objects in projects and folders are reusable objects. You can use them in any type of mapping, mapplet, or profile, but you cannot change the data object within the mapping, mapplet, or profile. To update the physical data object, you must edit the object within the project or folder.
You can include a physical data object in a mapping, mapplet, or profile. You can add a physical data object to a mapping or mapplet as a read, write, or lookup transformation. You can add a physical data object to a logical data object mapping to map logical data objects.
You can also include a physical data object in a virtual table mapping when you define an SQL data service. You can include a physical data object in an operation mapping when you define a web service.