decision-table-creation

A decision table maps condition values to actions in a compact format where top rows list conditions and columns represent rules. This reveals completeness gaps, contradictions, and redundancy that prose rules hide.

Limited-entry decision tables use controlled values like Y, N, or a don't-care dash for conditions, while extended-entry tables use specific values. Mixed-entry formats combine both to map condition values to actions.

Checking decision table completeness and consistency involves verifying every condition combination is covered or explicitly marked irrelevant, ensuring no two rules give different actions for the same condition set, and removing redundant rules.

You need a decision table for business rules when you have a defined decision scope with multiple condition types and need to verify the complete rule space, check consistency, and define an explicit default rule.

Yes, you can export your decision table to DMN format and generate diagrams. This optional feature provides standardized documentation and visual support for the mapped condition values and actions.

The best way to handle default rules in a decision table is to specify an explicit default rule that defines the actions to fire when no other condition combinations match the supplied business logic.