How refinements relate to attributes

Once the source records are loaded into the data domain, the Endeca Server uses attributes on the Endeca records for refinements.

In other words, the attribute values for refinements are derived from attributes defined on records. Attributes, in turn, are typically generated from attributes on the source records. Attributes consist of key-value pairs.

In addition, managed attributes can have a multi-level hierarchy, can be enumerated, and can have specs. They can also be searched and displayed using their display names. These characteristics of managed attributes affect the ways in which you control refinements.