# How To Use Generic Database Messages

One of the most compelling features of Model-Glue:Unity is its automated database capabilities. By using the Reactor framework, Model-Glue:Unity automates the creation and execution of common database tasks, such as single table CRUD (create, read, update, delete) and basic listing (SELECT).

The framework accomplishes this by automatically loading a controller (the "DataController") that listens for what are known as the "Generic Database Messages" (GDMs) These are a set of commands you can use inside your ModelGlue.xml file to invoke automatic database functions.

The GDMs also provide all data access functionality for event handlers created through the <scaffold> tag.

The four GDMs that the DataController is configured to listen for are as follows:

1. modelglue.GenericList
   When this message is broadcast, the DataController will attempt to list records from a given table.

2. modelglue.GenericRead
   When this message is broadcast, the DataController will attempt to read a specific record from a given table.

3. modelglue.GenericCommit
   When this message is broadcast, the DataController will attempt to save a record to a given table.

4. modelglue.GenericDelete
   When this message is broadcast, the DataController will attempt to delete a record from a given table.