---
title: "Thing Definition Inheritance"
slug: "thing-definition-inheritance"
updated: 2024-10-22T12:46:11Z
published: 2024-10-22T12:46:11Z
canonical: "learn.servitly.com/thing-definition-inheritance"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://learn.servitly.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Thing Definition Inheritance

Within the Thing Definition catalog, the concept of inheritance between objects can be exploited to reuse common elements. When creating a Thing Definition, you can select a Super Thing Definition from which to inherit sub-elements.

![](https://cdn.document360.io/6759e9c9-3ce3-49df-965a-7231d2d9a10a/Images/Documentation/image(25).png)

This allows you to define a basic Thing Definition with all the elements (e.g. metrics, parameters) that will be commonly used by other more specialized Thing Definitions. Inheritance allow reducing the effort to configure a new Thing Definition, that for instance, is very similar to another already present (e.g. Steam Oven → Oven).

> [!CAUTION]
> Note that, at present, once a Super Thing Definition is selected it will not be possible to change it to another, this is to avoid [loss of data](/docs/data-retention).
> 
> In the future this will be possible through a refactoring feature.

From a *Super Thing Definition*, you can inherit all the sub-elements, including:

- RAW Metrics, Computed Metrics
- Configuration Parameters, Commands, Home Assistants
- Insight Metrics
- Events of type Failures, Anomalies, and Normal Operations, Work Sessions
- Dashboards and Templates
- Firmware
- Documentation
- Rules
- Actions

If needed, you can override elements, for instance, to redefine a template including more specific data.

![](https://cdn.document360.io/6759e9c9-3ce3-49df-965a-7231d2d9a10a/Images/Documentation/image(28).png)

> [!CAUTION]
> At the moment the override action is limited only to *Dashboard,* *Template, Automation and Work Session* elements.
> 
> Other elements may also be overwritten in the future.