Introduction to Data Workflow I/O Operators

Estimated Reading Time:  3 minutes

Overview

The I/O operators (or Input/Output operators) let you input data, create tables and values, and output data to components. You can also use the Console operator for troubleshooting your Data Workflows in the DevTools Console The DevTools Console helps you securely store, build, test, and deploy your software..

What You'll Learn

In this article, you'll get an overview of the various Data Workflow I/O operators.

I/O Operators

Below is a list of the Data Workflow I/O operators with descriptions of how to use them.

Operator

Description

Input

Lets you retrieve data from a another component and bring it into your Data Workflow. Use the Component drop-down to select an existing component in your module. Set Required to Yes if a value must exist in the component for the Data Workflow to run. To set up a Binded Table, connect a Data Table component to the Input operator and select Binded Table from the Source setting.

Group Input

Creates a single object that contains all fields referenced in the Component and Component 1-5 fields. Use the Component 1-5 fields to add additional fields to your object. You can use this operator instead of an Input operator if you need to retrieve data from more than one source.

NOTE  You must select one field from the Component drop-down menu.

Output

An Output operator marks the end of a Data Workflow path. Use the Component setting to select a component in your module to output the data. The Action setting applies to the component selected in the Component field. This operator is commonly used for outputting data by setting the Action field to Value or triggering events.

TIP  Some actions require creating a value to trigger the event. For example, a Value of Yes for an Action of Reset. You can use a Create Value operator and connect it as an input. Or, use a Set Outputs operator instead of an Output operator. The Set Outputs operator lets you create the trigger value using the setValue setting.

Set Outputs

Applies the same output action to multiple components simultaneously. Select up to five existing components in the Component 1-5 fields. The action varies depending on your selection from the Action setting. The Set Outputs operator lets you create the trigger value using the setValue setting. This operator is commonly used for outputting data by setting the Action to Value or triggering events.

NOTE  The same action and value applies to every component set as an output.

Console

Watches the progress of data passing through your Data Workflow operators. This operator is useful for monitoring and troubleshooting individual steps in the DevTools Console The DevTools Console helps you securely store, build, test, and deploy your software..

NOTE  It's a best practice to remove Console operators when you finish configuration and testing.

Create Table

Creates an empty table (array of objects). Use the Number of Rows setting to define how many empty rows (objects) to add. You can set Create Index to Yes to add a key index to each row. The value is an integer value of the index position in the array.

Create Value

Lets you create a value and pass it into the Data Workflow. This operator can create a number, string, or Boolean value. You can either set the value directly in the Value/Expression field or use _arg to reference the input connected to the top argument port. This operator is commonly used with an Output operator to set values for Post Triggers.

Resources