How to: Use Dual Inputs With Input Operators

Certain Data Workflow configurations use multiple Input operators. For example, when filtering data based on an end-user's input in another field of your module, use one Input operator to retrieve data from a data table and a second Input operator to function as your argument. This second Input operator can be configured to extract data from an alternative component, like a Dropdown component.

Configuration

In this example, you’ll create a Data Table component to store a sample dataset about some preferred dog breeds. This table will include the dog's name, breed, and size. Instead of displaying all dogs simultaneously, you’ll let your end-user select the dogs they wish to view, based on their size.

These instructions assume you have a new module open, saved, and with a title.

Configure the Data Table Component

Begin by adding a Data Table component to store your sample data.

1. In the Module Builder, drag and drop a Data Table component onto your canvas.

2. In the Label and Property Name fields, enter dtDogs.

3. In the data table, enter the following:

   A	B	C
   name	breed	size
   Buddy	Saint Bernard	large
   Zoey	Chocolate Lab	medium
   Ellie	Lhasa Apso	small
   Millie	Corgi	small
   Silas	Golden Retriever	medium
   Sadie	Newfoundland	large
   Daley	Saint Bernard	large

   

4. Click Save.

Configure the Multi-Select Dropdown Component

Next, configure a Multi-Select Dropdown component that lets your end-user's to select an option to navigate the large list of dog data.

1. Drag and drop a Multi-Select Dropdown component onto your canvas, placing it below your dtDogs Data Table component.

2. In the Property ID field, enter dogSize.

3. In the Label Text  field, enter Select a dog size:.

4. In the Option Label and Data Source Values fields, enter the following:

   Option Label	Data Source Values
   Small	small
   Medium	medium
   Large	large

   

5. Click Save & Close.

Configure the Hidden Component

Before you add your Data Workflow, you'll configure a Hidden component to store its output.

1. Drag and drop a Hidden component onto your canvas, placing it below your Select a dog size: Multi-Select Dropdown component.

2. In the Property ID and Canvas Label Text fields, enter dwfOutput.

3. Click Save.

Configure the Data Workflow Component

Now configure your Data Workflow to filter the dogs data by size and output the result to your Hidden component.

1. Drag and drop a Data Workflow component onto your canvas, placing it above your dwfOutput Hidden component.

2. In the Canvas Label Text and Property Name fields, enter dwfDogs.

3. From the Trigger Type drop-down, select Watch.

Configure the First Input Operator

1. Drag and drop an Input operator onto your Data Workflow canvas.

2. Configure the operator's Info window as follows:

   Setting	Value
   Category	Input
   Component	dtDogs
   Required	Yes
   Source	Default

Configure the Second Input Operator

1. Drag and drop a second Input operator onto your Data Workflow canvas.

2. Configure the operator's Info window as follows:

   Setting	Value
   Category	Input
   Component	dogSize
   Required	Yes
   Source	Default

Configure the Filter Operator

1. Drag and drop a Filter operator onto your Data Workflow canvas.

2. Configure the operator's Info window as follows:

   Setting	Value
   Category	Filter
   Label	Filter by Size
   Do Not Sanitize Formula	(unchecked)
   Expression	size=_arg

3. Connect the output port (right) of the dtDogs Input operator to the input port (left) of the Filter by Size Filter operator.

4. Connect the output port (right) of the dogSize Input operator to the argument port (top) of the Filter by Size Filter operator.

Configure the Output Operator

1. Drag and drop an Output operator onto your Data Workflow canvas.

2. Configure the operator's Info window as follows:

   Setting	Value
   Category	Output
   Component	dwfOutput
   Action	value

3. Connect the upper output port (right) of the Filter by Size Filter operator to the input port (left) of the dwfOutput Output operator.

   

4. Click Save.

Configure the ViewGrid Component

Next, configure a ViewGrid component to display the dogs that match your selection.

1. Drag and drop a ViewGrid component onto your canvas, placing it below your dwfOutput Hidden component.

2. In the Label and Property Name fields, enter gridDogs.

3. In the Inputs table, enter the following:

   id	Required
   dwfOutput	Yes

4. In the Display table, enter the following:

   ID	Formula	Heading
   name		Name
   breed		Breed

   

5. Click Save.

6. Save your module.

Here's how your module looks in the Module Builder:

Now, preview your module in Express View and make a selection from the drop-down menu. You'll see the ViewGrid automatically update to display the list of dogs matching your selection.