How to: Set Up the Merge Operator's Outer Feature

This how-to guide explores merging data using the Merge operator's Outer feature. This is a unique feature that separates values that do not share the same key between two data tables. All values from the operator’s upper input table whose key does not match the values of the lower input table will display in the new table.

Configuration

Let's say you have a data table that includes insurance policyholders' names and their birthdates. Then, you have a second data table storing the policyholders' names and their premiums. These two tables include similar and different names. Instead of merging values with matching keys, let’s say you only want values that do not match that key. In this how-to guide, you’ll set up the Merge operator's key as the policyholder name. After the merge, only upper input values that do not contain the same policyholders as the lower input will display in the new table.

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

Configure the First Data Table Component

First, set up a Data Table component with a list of annuitants and their dates of birth.

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

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

3. In the data table, enter the following:

   annuitant	dob
   Kris Marrier	01/01/1990
   Mattie Poquette	12/12/1989
   Ezekiel Chui	04/05/1980

   

4. Click Save & Close.

Configure the Second Data Table Component

Next, set up another Data Table component with another list of annuitants and their insurance policy premiums.

1. Drag and drop a Data Table component onto your canvas, placing it below your previous Data Table component.

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

3. In the data table, enter the following:

   annuitant	premium
   Kris Marrier	50000
   Mattie Poquette	25000
   Willow Kusko	20000

   

4. Click Save & Close.

Configure the Data Workflow Component

Next, set up a Data Workflow component and configure the Merge operator. How you configure the operator's inputs becomes important when using the Outer feature. Every upper input value whose key does not match the lower input values is displayed in your new table.

1. Drag and drop a Data Workflow component onto your canvas, placing it below your Data Table components.

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

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	dtAnnuitant
   Required	Yes
   Source	Default

Configure the Second Input Operator

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

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

   Setting	Value
   Category	Input
   Component	dtPremiums
   Required	Yes
   Source	Default

Configure the Merge Operator

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

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

   Setting	Value
   Category	Merge
   Label	Merge Outer
   Merge Type	Outer
   Keep Flag	False
   Renaming	Replace
   Rows to Keep	First
   Merge Key	annuitant

3. Connect the output port (right) of the dtAnnuitant Input operator to the upper input port (left) of the Merge operator.

4. Connect the output port (right) of the dtPremiums Input operator to the lower input port (left) of the Merge operator.

Configure the Console Operator

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

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

   Setting	Value
   Category	Console
   Label	Outer Merge Result

3. Connect the output port (right) of the Merge operator to the input port (left) of the Console operator.

   

4. Click Save.

Configure the Button Component

Lastly, add a Button component to trigger the Data Workflow.

1. Drag and drop a Button component onto your canvas, placing it below your Data Workflow component.

2. In the Property ID field, enter btnMergeOuter.

3. In the Label Text field, enter Outer Merge.

4. Set the Action Type as Event.

5. Select dwfMergeOuter from the On Click dropdown.

   

6. Click Save & Close.

7. Save your module.

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

Preview your module in Express View and open the DevTools Console. Click the Outer Merge button to trigger the Data Workflow. All you see is Ezekiel Chui's name and birthdate. Because Kris Marrier and Mattie Poquette exist in both tables, the Outer feature excludes them from the new table. This feature keeps only the upper input values that do not match those of the lower input.

For further testing, switch the inputs of your Merge operator and trigger the operation. You'll see very different values in your new table.