Join Operator

Overview

Use the Join operator to combine strings of a data array An array is a type of object that stores one or more data types. Data types supported in arrays include numbers, strings, and objects. into a new array. For example, let's say you have an array of client names. You want to combine them into another array, with each name listed one after the other. The Join operator helps you reorganize these names into this new format. It also lets you separate them, so your list isn't one indecipherable line. The operator lets you use anything to separate your data, like a comma, colon, or semi-colon.

It's important to note that the Join operator only works with arrays. Data tables are arrays of objects. If you try to input a column of names from a Data Table component directly, [object Object] displays in the DevTools Console The DevTools Console helps you securely store, build, test, and deploy your software..

You can find the Join operator under the Array group to the left of your Data Workflow canvas.

About the Info Window

Here's a breakdown of the operator's Info window:

Setting	Description
Category	Grayed out and non-adjustable setting indicating the operation type.
Label	Sets the label for your operator, displaying below the operator on your Data Workflow canvas. This field is optional, but set a label if you use more than one of the same operator type. A label helps you identify your operators without opening any Info windows.
Preserve Argument Type	When selected, this setting ensures the argument data type is respected when the operator executes.
Separator	This is the character or symbol you use to separate your data. Examples are a comma, colon, hyphen, or semi-colon, but you can choose anything you want. You can also choose to use _arg as your separator.

Adding a Join Operator

For this example, you'll configure a Data Table component with a list of contributing authors and the institutions where they work. Before you pass the data to a Join operator, you'll convert the table data to an array using a Col2Array operator. Then, you'll pass this data to the Join operator, separating the combined data using semi-colons.

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

Configure the Data Table Component

First, set up a Data Table component to store a list of contributing authors and the institutions where they work.

1.

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

2.

In the Property ID A Property ID is the unique field ID used by Unqork to track and link components in your module. and Canvas Label Text Canvas Label Text indicates the purpose of the corresponding field or component. For non-input components, the Canvas Label Text isn't end-user facing, and only appears in the . fields, enter dtAuthors.

3.

In the data table, enter the following:

4.

Click Save Component.

Configure the Hidden Component

Next, configure a Hidden component to store your Data Workflow's output.

1.

Drag and drop a Hidden component onto your canvas, placing it below your dtAuthorsData Table component.

2.

In the Property ID A Property ID is the unique field ID used by Unqork to track and link components in your module. and Canvas Label Text Canvas Label Text indicates the purpose of the corresponding field or component. For non-input components, the Canvas Label Text isn't end-user facing, and only appears in the . fields, enter joinOutput.

3.

Click Save Component.

Configure the Data Workflow Component

Next, set up a Data Workflow component with a Col2Array operator to turn your table data into an array. Then, use the Join operator to combine all your author's names in one line, separated by semi-colons. To better help you watch the progress of your Data Workflow, add three Console operators to view the process.

1.

Drag and drop a Data Workflow component onto your canvas, placing it between the dtAuthorsData Table and joinOutput Hidden components.

2.

In the Property ID A Property ID is the unique field ID used by Unqork to track and link components in your module. field, enter dwfJoinAuthors.

3.

In theCanvas Label Text Canvas Label Text indicates the purpose of the corresponding field or component. For non-input components, the Canvas Label Text isn't end-user facing, and only appears in the ., enter dwfJoinAuthors.

Configure the Input Operator

1.

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

2.

Configure the operator's Info window as follows:

Configure the Col2Array Operator

1.

Drag and drop a Col2Array operator onto your Data Workflow canvas.

2.

Configure the operator's Info window as follows:

3.

Connect the output port (right) of the dtAuthorsInput operator to the input port (left) of the fullName ArrayCol2Array operator.

Configure the Join Operator

1.

Drag and drop a Join operator onto your Data Workflow canvas.

2.

Configure the operator's Info window as follows:

3.

Connect the output port (right) of the fullName ArrayCol2Array operator to the input port (left) of the Join AuthorsJoin 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:

3.

Connect the output port (right) of the Join AuthorsJoin operator to the input port (left) of the joinOutputOutput operator.

Configure the First Console Operator

1.

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

2.

Configure the operator's Info window as follows:

3.

Connect the output port (right) of the dtAuthorsInput operator to the input port (left) of the Before Array Console operator.

Configure the Second Console Operator

1.

Drag and drop another Console operator onto your Data Workflow canvas.

2.

Configure the operator's Info window as follows:

3.

Connect the output port (right) of the fullName ArrayCol2Array operator to the input port (left) of the fullName ArrayConsole operator.

Configure the Third Console Operator

1.

Drag and drop the final Console operator onto your Data Workflow canvas.

2.

Configure the operator's Info window as follows:

3.

Connect the output port (right) of the Join AuthorsJoin operator to the input port (left) of the Join Authors Console operator.

4.

Click Save Component.

5.

Save  your module.

Here's how the completed example looks in the Module Builder:

Preview your module in Express View Express View is how your end-user views your application. Express View also lets you preview your applications to test your configuration and view the styling. This is also the view your end-users will see when interacting with your application. After configuring a module, click Preview in the Module Builder to interact with the module in Express View. and open up the DevTools Console The DevTools Console helps you securely store, build, test, and deploy your software.. When you expand the Console, you'll see the progression of your Data Workflow. First, your Col2Array operator puts your colleague's full names into an array. Then, your Join operator combines those names, separating each with a semi-colon.

Overview

Use the Join operator to combine strings of a data array An array is a type of object that stores one or more data types. Data types supported in arrays include numbers, strings, and objects. into a new array. For example, let's say you have an array of client names. You want to combine them into another array, with each name listed one after the other. The Join operator helps you reorganize these names into this new format. It also lets you separate them, so your list isn't one indecipherable line. The operator lets you use anything to separate your data, like a comma, colon, or semi-colon.

It's important to note that the Join operator only works with arrays. Data tables are arrays of objects. If you try to input a column of names from a Data Table component directly, [object Object] displays in the DevTools Console The DevTools Console helps you securely store, build, test, and deploy your software..

You can find the Join operator under the Array group to the left of your Data Workflow canvas.

About the Info Window

Learn more about each setting in the Join operator's Info window:

Setting	Description
Category	Grayed out and non-adjustable setting indicating the operation type.
Label	Sets the label for your operator, displaying below the operator on your Data Workflow canvas. This field is optional, but set a label if you use more than one of the same operator type. A label helps you identify your operators without opening any Info windows.
Preserve Argument Type	When selected, this setting ensures the argument data type is respected when the operator executes.
Separator	This is the character or symbol you use to separate your data. Examples are a comma, colon, hyphen, or semi-colon, but you can choose anything you want. You can also choose to use _arg as your separator.

Adding a Join Operator

For this example, you'll configure a Data Table component with a list of contributing authors and the institutions where they work. Before you pass the data to a Join operator, you'll convert the table data to an array using a Col2Array operator. Then, you'll pass this data to the Join operator, separating the combined data using semi-colons.

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

Configure the Data Table Component

First, set up a Data Table component to hold your contributing authors and the institutions where they work.

1.

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

2.

In the Property ID A Property ID is the unique field ID used by Unqork to track and link components in your module. and Canvas Label Text Canvas Label Text indicates the purpose of the corresponding field or component. For non-input components, the Canvas Label Text isn't end-user facing, and only appears in the . fields, enter dtAuthors .

3.

In the data table, enter the following:

4.

Click Save & Close.

Configure the Hidden Component

Next, configure a Hidden component to hold your Data Workflow's output.

1.

Drag and drop a Hidden component onto your canvas, placing it below your dtAuthorsData Table component.

2.

In the Property ID A Property ID is the unique field ID used by Unqork to track and link components in your module. and Canvas Label Text Canvas Label Text indicates the purpose of the corresponding field or component. For non-input components, the Canvas Label Text isn't end-user facing, and only appears in the . fields, enter joinOutput.

3.

Click Save & Close.

Configure the Data Workflow Component

Now, it's time to set up your Data Workflow component. Use a Col2Array operator to turn your table data into an array. Then, use the Join operator to put all your author's names in one line. You can configure the operator to use a semi-colon to separate the names. To better help you watch the progress of your Data Workflow component, also add three Console operators.

1.

Drag and drop a Data Workflow component onto your canvas, placing it between the dtAuthorsData Table component and joinOutput Hidden component.

2.

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

Configure the Input Operator

1.

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

2.

Configure the Input operator's Info window as follows:

Configure the Col2Array Operator

1.

Drag and drop a Col2Array operator onto your Data Workflow canvas.

2.

Configure the Col2Array operator's Info window as follows:

3.

Connect the output port (right) of the dtAuthorsInput operator to the input port (left) of the fullName ArrayCol2Array operator.

Configure the Join Operator

1.

Drag and drop a Join operator onto your Data Workflow canvas.

2.

Configure the Join operator's Info window as follows:

3.

Connect the output port (right) of the fullName ArrayCol2Array operator to the input port (left) of the Join AuthorsJoin operator.

Configure the Output Operator

1.

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

2.

Configure the Output operator's Info window as follows:

3.

Connect the output port (right) of the Join AuthorsJoin operator to the input port (left) of the joinOutputOutput operator.

Configure the First Console Operator

1.

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

2.

Configure the Console operator's Info window as follows:

3.

Connect the output port (right) of the dtAuthorsInput operator to the input port (left) of the Before Array Console operator.

Configure the Second Console Operator

1.

Drag and drop another Console operator onto your Data Workflow canvas.

2.

Configure the Console operator's Info window as follows:

3.

Connect the output port (right) of the fullName ArrayCol2Array operator to the input port (left) of the fullName ArrayConsole operator.

Configure the Third Console Operator

1.

Drag and drop the final Console operator onto your Data Workflow canvas.

2.

Configure the Console operator's Info window as follows:

3.

Connect the output port (right) of the Join AuthorsJoin operator to the input port (left) of the Join Authors Console operator.

4.

Click Save.

5.

Save your module.

Here's how the completed exampl looks in the Module Builder:

Preview your module in Express View Express View is how your end-user views your application. Express View also lets you preview your applications to test your configuration and view the styling. This is also the view your end-users will see when interacting with your application. After configuring a module, click Preview in the Module Builder to interact with the module in Express View. and open up the DevTools Console The DevTools Console helps you securely store, build, test, and deploy your software.. When you expand the Console, you'll see the progression of your Data Workflow. First, your Col2Array operator puts your colleague's full names into an array. Then, your Join operator combines those names, separating each with a semi-colon.