---
title: "How to: Add Missing Values Using a Clean Keys Operator"
slug: "clean-keys-operator-adding-missing-values"
description: "Use the Clean Keys operator to fill missing fields in your data set, ensuring accurate tracking of employee AWS certifications and needs."
updated: 2025-11-24T16:08:23Z
published: 2025-11-25T16:08:31Z
canonical: "docs.unqork.io/clean-keys-operator-adding-missing-values"
---

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

# How to: Add Missing Values Using a Clean Keys Operator

UDesignerClassic Designer

## Overview

You use the **Clean Keys** **operator** to fill in missing fields in your data set. In most applications, data is stored as arrays, where each item is organized into keys (or fields). However, some records might lack certain keys or values you need. The Clean Keys operator helps by inserting missing keys and assigning them the values.

## Configuration

Imagine you’re working with a data set that tracks employee AWS (Amazon Web Services) certifications. To identify which employees still need certification, you can use the Clean Keys operator to add a new key, like `needsCertification`, to each record. That way, you to clearly label and act on employees who haven't been certified.

> [!WARNING]
> This example highlights a secondary capability of the Clean Keys operator. While it can be used to insert entirely new fields into your data set, its primary function is to populate missing values in keys that already exist.

> [!NOTE]
> These instructions assume you have a new module open, saved, and with a title.

### Configure the Data Table Component

First, you'll add a [Data Table](https://docs.unqork.io/docs/data-table-component) component to store employee certification information.

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 `dtAWSCertData`.
3. In the data table, enter the following:

| firstName | certification | accountValue | dateOfBirth |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Blair | aws solutions architect | 1000000 | 07/23/90 |
| JJ | none | 678900 | 02/26/89 |
| Jim | none | 1000000 | 01/04/88 |
| Evan | aws developer | null |  |
| Charlotte | aws security | 5000000 | 02/01/91 |
| Amy | aws database | 5439294 |  |
| Brian | aws machine learning |  |  |
| Rupert | none |  |  |

![A static image displaying the configuration of the dtAWSCertData Data Table.](https://cdn.us.document360.io/15548f06-2fba-434c-b0c1-5df88317dbd7/Images/Documentation/UD_Clean%20Keys-Update_dtAWSCertData.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-09T03%3A51%3A07Z&se=2026-11-09T04%3A51%3A07Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=%2BsGWVorK9zLUB%2FsZXBTJqJ5vK1UfqdQQYuuh6g6ZMGQ%3D)
4. Click **Save Component**.

### Configure the Hidden Component

Then you'll add a [Hidden](https://docs.unqork.io/docs/hidden-component) component to store the output from your Data Workflow.

1. Drag and drop a **Hidden** component onto your canvas, placing it below the `dtAWSCertData` **Data Table** component.
2. In the **Property ID** and **Canvas Label Text** fields, enter `getCert`.
3. Click **Save Component**.

### Configure the Data Workflow Component

Next, you'll add a [Data Workflow](https://docs.unqork.io/docs/data-workflow-component) component that takes your data and adds the certification values.

1. Drag and drop a **Data Workflow** component onto your canvas, placing it below the `getCert` **Hidden** component.
2. In the **Property ID** and **Canvas Label Text** fields, enter `dwfFilterMissingKeys`.

![A static image displaying the configuration of the dwfFilterMissingKeys Data Workflow.](https://cdn.us.document360.io/15548f06-2fba-434c-b0c1-5df88317dbd7/Images/Documentation/UD_Clean%20Keys-Update___dwfFilterMissingKeys.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-09T03%3A51%3A07Z&se=2026-11-09T04%3A51%3A07Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=%2BsGWVorK9zLUB%2FsZXBTJqJ5vK1UfqdQQYuuh6g6ZMGQ%3D)

#### 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:

| Setting | Value |
| --- | --- |
| category | Input |
| Component | dtAWSCertData |
| required | Yes |
| source | Default |

#### Configure the First Console Operator

Next, you'll add a [Console](https://docs.unqork.io/docs/console-operator) operator to display the status of your data before it passes through a [Filter](https://docs.unqork.io/docs/filter-operator) 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 | Input Data |
3. Connect the output port (right) of the `dtAWSCertData` **Input** operator to the input port (left) of the `Input Data` **Console** operator.

#### Configure the Filter Operator

Then, you'll add a [Filter](/v1/docs/filter-operator) operator to remove certified employees from your data set.

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 Cert |
| Do Not Sanitize Formula | ![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/15548f06-2fba-434c-b0c1-5df88317dbd7/Images/Documentation/Checked_Box(7).png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-09T03%3A51%3A07Z&se=2026-11-09T04%3A51%3A07Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=%2BsGWVorK9zLUB%2FsZXBTJqJ5vK1UfqdQQYuuh6g6ZMGQ%3D) (checked) |
| Expression | certification="none" |
3. Connect the output port (right) of the `dtAWSCertData` **Input** operator to the input port (left) of the `Filter Cert` **Filter** operator.

#### Configure the Second Console Operator

Next, you'll add another Console operator to display the status of your data after it passes through the `Filter Cert` **Filter** operator.

1. Drag and drop another **Console** operator onto your Data Workflow canvas.
2. Configure the operator's **Info** window as follows:

| Setting | Value |
| --- | --- |
| category | Console |
| label | Filter Result |
3. Connect the output port (top right) of the `Filter Cert` **Filter** operator to the input port (left) of the `Filter Result` **Console** operator.

#### Configure the Clean Keys Operator

Now, you'll pass your data through a [Clean Keys](https://docs.unqork.io/docs/clean-keys-operator) operator to add the `Needs Certification` key to the data set. The operator will also add `Yes` to the missing values in the new key.

1. Drag and drop a **Clean Keys** operator onto your Data Workflow canvas.
2. Configure the operator's **Info** window as follows:

| Setting | Value |
| --- | --- |
| category | Clean Keys |
| label | Fill Needs Cert |
| Fill If | Missing |
| Keys | needsCert |
| Fill With | Yes |
3. Connect the output port (right) of the `Filter Cert` **Filter** operator to the input port (left) of the `Fill Needs Cert` **Clean Keys** operator.

#### Configure the Third Console Operator

You'll add one last Console operator to display the status of your data after the `Fill Needs Cert` **Clean Keys** operator.

1. Drag and drop another **Console** operator onto your Data Workflow canvas.
2. Configure the operator's **Info** window as follows:

| Setting | Value |
| --- | --- |
| category | Console |
| label | Fill Qualify |
3. Connect the output port (right) of the `Fill Needs Cert` **Clean Keys** operator to the input port (left) of the `Fill Qualify` **Console** 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 | getCert |
| action | value |
3. Connect the output port (right) of the `Fill Needs Cert` **Clean Keys** operator to the input port (left) of the `getCert` **Output** operator.
4. Save your **Data Workflow**.

### Configure the ViewGrid Component

Next, configure a [ViewGrid](https://docs.unqork.io/docs/viewgrid-component) component to display your data set with the filled data values.

1. Drag and drop a **ViewGrid** component onto your canvas, placing it below the `dwfFilterMissingKeys` **Data Workflow** component.
2. In the **Property ID** and **Label Text** fields, enter `vgNeedCertificates`.
3. In the **Inputs** table, enter `getCert` and select **Required**.
4. In the **Display** table, enter the following:

| Display | Formula | Heading |
| --- | --- | --- |
| firstName |  | First Name |
| certification |  | Certification |
| accountValue |  | Account Value |
| dateOfBirth |  | Date of Birth |
| needsCert |  | Needs Certification |
5. In the **Action** field, enter `null`.

> [!NOTE]
> Using null prevents the dashboard from showing Submit buttons on each row.

![A static image displaying the configuration of the vgNeedCertificates ViewGrid component.](https://cdn.us.document360.io/15548f06-2fba-434c-b0c1-5df88317dbd7/Images/Documentation/UD_Clean%20Keys-Update__vgNeedCertificate.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-09T03%3A51%3A07Z&se=2026-11-09T04%3A51%3A07Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=%2BsGWVorK9zLUB%2FsZXBTJqJ5vK1UfqdQQYuuh6g6ZMGQ%3D)
6. Click **Save**.

### Configure the Button Component

Lastly, configure a [Button](https://docs.unqork.io/docs/button-component) component to trigger your Data Workflow.

1. Drag and drop a **Button** component onto your canvas, placing it below the `dtAWSCertData` **Data Table** component.
2. In the **Property ID** field, enter `btnNeedsCert`.
3. In the **Label Text** field, enter `Identify Who Needs Certification`.
4. From the **Action Type** drop-down, select **Event**.
5. In the **On Click** field, enter `dwfFilterMissingKeys`.

![A static image displaying the configuration of the btnNeedsCert Button component.](https://cdn.us.document360.io/15548f06-2fba-434c-b0c1-5df88317dbd7/Images/Documentation/UD_Clean%20Keys-Update__btnNeedsCert.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-09T03%3A51%3A07Z&se=2026-11-09T04%3A51%3A07Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=%2BsGWVorK9zLUB%2FsZXBTJqJ5vK1UfqdQQYuuh6g6ZMGQ%3D)
6. Click **Save Component**.
7. **Save** your module.

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

![A static image displaying the module created to explain the Update operation using the Clean Keys operator.](https://cdn.us.document360.io/15548f06-2fba-434c-b0c1-5df88317dbd7/Images/Documentation/UD_Clean%20Keys-Update_Module.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-09T03%3A51%3A07Z&se=2026-11-09T04%3A51%3A07Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=%2BsGWVorK9zLUB%2FsZXBTJqJ5vK1UfqdQQYuuh6g6ZMGQ%3D)

Preview the module in Express View and open the DevTools Console. Click the **Identify Who Needs Certification** button to display the data. Expand the three arrays of your Console operators. The original data table displays in the first `Input Data` **Console**. The updated data displays in the `Filter Result` **Console** array. Now, only uncertified employees display in the data table because you added a new data key to the filtered results using the **Missing** setting. In the `Fill Qualify` **Console** array, you'll see the added key `needsCert` display with the value of `Yes`.

![A static image displaying the Express View and DevTools Console.](https://cdn.us.document360.io/15548f06-2fba-434c-b0c1-5df88317dbd7/Images/Documentation/DWF_Clean_Keys_UC_6.jpg?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-09T03%3A51%3A07Z&se=2026-11-09T04%3A51%3A07Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=%2BsGWVorK9zLUB%2FsZXBTJqJ5vK1UfqdQQYuuh6g6ZMGQ%3D)

## Overview

You use the **Clean Keys** **operator** to fill in missing fields in your data set. In most applications, data is stored as arrays, where each item is organized into keys (or fields). However, some records might lack certain keys or values you need. The Clean Keys operator helps by inserting missing keys and assigning them the values.

## Configuration

Imagine you’re working with a data set that tracks employee AWS (Amazon Web Services) certifications. To identify which employees still need certification, you can use the Clean Keys operator to add a new key, like `needsCertification`, to each record. That way, you to clearly label and act on employees who haven't been certified.

> [!WARNING]
> This example highlights a secondary capability of the Clean Keys operator. While it can be used to insert entirely new fields into your data set, its primary function is to populate missing values in keys that already exist.

> [!NOTE]
> These instructions assume you have a new module open, saved, and with a title.

### Configure the Data Table Component

First, you'll add a [Data Table](https://docs.unqork.io/docs/data-table-component) component to store employee certification information.

1. In the Module Builder, drag and drop a **Data Table** component onto your canvas.
2. In the **Property ID** and **Canvas Label Text** fields, enter `dtAWSCertData`.
3. In the data table, enter the following:

| firstName | certification | accountValue | dateOfBirth |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Blair | aws solutions architect | 1000000 | 07/23/90 |
| JJ | none | 678900 | 02/26/89 |
| Jim | none | 1000000 | 01/04/88 |
| Evan | aws developer | null |  |
| Charlotte | aws security | 5000000 | 02/01/91 |
| Amy | aws database | 5439294 |  |
| Brian | aws machine learning |  |  |
| Rupert | none |  |  |

![A static image displaying the dtAWSCertData Data Table.](https://cdn.us.document360.io/15548f06-2fba-434c-b0c1-5df88317dbd7/Images/Documentation/CD_Clean%20Keys%20-%20Update__dtAWSCertData.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-09T03%3A51%3A07Z&se=2026-11-09T04%3A51%3A07Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=%2BsGWVorK9zLUB%2FsZXBTJqJ5vK1UfqdQQYuuh6g6ZMGQ%3D)
4. Click **Save**.

### Configure the Hidden Component

Then you'll add a [Hidden](https://docs.unqork.io/docs/hidden-component) component to store the output from your Data Workflow.

1. Drag and drop a **Hidden** component onto your canvas, placing it below the `dtAWSCertData` **Data Table** component.
2. In the **Property ID** and **Canvas Label Text** fields, enter `getCert`.
3. Click **Save & Close**.

### Configure the Data Workflow Component

Next, you'll add a [Data Workflow](https://docs.unqork.io/docs/data-workflow-component) component that takes your data and adds the certification values.

1. Drag and drop a **Data Workflow** component onto your canvas, placing it below the `getCert` **Hidden** component.
2. In the **Canvas Label Text** and **Property Name** fields, enter `dwfFilterMissingKeys`.

![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/15548f06-2fba-434c-b0c1-5df88317dbd7/Images/Documentation/DWF_Clean_Keys_UC_4.jpg?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-09T03%3A51%3A07Z&se=2026-11-09T04%3A51%3A07Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=%2BsGWVorK9zLUB%2FsZXBTJqJ5vK1UfqdQQYuuh6g6ZMGQ%3D)

#### 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:

| Setting | Value |
| --- | --- |
| category | Input |
| Component | dtAWSCertData |
| required | Yes |
| source | Default |

#### Configure the First Console Operator

Next, you'll add a [Console](https://docs.unqork.io/docs/console-operator) operator to display the status of your data before it passes through a [Filter](https://docs.unqork.io/docs/filter-operator) 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 | Input Data |
3. Connect the output port (right) of the `dtAWSCertData` **Input** operator to the input port (left) of the `Input Data` **Console** operator.

#### Configure the Filter Operator

Then, you'll add a [Filter](/v1/docs/filter-operator) operator to remove certified employees from your data set.

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 Cert |
| Do Not Sanitize Formula | Checked (yes) |
| Expression | certification="none" |
3. Connect the output port (right) of the `dtAWSCertData` **Input** operator to the input port (left) of the `Filter Cert` **Filter** operator.

#### Configure the Second Console Operator

Next, you'll add another Console operator to display the status of your data after it passes through the `Filter Cert` **Filter** operator.

1. Drag and drop another **Console** operator onto your Data Workflow canvas.
2. Configure the operator's **Info** window as follows:

| Setting | Value |
| --- | --- |
| category | Console |
| label | Filter Result |
3. Connect the output port (top right) of the `Filter Cert` **Filter** operator to the input port (left) of the `Filter Result` **Console** operator.

#### Configure the Clean Keys Operator

Now, you'll pass your data through a [Clean Keys](https://docs.unqork.io/docs/clean-keys-operator) operator to add the `Needs Certification` key to the data set. The operator will also add `Yes` to the missing values in the new key.

1. Drag and drop a **Clean Keys** operator onto your Data Workflow canvas.
2. Configure the operator's **Info** window as follows:

| Setting | Value |
| --- | --- |
| category | Clean Keys |
| label | Fill Needs Cert |
| Fill If | Missing |
| Keys | needsCert |
| Fill With | Yes |
3. Connect the output port (right) of the `Filter Cert` **Filter** operator to the input port (left) of the `Fill Needs Cert` **Clean Keys** operator.

#### Configure the Third Console Operator

You'll add one last Console operator to display the status of your data after the `Fill Needs Cert` **Clean Keys** operator.

1. Drag and drop another **Console** operator onto your Data Workflow canvas.
2. Configure the operator's **Info** window as follows:

| Setting | Value |
| --- | --- |
| category | Console |
| label | Fill Qualify |
3. Connect the output port (right) of the `Fill Needs Cert` **Clean Keys** operator to the input port (left) of the `Fill Qualify` **Console** 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 | getCert |
| action | value |
3. Connect the output port (right) of the `Fill Needs Cert` **Clean Keys** operator to the input port (left) of the `getCert` **Output** operator.
4. Click **Save**.

### Configure the ViewGrid Component

Next, configure a [ViewGrid](https://docs.unqork.io/docs/viewgrid-component) component to display your data set with the filled data values.

1. Drag and drop a **ViewGrid** component onto your canvas, placing it below the `dwfFilterMissingKeys` **Data Workflow** component.
2. In the **Label** and **Property Name** fields, enter `gridNeedCertificates`.
3. In the **Action** field, enter `null`.

> [!TIP]
> Using null prevents the dashboard from displays a Submit button on each row.
4. In the **Inputs** table, under the **id** column, enter `getCert`.
5. In the **Display** table, enter the following:

| Display | Formula | Heading |
| --- | --- | --- |
| firstName |  | First Name |
| certification |  | Certification |
| accountValue |  | Account Value |
| dateOfBirth |  | Date of Birth |
| needsCert |  | Needs Certification |

![A static image displaying the configuration of the gridNeedCertificates ViewGrid component.](https://cdn.us.document360.io/15548f06-2fba-434c-b0c1-5df88317dbd7/Images/Documentation/CD_Clean%20Keys%20-%20Update_gridNeedCertificates.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-09T03%3A51%3A07Z&se=2026-11-09T04%3A51%3A07Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=%2BsGWVorK9zLUB%2FsZXBTJqJ5vK1UfqdQQYuuh6g6ZMGQ%3D)
6. Click **Save**.

### Configure the Button Component

Lastly, configure a [Button](https://docs.unqork.io/docs/button-component) component to trigger your Data Workflow.

1. Drag and drop a **Button** component onto your canvas, placing it under the `dtAWSCertData` **Data Table** component.
2. In the **Property ID** field, enter `btnNeedsCert`.
3. In the **Label Text** field, enter `Identify Who Needs Certification`.
4. Set the **Action Type** as **Event**.
5. In the **On Click** field, enter `dwfFilterMissingKeys`.

![A static image displaying the btnNeedsCert Button component.](https://cdn.us.document360.io/15548f06-2fba-434c-b0c1-5df88317dbd7/Images/Documentation/CD_Clean%20Keys%20-%20Update__btnNeedsCert.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-09T03%3A51%3A07Z&se=2026-11-09T04%3A51%3A07Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=%2BsGWVorK9zLUB%2FsZXBTJqJ5vK1UfqdQQYuuh6g6ZMGQ%3D)
6. Click **Save**.
7. **Save** your module.

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

![A static image displaying the configuration of the module for explaining updating using the Clean Keys operator.](https://cdn.us.document360.io/15548f06-2fba-434c-b0c1-5df88317dbd7/Images/Documentation/CD_Clean%20Keys%20-%20Update_Module.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-09T03%3A51%3A07Z&se=2026-11-09T04%3A51%3A07Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=%2BsGWVorK9zLUB%2FsZXBTJqJ5vK1UfqdQQYuuh6g6ZMGQ%3D)

Preview the module in Express View and open the DevTools Console. Click the **Identify Who Needs Certification** button to display the data. Expand the three arrays of your Console operators. The original data table displays in the first `Input Data` **Console**. The updated data displays in the `Filter Result` **Console** array. Now, only uncertified employees display in the data table because you added a new data key to the filtered results using the **Missing** setting. In the `Fill Qualify` **Console** array, you'll see the added key `needsCert` display with the value of `Yes`.

![A static image displaying the Express View and DevTools Console.](https://cdn.us.document360.io/15548f06-2fba-434c-b0c1-5df88317dbd7/Images/Documentation/DWF_Clean_Keys_UC_6.jpg?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-09T03%3A51%3A07Z&se=2026-11-09T04%3A51%3A07Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=%2BsGWVorK9zLUB%2FsZXBTJqJ5vK1UfqdQQYuuh6g6ZMGQ%3D)

An array is a type of object that stores one or more data types. Data types supported in arrays include numbers, strings, and objects.

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.

The DevTools Console helps you securely store, build, test, and deploy your software.

## Related

- [Data Workflow Component](/data-workflow-component.md)
- [Introduction to Data Workflow](/introduction-to-data-workflow.md)