---
title: "Introduction to Data Workflow I/O Operators"
slug: "introduction-to-data-workflow-io-operators"
updated: 2025-09-26T00:38:56Z
published: 2025-09-26T00:38:56Z
canonical: "docs.unqork.io/introduction-to-data-workflow-io-operators"
---

> ## 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.

# Introduction to Data Workflow I/O Operators

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](/v1/docs/console-operator) operator for troubleshooting your Data Workflows in the DevTools Console.

## I/O Operators

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

| Operator | Description |
| --- | --- |
| [Input](/v1/docs/input-operator) | Lets you retrieve data from 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](/v1/docs/data-table-component) component to the Input operator and select `Binded Table` from the **Source** setting. |
| [Group Input](/v1/docs/group-input-operator) | 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](/v1/docs/input-operator) 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](/v1/docs/output-operator) | 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](/v1/docs/create-valueoperator) operator and connect it as an input. Or, use a [Set Outputs](/v1/docs/set-outputs-operator) operator instead of an Output operator. The Set Outputs operator lets you create the trigger value using the **setValue** setting. |
| [Set Outputs](/v1/docs/set-outputs-operator) | 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](/v1/docs/console-operator) | 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. > [!NOTE] > It's a best practice to remove Console operators when you finish configuration and testing. |
| [Create Table](/v1/docs/create-table-operator) | 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](/v1/docs/create-value-operator) | 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](/v1/docs/output-operator) operator to set values for Post Triggers. |

## Resources

- [Introduction to Data Workflow](/v1/docs/introduction-to-data-workflow)
- [Data Workflow Component](/v1/docs/data-workflow-component)
- [Introduction to Data Workflow Gateways Operators](/v1/docs/gateways-operators)
- [Introduction to Data Workflow Table Operators](/v1/docs/table-operators)
- [Introduction to Data Workflow Array Operators](/v1/docs/array-operators)
- [Introduction to Data Workflow Object Operators](/v1/docs/object-operators)
- [Introduction to Data Workflow Value/String Operators](/v1/docs/valuestring-operators)

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