Documentation forTask Factory

Task Factory Expression

 Task Factory users running version 2020.1.4 or older (released prior to May 27, 2020): There's an important Task Factory update. Please visit here for more details.

Expression Task

Task Icon Task Description
Task Factory Expression Task Icon The Expression Task is used to set variables and call functions using our extensive expression engine. Each action is evaluated in the order they appear in the grid.

Task Factory Expression Task

Option Description
Action The action this step in the expression task performs. There are five actions that can be performed:

  • Set Variable - This action sets the variable to the value entered in the Value/Expression column.
  • Set Variable From Expression - This action sets the variable to the result of the value returned from the expression in the Value/Expression column.
  • Replace Placeholders - This action replaces any placeholders that are part of the variable selected in the Variable column. 
    • Note:  Placeholders need to be Identified with the {{Namespace::Variable}} syntax. For example, if you have a variable named Str_Date, inside of another variable you could write The date is {{User::Str_Date}}.
  • Set Variable and Replace Placeholders - This action sets the variable to the value entered in the Value/Expression column as well as replace any variable place holders in the text.
  • Call Function - This action executes the expression set in the Value/Expression column.
Variable If the action requires you to select a variable, a drop down with all user defined variables displays.
Value/Expression Depending on the action, this contains either a static value or an expression that executes at runtime.
Validate All Selecting this button validates all the expression set in the Value/Expression column.
Test Expression Selecting this button executes the selected expression using temporary values.

Expression Editor

The Expression Editor is used to create and edit expressions that are used in any expression engine in a Task Factory task.

UI Overview

Task Factory Expression Editor Columns/Variables

Option Description
Columns / Variables Tab
The Columns/Variables tab list all of the columns available for the current component being edited, the variables and parameters and the connection managers available for the package. The columns node also lists any variable expressions defined for the current component. Any icon in the tree view that has a green icon next to it means it is being used by an expression.
Functions Tab
The Functions tab lists all of the available functions that can be used in the advanced derived column. All functions are grouped into an appropriate group based on what the function either does or returns.
Expression Editor
The Expression Editor is used to define the expression for the column or variable expression. The syntax highlighting makes it easy to recognize the functions you are using in the expression. You can use multi-line expressions and add comments to your expressions by using the /* */ syntax. Any column, connect, or function can be dragged and dropped from the tree view to the Expression window.
Validate / Test Expression Buttons
The expression editor allows you to validate and test your expressions during design time. The results appear in the Result tab.
Total Iterations? The number of times the expression will execute when you select Test Expression.
Test Input Values Tab Column/Variable, Data Type, Length, and Input Value information for the tested expression.