Input Panel

Input Panel

Overview

The Input–Processing–Output (IPO) model is a simple way to explain how any automation works — whether it’s a computer program, business process, or integration flow. Input is the data or information provided to an automation.

Input Section

  1. The Input section provides the details on the inbound message, and the following tabs are provided in the section:
    1. Data section: The Data section provides the name of the processed units of the flow. 
    2. Message: The section displays the inbound message of the selected unit.  
  2. The section header displays the section name and an icon to toggle between code view and tree view. To display the inbound message, the section provides the following view modes:
    1. Tree View
    2. Code View
  3. By default, inbound data is displayed in tree view mode. 

Switch Between Code and Tree View

  1. By default, the message will be displayed in Tree View.
  2. The tree view provides the following icons in the toolbar:
    1. Find: This option allows you to find any parameter in the inbound message.
    2. Font: You can set the message font for clearer viewing. The available font size range is from 8 to 24. Select the desired value from the drop-down.

  1. Click on the Switch to Code View icon.

  1. The inbound message gets switched to code view.
  2. Click the icon again to switch back to tree view mode.

Data Section

  1. The section provides the list of units that are processed.
  2. A Search option is also provided to search for the unit name from the list.
  3. You can also arrange the units either in ascending order (A to Z) or descending order (Z to A) using the icon next to the search icon. By default, the units are arranged in ascending order. Click the icon to switch to descending order. Click again to return to the default ascending order.
  4. You can click on any of the units to view data processed by the selected unit.

View/Modify Input Message (Tree View)

  1. You can view the inbound message in tree/code view.
  2. By default, the message will be displayed in tree view.
  3. The tree view provides the following icons in the toolbar:
    1. Find: This option allows you to find any parameter in the inbound message.
    2. Font: You can set the message font for clearer viewing. The available font size range is from 8 to 24. Select the desired value from the drop-down.
  4. If you click on any of the parameters in the inbound message, the corresponding parameter in the outbound message will be highlighted.
  5. You can modify any parameter in the message and click the Save button to save the changes.


View/Modify Inbound Message (Code View)

  1. If you have switched to code view mode, the inbound data will be shown in code.
  2. The code view provides the following icons in the toolbar:
    1. Cut: 
      1. Function: Removes the selected text or object from its current location and places it on the clipboard.
      2. Use Case: Moving content from one place to another.
    2. Copy:
      1. Function: Copies the selected text or object to the clipboard without removing it from its original location.
      2. Use Case: Duplicating content.
    3. Paste:
      1. Function: Inserts the clipboard content into the current location.
      2. Use Case: Adding previously cut or copied content.
    4. Find:
      1. Function: Searches for specific text or patterns within the document or code.
      2. Use Case: Quickly locating words, phrases, or code snippets.
    5. Replace:
      1. Function: Finds specific text and replaces it with new text.
      2. Use Case: Updating repeated terms or correcting errors throughout a document.
    6. Beautify:
      1. Function: Formats code or text to make it more readable and properly indented.
      2. Use Case: Cleaning up messy code for better readability.
    7. Word Wrap:
      1. Function: Ensures that long lines of text automatically wrap to fit within the visible window without horizontal scrolling.
      2. Use Case: Easier reading and editing of long lines.
    8. Maximize: 
      1. Function: Expands the editor or window to full screen for better focus and visibility.
      2. Use Case: Working without distractions or seeing more content at once.
  3. If you click on any of the parameters in the inbound message, the corresponding parameter in the outbound message will be highlighted.
  4. You can modify any parameter in the message and click the Save button to save the changes.

Variable Section

  1. The section will display the defined variables. You can create global or local variable on the section.
  2. To open the Variable section, click on the Variable menu.
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  1. A list of the variables gets displayed. The list provides both global and local variables.
    1. Global Variables: 
      1. A global variable is one declared at a higher level and accessible from any part of the flow.
      2. Key Characteristics: 
        1. Accessible throughout the entire flow
        2. Can be used by multiple units
        3. Retains its value during the flow execution
      3. When to Use:
        1. Shared configuration values
        2. Data that must be reused across multiple units
        3. Environment-level settings
    2. Local Variables:
      1. A local variable is declared inside a specific unit or block and can only be accessed within that scope.
      2. Key Characteristics: 
        1. Limited visibility
        2. Exists only within the unit
        3. Not accessible outside the specific unit
      3. When to Use:
        1. Unit-specific logic
        2. Temporary calculations
        3. Intermediate processing values
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Add Variables

  1. To add variables, click on the (+) icon as shown on the screen.
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  1. An Add Variable pop-up will appear, displaying the following fields. All fields are mandatory.
  2. Variable Name:
    1. It is a text field; you can enter the variable name in this field.
    2. You are free to use any name of your choice.
  3. Scope:
    1. You need to select the variable scope from the drop-down.
    2. The following scopes are provided in the drop-down:
      1. Local: A local variable is declared within a specific unit and can be accessed only by that unit. 
      2. Global: A global variable is one declared at a higher level and accessible to all units from any part of the flow.
  4. Variable Type:
    1. Once you have selected the scope, select the variable type from the drop-down.
    2. The following variable types are available:
      1. Fixed: A fixed variable has a constant value that you manually define, and it does not change during execution. 
      2. User: A user variable gets its value from user input.
      3. Expression: An expression variable is calculated using logic or formulas.
  5. Once you have filled all the fields, click on the Add button.
  6. Click Cancel to close the pop-up.
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  1. The newly added variable gets added to the list.
  2. Now you can edit the variable and set the values.
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Edit Variables

  1. To edit any variable, hover over the variable band and click on the Edit icon.
  2. Based on the variable type, the edit screen will open.
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    Edit Fixed Variable Type

    1. Clicking the edit icon opens the Fixed Variable pop-up.
    2. You can modify the value in the Value field. This field is mandatory and cannot be left blank.
    3. Once the modification is complete, click the Save button.
    4. Click on the Cancel button to close the pop-up. 
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    Edit User Defined Variable Type

    1. Clicking the edit icon opens the User Variable pop-up. You can modify the following fields:
      1. Label: This field allows you to change the label of the variable.
      2. Description: This field allows you to change the existing description.
      3. Mandatory: Make the variable mandatory or non-mandatory using the Yes or No from the drop-down. 
      4. Data Type: This field allows you to set the data type for the selected variable. 
      5. Default Value: Set the default value for the selected variable. 
    2. Once the modification is complete, click the Save button.
    3. Click on the Cancel button to close the pop-up. 
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    Edit Expression Variable Type

    1. Clicking the edit icon opens the Expression Variable pop-up.
    2. You can modify the existing expression of the variable. You can define the expression in the expression field. If you need any variable in your expression, you can drag and drop it from the list. Please note that you cannot use (drag & drop) the selected variable in your expression. 
    3. Once the modification is complete, click the Save button.
    4. Click on the Cancel button to close the pop-up.
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    Delete Variables

    1. To delete any variable, hover over the variable band and click on the Delete icon.
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    1. A Delete Variable pop-up will appear.
    2. Click on the Yes button to delete the chosen variable.
    3. Click on the No button close the pop-up.
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