Task Factory Expression

Expression Task

Task Icon	Task Description
	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.

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

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.