Data Source Field Editor

Last modified on 2022/05/28 10:52

The field editor enables you to:

  • View the contents of a data source.
  • Select the columns that can be used by widgets pointing to it.
  • Check the type of each field, e.g. date, integer, etc. so that data can be correctly processed by widgets. 

Example

Field type in a CSV file containing the yearly number of incidents handled by Service Desk.

Data source Field type
Automatic recognition Manual modification

Field Types Editor - Datasource example.png

Download Zip icon.png Download example (CSV file)

  • Support Member: Unrecognized type
  • 2015 / 2016 / 2017: Integer
  • Support Member: String
  • 2015 / 2016 / 2017: Integer, thousands separator None

Notes

  • Information on field types of EasyVista data sources is automatically retrieved from the database.
  • By default, all of the data source columns are selected.
  • In edit mode, only the first 15 data source records are displayed. In execute mode, all of the data source records are displayed.
  • The names of data source columns are displayed in the logged-in user's language based on field names in the database.
  • You can modify the names of data source columns. The customization will only apply to the current app.
  • You can use different options for certain field types to narrow down the field.

    example  

    • Integer field ==>  Specify the thousands separator.
    • Date field ==>  Specify the date format.

Caution

  • For CSV data sources, remember to specify delimiters for the downloaded file. This enables the field editor to read file data correctly.

    example  In the example below, the Column Separator Character property is specified. This property identifies the delimiter in the CSV file used to separate each row of data into columns.

Not check icon.png   Incorrect configuration Check icon.png   Correct configuration

Column Separator Character: ,   (comma)

==>   The editor displays a single column (all data source columns are concatenated)

Bad configuration example.png

Column Separator Character: ;   (semicolon)

==>   The editor displays the five columns in the file

Good configuration example.png

Best Practice

  • Check and correct if required the field type of the data source. The automatic detection may not work correctly for REST data sources or CSV files.

Access

In the Properties Inspector of a data source, click the button found below the Configure Field Types property

Screen description

        Field Types Editor.png

The field editor is made up of two zones:

  • (1) Left pane: List of fields available, not selected in the data source. These fields cannot be displayed in widgets pointing to the data source.
    • Move handle Apps - Grip icon.png above the field or radio button next to the field: Used to display a field in the data source by moving it to the right pane.
  • (2) Right pane: Preview of the selected fields in the data source and the first 15 records of the data source. These fields can be displayed in widgets pointing to the data source.
    • Move handle Apps - Grip icon.png above the column header: Used to move the column within the table.
    • Check icon.png: Used to remove the field from the data source selection by moving it back to the left pane. You can also use its move handle Apps - Grip icon.png.
    • Apps - Edit icon.png: Used to modify the default name for the data source column header.
    • Apps - Delete 2 icon.png: Used to reset the data source column name and return to the default name.
    • Type: List of field types available. A list of additional options will automatically be displayed for certain field types.

Procedure: How to use the field editor

Step 1: Open the field editor for a data source.

1. Go to the data source you want.

The Properties Inspector will appear.

2. Click the button found below the Configure Field Types property.
The field editor will appear.
 

Step 2: Select the fields you want to use in the app.

1. Add the fields you want from the left pane.

  • Click the radio button next to the field. It will automatically be positioned after the last data source column.
  • You can also select the move handle Apps - Grip icon.png above the field name and move it to the relevant area in the right pane table.
             Add field from left pane.png

2. Remove the fields you do not want from the right pane.

  • Click Check icon.png in the column header. It will automatically be moved in the left pane.
  • You can also click the move handle Apps - Grip icon.png above the column header of the field and move it to the left pane.
             Delete field from right pane.png
     

Step 3: Define the properties of the fields.

Type of the fields

1. Modify if required the type of each field using the Type drop-down list found below each column header. 

2. Specify the additional options that are automatically displayed based on the type of field.

Name of the fields

1. You want to modify the name of a column.

  • Click Apps - Edit icon.png in the column header of the field.
  • Enter the new name of the field.

2. You want to reset the field name.

  • Click Apps - Delete 2 icon.png.
    The default name will display in the logged-in user's language.

 

Step 4: Arrange the columns in the right pane.

1. Click the move handle Apps - Grip icon.png above the column header of a field.

2. Move the column to the relevant area in the right pane table.
 

Step 5: Save the information.

1. Click OK.
The field editor will close. All widgets pointing to the data source will automatically be updated.

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