The Property Browser presents several options to select a record from a data table. The resulting target path created typically returns one of the two field values from the record, either the code or value. In some cases it may return the record, depending on the context in which the path is evaluated.
Target Paths for Data Table Records
When using the Property Browser for a target path to select a data table record, the options presented include selection via rule or position, as well as the current record. Typically the selection also includes specifying the field from the record to return. By default the value field is returned. Right clicking on any of the selection nodes provides a context menu where this default can be changed to the code field.
The following is an example of the options presented for a data table’s target path in the Property Browser:
- The current data table record
- The first data table record
- The last data table record
- Select a record based on a rule
The Current Data Table Record: When the node Current Record in Data Table is selected, the record returned by the target path is the “current” record. The concept of a current record typically relates to the record in the data table currently selected in a list, or possibly in some other context where a current record exists, for example in a nested target path where the parent path includes a record’s selection based on some other criteria.
The First Data Table Record: When the node First Record in Data Table is selected, the record returned is the first one stored in the table on the Agentry Client. It is important to note that the order of the records in a data table is not guaranteed, nor are the records sorted in any manner by the Agentry Client. However, the synchronization logic of the data table can order the records during retrieval to provide an order for their storage on the Client.
As an option to this selection, right clicking on the node presents a context menu with the option to specify a record at a position relative to the first. This position is set numerically, with the first record in the table at position 1.
The Last Data Table Record: When the node Last Record in Data Table is selected, the record returned is the last one stored in the table on the Agentry Client. It is important to note that the order of the records in a data table is not guaranteed, nor are the records sorted in any manner by the Agentry Client. However, the synchronization logic of the data table can order the records during retrieval to provide an order for their storage on the Client.
As an option to this selection, right clicking on the node presents a context menu with the option to specify a record at a position relative to the last. This position is set numerically, with the last record in the table at position 1. The second to last record is then at position 2, and so forth.
Select a Record Based on a Rule: When the node Select Record in Data Table by Rule is selected, a rule definition must be selected or defined. This rule is evaluated once for each record in the table, with the record in context. The rule’s return data type is Boolean. The default behavior is to select the first record in the table for which the rule returns true, at which point the rule is no longer evaluated.
As optional behaviors, the return value of false can be used to specify the record to select. Also, the last record for which the rule returns true (or false, depending on the option selected) can be the one returned. If the last record is selected, the rule will always be evaluated for each record in the data table.