Append Operator (2024)

Overview

The Append operator lets you bring together values from two different fields. But not in the way the Aggregate operator's Sum By function does it. The Append operator doesn't add the values as the Aggregate operator does. Instead, the Append operator brings your values together as one value. Suppose you want to create a unique username from a first name and last name field. If you enter the first name Willow and last name Kusko, the Append operator brings them together to make WillowKusko.

But the Append operator isn't limited to input fields. The operator also lets you append data tables. Say you collected names and birthdates in two different places. You can use the Append operator to bring them together.

Similar Data Workflow Operators

The Append operator is similar to the Extend and Aggregate operators. Here are the operators compared:

• Append operator: Combines strings or arrays together. It appends strings using concatenation. It appends two arrays into one array.

• Extend operator: Combines two objects into a single object. The Extend operator is typically used with Group Input operators to create objects with more than six fields.

• Aggregate operator: Performs calculations on two or more numbers. This operator supports the Sum By, Count By, Mean By, Max By, and Min By operations.

What You'll Learn

In this article, you'll learn:

• About the Append operator's settings.

• How to add and configure an Append operator.

• How to edit an Append operator's settings.

• How to copy an Append operator.

• How to delete an Append operator.

  See Also

  What are the differences between append, appendcols, and join search commands?Combining multiple data sources in SPLDifference Between Append and Extend in Python List Methods | Scaler TopicsWhat are the differences between append, appendpipe, and appendcols search commands?

About the Info Window

Here's what an Append operator looks like, along with its Info window:

And here's a breakdown of each setting in the Info window:

Adding an Append Operator

The following example shows the Append operator in action, using a Data Workflow to bring 2 values together. First, you'll configure Text Field components to serve as your inputs. Then, you'll use a Data Workflow to append the values.

Here's how the completed use case looks in the Module Builder:

Here's how the completed use case looks in Express View:

What You Need

To set up this use case, you need:

• 3 Text Field components

• 1 Data Workflow component

To set up your Data Workflow, you need:

• 2 Input operators

• 1 Append operator

• 1 Output operator

NOTE These instructions assume you have a new module open and saved with a title.

Configure the Text Field Components

First, add 3 Text Field components. Your first 2 components serve as your input fields. And your third component serves as the output for your Data Workflow. This last Text Field is where you see your input fields appended.

Configure the Data Workflow Component

Next, add your Data Workflow component. You bring your data into the Data Workflow using 2 Input operators. Then, you add an Append operator to bring both values together. Finally, you display the result using an Output operator.

Configure the First Input Operator

Configure the Second Input Operator

Configure the Append Operator

Configure the Output Operator

Now, preview your module in Express View and enter values into your Text Field components. As you type, you can see the values come together in your Appended Value field.

Editing an Append Operator's Settings

You can revisit and make changes to this operator.

A 5-button toolbar displays above the component on hover-over.

2.

Click the (Settings) button to open the Data Workflow canvas.

Copying an Append Operator

You can make a copy of your operator using familiar keyboard settings. You can copy and paste an exact copy of your operator, matching all settings.

A 5-button toolbar displays above the component on hover-over.

2.

Click the (Settings) button to open the Data Workflow canvas.

TIP You can copy more than one operator at a time. Hold Command or Ctrl on your keyboard and click all the operators you want to copy. Follow the rest of the steps as usual.

TIP Did you know you can copy an operator and paste it into a different Data Workflow? You'll use the same steps outlined above.

Deleting an Append Operator

Lastly, you can delete this operator from your Data Workflow canvas. You can also use these same steps to delete a connection between two operators.

A 5-button toolbar displays above the component on hover-over.

2.

Click the (Settings) button to open the Data Workflow canvas.

NOTE Once you delete this operator, make sure to connect your remaining operators. If your Data Workflow path doesn't end with an Output or Console operator, your Data Workflow won't work. So, once you delete an operator, make sure to update any remaining paths to end at an Output or Console operator.

Resources

• Append Operator Use Case: Appending Tables

Lab

You can view the complete use case here: https://training.unqork.io/#/form/5f6b933c85a56f024db58195/edit.