Save array in rule input

RE: Save array in rule input

Shwapx — Thu, 02 May 2024 15:40:16 GMT

One last question from me and I will go and close the discussion. Is there a place where I can see how to setup properly multi drop down field in records? I feel like there is lack of information in general, there are not that many videos and guides online.

RE: Save array in rule input

Mike Schmitt — Thu, 02 May 2024 14:18:14 GMT

Yes generally your data structure needs to account for when a single entry needs to be tied to several sub-items by ID - you can't just magically force a single selection data column handle multiple selections of something.

RE: Save array in rule input

Vasil Chetinov — Thu, 02 May 2024 13:45:29 GMT

So this is what you suggest.

If each "document" (row) needs to hold many "SDS Language" IDs, then you'd need to make a separate table to hold each instance of a Language ID and the Document ID it belongs to. I assume there's a way to use Record Relationships to make managing this on the front-end a bit faster.

RE: Save array in rule input

Mike Schmitt — Thu, 02 May 2024 12:38:26 GMT

[quote userid="234483" url="~/discussions/f/general/34844/save-array-in-rule-input/134591"]Isn't multiple dropdown supposed to make array which means have all the values in one field [/quote]

Not if your data structure doesn't support it - and since each row of your data ties to a single integer field for this value, that means each row can hold a single value for that item.

RE: Save array in rule input

Shwapx — Thu, 02 May 2024 07:06:50 GMT

But Isn't multiple dropdown supposed to make array which means have all the values in one field so it will be 1 row even if you have multiple dropdown. Or I guess it's not working like that. I'm now curious of how people use multiple dropdown it seems weird.

RE: Save array in rule input

Mike Schmitt — Wed, 01 May 2024 19:16:11 GMT

So you're trying to use a Multiple Dropdown for "SDS_Language". But for each row of your db / record, it is a single ID. That means each row can store a single associated ID, meaning you can't use a multiple dropdown for it (which explains why it isn't working).

RE: Save array in rule input

Shwapx — Wed, 01 May 2024 19:12:15 GMT

Here is the table:

Now I have requestID as relation ship with another table which will eventually store all of the information for single request. So for single request I can have multiple documents rows. And I have one to many relationship.

RE: Save array in rule input

Mike Schmitt — Wed, 01 May 2024 18:57:21 GMT

Is it just writing to a single column in the DB table? Because if so, it can't really easily hold multiple values. You'd need to set up a link table or something.

[quote userid="234483" url="~/discussions/f/general/34844/save-array-in-rule-input/134581"]Actually how to setup it as an array in my record type setup[/quote]

I'm not actually sure that's possible. Are you able to show a screenshot of the configuration of the associated DB table?

RE: Save array in rule input

Shwapx — Wed, 01 May 2024 18:49:50 GMT

Actually how to setup it as an array in my record type setup, because I don't see that option. I've just created the records using the interface. And they are all integers since the dropdown choices are with numbers, so 1 will be "Option 1", 2 will be "Option 2".. of course that data will be changes later on. So in SDS_Language i want to store for example 1,2 which will be Option 1, Option 2 and also the other 2 columns which are single dropdown selection which works fine and it's saved properly in the rule input.

RE: Save array in rule input

Mike Schmitt — Wed, 01 May 2024 17:52:13 GMT

Generally we don't store multiple values in a single field of a single row of a record / CDT. Or are you saying "SDS_Language" is actually configured as an array within your record type setup?

RE: Save array in rule input

Shwapx — Wed, 01 May 2024 17:40:59 GMT

So what I should do, how I can proceed with this? Isn't this the essential of Appian to be able to work with records, how to submit the form when I need the data in rule input to be able to submit it via process model? I think I'm not getting something, I have the ability to use multi drop down, but I don't have the ability to save the values from it?

RE: Save array in rule input

Mike Schmitt — Wed, 01 May 2024 17:05:41 GMT

[quote userid="234483" url="~/discussions/f/general/34844/save-array-in-rule-input/134570"]But it's saving if you use local variables[/quote]

Local variables (depending on what you're trying) can slightly more easily store arrays inside variables inside parent arrays - this is usually not as easy to do with CDT data however.

RE: Save array in rule input

Shwapx — Wed, 01 May 2024 16:00:45 GMT

But it's saving if you use local variables, so I can save multiple values in single multi drop property. I'm using Records and it's setup like this:

RE: Save array in rule input

Mike Schmitt — Wed, 01 May 2024 15:55:09 GMT

The simple answer is you probably won't be able to save multiple values into a single-value field in a single row of a CDT / RecordType data, depending I suppose on how you have the "SDS_Data" property of your record type configured.