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Formula In-DB Tool

Version:
2023.1
Last modified: May 17, 2023

Use Formula In-DB to create or update fields in an In-DB data stream with an expression using the native language of the database, like SQL. Use the Formula In-DB tool to modify data within a database based on an expression or data relationship.

In-Database enables blending and analysis against large sets of data without moving the data out of a database and can provide significant performance improvements over traditional analysis methods. For more about the In-Database tool category, visit In-Database Overview.

While most In-DB tools do not require SQL commands, this tool requires SQL for more advanced processing.

Configure the Tool

  • Output Field: This is the field the formula will be applied to. Choose a field listed in the dropdown or add a new field.
  • Type: Select the appropriate Data Type of the new field. If an existing field is selected, the Type is for reference only.
  • Expression: The expression box is for reference only. It populates with the expression built-in SQL Expression. The formulas constructed here are embedded within a SELECT statement.
  • Navigation buttons: Use the up or down arrows to set the order of formula execution. Select the "-" button to delete the selected formula.
  • SQL Expression: Build the expression to be applied to the specified field.

    • Use the Insert Fields dropdown to pick from available fields to construct your formula. Select a field name to add it to the expression field, or write a custom expression. The expression is added to the Expression field at the top as it is being written.
    • A SELECT command is not required to write a CASE statement in the In-DB Formula tool. You can use the expression: CASE WHEN "FIELDNAME" = 'condition' THEN 'calculation'...END
  • Insert Fields: A list of available columns that can be inserted in the SQL Expression editor.
  • Validate expression here at runtime: Provides information about errors contained in the expression.
    • When checked, a query is sent to the database and any errors are reported in the Messages display for the tool.
    • When unchecked, the query is not sent until the In-Database workflow is complete and any errors are reported in the Messages display in any downstream tools.
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