Variables in the Target Structure
Use
By using variables, you can calculate a value that is required in multiple target-field mappings in a block before the target-field mapping is executed. Thus, if the target-field mappings of numerous target fields are identical, you can save time when defining the target-field mapping by defining it once for a variable and then assigning the variable to all other target fields.
Activities
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To create a variable, call the context menu for a field in the target structure that has additional sub elements in the structure, and choose Add Variable . The mapping editor inserts the variable as the first sub node for the field. It is visible for all nodes on the same hierarchy level, and for all sub nodes.
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To use a variable V as a target field, double-click the variable. You can now define a target-field mapping for variable V in the data-flow editor. In this target-field mapping, you can also use the values of variables that come before variable V in the structure.
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To use a variable as a source field in a target-field mapping, drag the variable to the data-flow editor by using drag and drop.
Example
In the following example, a date is to be constructed from the elements Month , Day and Year . The date is then required for a target-field mapping to the elements Date and TimeStamp . You can simplify both target-field mappings by using the variable DateVar :
