Synatic processes records one at a time through a flow. So, if you wanted to import records from a database and send them to a spreadsheet, the resulting process would create a separate spreadsheet for each record.
If you use the Combine step, each record will be aggregated into one dataset, which can then be written to a single spreadsheet.
This step is similar to adding objects to a List or array in traditional programming.
Using a Combine Step
The Combine step is located in the Combiner drawer in the Steps palette. To use the Combine step:
Select and drag the Combine step to the desired location in the flow.
Give the step a name and a short meaningful description.
Note: To add a Combine step, first insert a Source Step or Reader Step in the flow, then insert the Combine step directly after.
Configuring the Combine step
The only configuration required for this step is giving the step a name and a meaningful description.
Options
None.
Advanced Mode Options
None.
Examples
Let's say you want to import 10 records from a JSON file and save them as line items in a single spreadsheet.
Use a JSON reader step to read in the 10 records from a JSON formatted data file.
The records are then passed to the Combine step to aggregate them into a single record array.
The array elements will then be processed by the Excel writer step and converted to line items in a spreadsheet.
Limitations and known issues
None.
Useful Tutorials
Revisit the Getting Started page for a refresher.
Read more about Steps here.