In Datarails, the data you upload into a Filebox is translated and stored in the database using the Data Mapper. This data is organized within tables, which represent the database in the environment. For more details, read about tables.

Using the Data Mapper, you can add various types of fields to the table, such as date fields, number fields, and text fields. Each field type serves a specific purpose and helps in organizing data efficiently.

Before delving into the different field types, it’s crucial to understand the Data Mapper structure.

There are two places where you can view and edit field types: within the Data Mapper itself and in the Tables section. Learn how to change field types.

Field Types

Text: Identified by the symbol "ABC".
Decimal: Identified by the symbol "1.2".
Whole Number: Identified by the symbol "123".
Date: Identified by the calendar icon.
True/False: Identified by the symbol "✔/✖"

Change Field Type

If you are using a date field in Dashboards, you cannot change the field format. 

Data Mapper

1. Open the Data Mapper for the relevant Filebox. Learn how to access the Data Mapper. 
2. Hover over the field name in the database preview at the bottom of the screen that you want to change. Click on the pencil icon next to the field,

3. In the 'Edit Field' window, change the field type and adjust any necessary settings. To hide the field, select the 'Mark as Hidden' checkbox.

4. Click on Apply to save your changes.

Tables Section

1. Navigate to the workspace and click on 'Tables' in the left pane.
2. Select the table name you wish to edit.
3. The Table Fields list will open, showing all fields in the table along with their types.
4. Click the pencil icon next to the field you want to modify.
5. In the edit window, adjust the field type as needed.
6. Click ok to apply your changes, then confirm by clicking Yes.

Field Type settings

Each field type have different settings as follows:

Whole Number & Decimal Number

Format: Adjust the number format by adding a currency sign, showing percentages, adding commas, and adjusting decimal points. In the Data Mapper, the Example box previews your chosen number format. In the Tables section, the example appears next to the format.

Text

Letter Case: Adjust the case of each value in the field to suit your needs. Options include uppercase, lowercase, capitalize, and proper case.

Trim: Use this option to remove any blank spaces from the values.

Date

If a field in the source file is formatted as a date field, the Data Mapper will automatically collect it as a date field.

Ignore hours and minutes: By default, dates are rounded to the day, and the 'Ignore hours and minutes' box is checked. To preserve specific hours and minutes, untick this box.

Input format: Sometimes fields contain dates in different formats (such as European dates), and the Data Mapper may translate them incorrectly. To correct this, adjust the input format by entering the appropriate format (e.g., %d/%m/%y).

Format: Use the format option to change how the date appears in the database. An example will appear below the Format box, showing the chosen date format. Clicking on the format box will present a list of possible formats.

Updated July 11, 2024 09:31