The Insert Column transformation in Nexadata Pipelines enables you to add new columns to your dataset with a default value. Currently, calculations are not supported within this transformation; however, calculation functionality is planned for future updates.
This transformation is ideal for enhancing your dataset by adding default values such as dates, status labels, or placeholders to streamline data consistency. You can configure the transformation using either Natural Language Mode for an automated setup or Advanced Mode for greater customization.
Inputs for the Insert Column Transformation
Name of the Transformation:
In Natural Language Mode, the transformation is automatically named, but it can be updated in Advanced Mode. Example names include "Insert Status Column" or "Add Default Date Column."New Column Name:
Define the name of the new column, such as "Status", "Default_Date", or "Category_Label".Position of the New Column:
Select where to place the new column within your dataset:First: Insert the column at the beginning of the dataset.
Last: Add the column at the end of the dataset.
Before/After: Position the new column before or after a specified column.
Reference Column:
If you choose Before or After as the position, select a reference column to set the exact placement.Default Value:
Specify the default value for the new column, such as a static date ("2023-01-01") or text ("Pending Review").
Using Natural Language Mode
In Natural Language Mode, you can simply describe the column you wish to insert, and Nexadata will create the transformation automatically. While this mode names the transformation, you can update it in Advanced Mode as needed.
Example Instructions in Natural Language Mode
"Insert a column named
Review_Statuswith a default text valuePending Review.""Add a column
LastUpdatedwith the default date01/01/2000."
If Natural Language Mode does not fully capture your needs, switch to Advanced Mode for further customization.
Using Advanced Mode
Advanced Mode provides complete control over the Insert Column transformation configuration. Here, you can manually set up the new column's name, default value, and placement within the dataset.
Steps in Advanced Mode
Name of the Transformation: Provide or update the transformation name, like "Insert Status Column" or "Add Default Date Column."
New Column Name: Assign a unique name to the column, such as "Status" or "Default_Date".
Position of the New Column: Select the desired placement for the column:
First: At the start of the dataset.
Last: At the end of the dataset.
Before/After: Specify a reference column if positioning Before or After.
Default Value: Enter the default value, such as a specific date or text label (e.g., "Not Applicable").
Example in Advanced Mode
Name of the Transformation: Insert Review Status
New Column Name: Review_Status
Default Value: "Pending Review"
Position: Last
Advanced Mode enables precise control, allowing you to define how and where the new column should appear within your dataset.
Example Use Case
The Insert Column transformation is particularly useful for adding columns with consistent default values across all rows. For instance, to standardize a review status for each entry, you could add a column named Review_Status with a default value of "Pending Review."
Example Configuration
Transformation Name: Insert Review Status
New Column Name: Review_Status
Default Value: "Pending Review"
Position of New Column: Last
This setup will add a Review_Status column to your dataset with "Pending Review" as the default value for each record.
Summary
The Insert Column transformation in Nexadata Pipelines allows you to add new columns with default values, such as text labels or dates, for consistent data management. Use Natural Language Mode for quick configuration, or switch to Advanced Mode for more detailed control. Calculation-based columns are not currently supported but are planned for future updates.