#BPTechTips - Wondered How Collections Can Be Used As Dictionaries!

devneetmohanty07 — Mon, 29 Nov 2021 16:54:00 GMT

Hi All,

A small hack that I use especially for reading configuration files at times where I convert the usage of my collection similar to that of a dictionary.

Suppose I have a configuration file like shown below:

What I do is read the above table data into a collection by creating instance, opening workbook and reading the entire thing into a collection using 'Get Worksheet As Collection' action.

Now comes the little hack that I do!!

Create a custom action by extending the Collection Manipulation VBO with the below code:

Use the below code :

Dim newRow As System.Data.DataRow

For each row as System.Data.DataRow In Collections.Rows
newCollection.Columns.Add(CStr(row("Name")) ,GetType(String))
Next
newRow = newCollection.NewRow()

For each column as System.Data.DataColumn In newCollection.Columns
For each row as System.Data.DataRow In Collections.Rows
If CStr(row(0))=column.ColumnName
newRow(column.ColumnName)=CStr(row(1))
End If
Next

Next

newCollection.Rows.Add(newRow)

Let us see the results shall we:

After reading the excel file:

Post calling the action:

Now you can guess what is the best part here? If you need to use any configuration variable, simply write: [CollectionName.VariableName] and this way I am using my collection as a dictionary: "Provide a key, get the value"

Let me know if you like it!

#BPTechTips #Quick_Tip

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Regards,
Devneet Mohanty
Intelligent Automation Consultant
Blueprism 6x Certified Professional
Website: https://devneet.github.io/
Email: devneetmohanty07@gmail.com
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RE: #BPTechTips - Wondered How Collections Can Be Used As Dictionaries!

Tejaskumar_Darji — Tue, 30 Nov 2021 13:59:00 GMT

I really liked it. Try it for sure.
Currently, I perform such a task for configuration files using Append Field action to transpose collection.
Thanks for sharing.

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Thanks & Regards,
Tejaskumar Darji
Sr. RPA Consultant-Automation Developer
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#BPTechTips - Wondered How Collections Can Be Used As Dictionaries!

RE: #BPTechTips - Wondered How Collections Can Be Used As Dictionaries!