topic Re: Pre-define nested collection (DataTable) schema's through C# code in Product Forum

Pre-define nested collection (DataTable) schema's through C# code

Thomas_Warnaar_ZZ — Thu, 18 Feb 2021 17:39:36 GMT

Hi all,

I have a Queue item schema that is quite extensive. In order to prevent errors in the process and queue I want to create a standard collection through a C# code stage where all the fields, subcollections and subcollection fields are predefined and the standard Queue item collection is returned output.

I want to do this by code so I don't have to create tens of BP stages which all add a single field, and thereby keep everything manageable. However I am unable to recreate this possibility programmatically. Basically what I need to do is pre-define the DataTable schemas for the nested DataTables/collections. I am unable to do this however without adding new rows and then importing already defined nested datatable into a column/cell of type DataTable in that row, which is not the same. Also this is a bottom up approach that requires a lot of planning.

What I want to do is create the base DataTable with some columns of type string or boolean, and some columns of type DataTable. Within the DataTable columns I want to pre-define their own columns as well.

Is this possible and if so how? If not, what format does BP use for these nested collections, because they seem to pull it off?

Re: Pre-define nested collection (DataTable) schema's through C# code

John__Carter — Fri, 19 Feb 2021 09:06:39 GMT

Hi Thomas - take a look at the Utility JSON object. If your C# code stage can generate a JSON string then you'll be able to use the utility to convert the JSON into a collection.

Re: Pre-define nested collection (DataTable) schema's through C# code

Thomas_Warnaar_ZZ — Fri, 19 Feb 2021 12:23:52 GMT

Hi @John Carter,

Thank you for your reply. This might be useful, I did not know about this option. I've been trying it out a bit now and I see it creates a JSON:array between every parent and child collection. This is also visible in your screenshot.
Is there then also a possibility to get the net schema as a collection, meaning without the JSON:Array's in between the parent child collections?

Thanks!

Re: Pre-define nested collection (DataTable) schema's through C# code

ewilson — Fri, 19 Feb 2021 18:40:31 GMT

Hi @Thomas Warnaar,

There should be a public action on the VBO titled JSON to Collection (skipping JArray). That action will create the collection w/o the interim JArray.

Cheers,
Eric

Re: Pre-define nested collection (DataTable) schema's through C# code

Thomas_Warnaar_ZZ — Mon, 22 Feb 2021 11:48:54 GMT

Hi @ewilson,
Our BP install doesn't seem to have that option. Could I maybe import it from somewhere?
I'm wondering now if there are other usefull options we're missing...
Sincerely,
Thomas

Re: Pre-define nested collection (DataTable) schema's through C# code

ewilson — Mon, 22 Feb 2021 12:32:17 GMT

@Thomas Warnaar,

You may have an older version of the Utility - JSON VBO installed. You can find the latest release on the Digital Exchange.

https://digitalexchange.blueprism.com/dx/entry/9648/solution/blue-prism-json-utility

Cheers,
Eric

Re: Pre-define nested collection (DataTable) schema's through C# code

Thomas_Warnaar_ZZ — Mon, 22 Feb 2021 13:16:54 GMT

I got the newest version from your link and it works a treat @ewilson, thank you!