Complex data types

APIs commonly use complex data structures, such as objects and arrays. These arrays are also referred to as lists. APIs typically organize and transmit these structures in JSON format to represent structured data.

Mapping complex data in formula mode

Formula mode provides tools for working with complex data types within Workato's input fields.

You can use formula mode to perform the following actions when mapping complex data:

• Create arrays of primitive data types
• Access and manipulate data without needing a detailed schema
• Provide values for specific fields

Example

The following example demonstrates how to use formula mode with complex data types. In this example, formula mode applies tags to Zendesk tickets based on associated Salesforce campaigns.

1

Enable formula mode within the Tags field of the Zendesk Update ticket action. Formula mode is required to input complex data structures. According to Zendesk's API documentation (opens new window), tags must be formatted as a JSON array of strings.

2

Enter sample tags in the Tags field and click Test recipe to verify that the action is set up correctly. Ensure that the tags follow the correct JSON syntax for an array of strings. Invalid values in formula mode raise design-time formula errors.

Tags field with sample tags

3

Use the pluck formula, which returns an object's sub-field, to retrieve Name values from the Salesforce Campaigns object and apply them as tags. This method dynamically adds tags to tickets instead of using static values.

Dynamic array input in formula mode

4

Ensure that the correct data is sent to Zendesk by checking the job's Output tab.

The Tags array of strings is correctly inserted into the ticket.