Flow

The Flow connector is used for linking the various processors to ensure a sequential flow of data.

If there is no valid flow of data, the flow connector appears with dashed lines. This happens when the flow is unable to read schema information from its input.

Here's how to use a flow processor to connect the Sales DataSource directly to the Result.

  1. Add a JDBC DataSource Sales using the procedure given in the previous chapter.

  2. Add a Composite DataSource named Flow.

  3. Drag and drop the Sales DataSource in the Designer window.

  4. Select the Flow control and connect the output of the Sales DataSource processor to the input of the Result. The data flow diagram appears as shown in Figure 4.4, “Sample Flow”.

    Figure 4.4. Sample Flow

    Sample Flow
  5. Use the View option on the Result popup menu to display the records in the Data tab.

You can inspect the values of respective fields by double-clicking the flow and double-clicking the desired field. Information such as the total number of records, maximum value, minimum value and the average value of the data field are listed.