Configure a Node

About: This article walks through setting up nodes to complete data tasks in Construct.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Node Window Toolbar
• Node Right-Click Menu
  • Run this node only
  • Clone, Cut, Copy/Paste
  • Rename
  • Disable
• Related Articles

Introduction

Nodes are visual representations of processing data. They perform functions such as extracting, transforming, and outputting data - to name just the basics. Like tools in a toolbox, each node has specific features to perform key tasks. To learn more about the function of each specific node, check out this collection of node articles.

Collections of nodes are strung together to create workflows where data is passed through each node. Although all nodes have a specific function, each one still needs to be configured to know exactly what to do with the incoming data. 

Most nodes have a configuration window where criteria for data processing can be established. This configuration window can be accessed either by:

1. Double clicking the node in the workspace
2. Right-clicking the node and selecting Open Node

Note: There are certain nodes that can NOT be opened or configured. Attempting to open these nodes will produce a "not editable" notice.

It is always recommended to configure a node after it has been connected to a source node (see Connect Nodes to Create Process Paths for more on this). Otherwise the node configuration window will appear mostly blank and will not have any variables to base the function criteria on.

Node Window Toolbar

Though the setup options of each node are unique, there are some controls that appear in many nodes, such as options in the node configuration window toolbar. 

• Include/Exclude All Options: This tool allows users to bulk select or de-select columns all at once.
  
• Sort Columns Options: The A - Z option sorts the data or column titles in ascending order. The Z - A option sorts the data or column titles in descending order. The A x Z option un-sorts the data, putting it back in its original order.
  
• Search: This tool brings up a dialog box allowing users to search for a particular column.
  
• Move Column Up/Down arrows: The Move Column Up/Down arrows allow users to re-order columns but adjusting them up or down in the list.
  
• Parameter: This tool allows users to make use of job parameters within the node configuration. See for more on parameters.
  
• Get Values: The Get Values tool displays a list of every unique value found in the selected field. Users have two options on how those values are retrieved:
  1. Get Values fetches unique values found in the original source data set.
  2. Run To Get Values presents a list of values that may have been add to, subtracted from or edited by the process prior to the current node.

  In both cases, an associated Sample Rows drop down selects how many rows to search through to gather the sample.

  
  

 

Node Right-Click Menu

Run this node only

Construct has the ability to run targeted outputs - rather than running the entire job at once. To do this right-click on a desired output node and select Run this node only. This will run all the associated nodes necessary to provide data to the selected output. This feature is available for select Special and Output nodes.

Clone, Cut, Copy/Paste

Cloning Nodes

Cloning nodes duplicates the node (or group of nodes), their configuration and any connections between them, and pastes a replica in another part of the same job. There are two way to clone nodes:

1. Right-click on the selected node(s) and select Clone from the menu
2. Hold the Ctrl key+click on the selected node(s) and drag away from the original location. Then release the click to drop the cloned node(s).
   

Copying and Pasting Nodes

Copying and pasting one or more selected nodes and their connections operates much like cloning nodes, but with two important differences – the user has more control over where the new nodes are placed in the job, and copied nodes may also be pasted into other jobs.

To copy a node or group of nodes:

1. Select the desired node(s) then right-click on the selection and select Copy from the menu.
2. Pick where in the same job or in another job the nodes are to be pasted, then right-clicking and select Paste from the menu.
   

Delete/Disconnect

• The Delete option will remove the node entirely from the workspace. Connection lines from any nodes that were connected to the deleted node will also be removed. 
• The Disconnect option will NOT remove the node from the workspace, however it will remove any connection lines feeding into or out of the disconnected node.

Rename

Node enter the workspace with a default label of the name of that node and a number if there are more than one of the same type of node in the workspace. However, this label can be changed to be more indicative of what the node is accomplishing. The Rename option allows users to type a new label for the desired node.

Edit Notes...

Individual nodes can have notes attached to them to remind users of useful information. The Edit Notes... options allows users to add a note to the selected node. When a node has a note saved on it, it appears with a yellow sticky note above it in the workspace. 

Related Articles

• Connect Nodes to Create Process Paths
• Create a Job