Format files are XML notation and are used to define how Intuitive Dashboards should treat the columns being read from a textfile. The use of a format file allows textfiles to be automatically generated from the source system (eg a mainframe computer) alongside accurate instructions regarding the typing and naming of each field.
Format files have two key parts: column headings and datatypes. Each column heading included in a format file is used to populate the column headings of the datafeed and datasets, upon being loaded into the dashboard. The datatype associated with each column heading tells the dashboard what type of data the column will hold. Datatypes include String, Integer and DateTime.
Creating a new format file
1 Begin by copying a pre-existing format file in the Intuitive_WorkFiles folder.
2 Change the column headings in the copied file to reflect your text file data. Column headings must be in the same order as the columns within the text file.
3 Change the datatype of each column heading to reflect the data the textfile column holds. For example if you have a column which contains both character and number entries then you set the column as string. If the column contains just numbers then it should be set to Int64 or Decimal.
4 Save the file. Ensure you include .format.xml after the name. Otherwise, the text file will not be displayed in the drop down menu when creating a new connection.
An example of a saved format file would be example.format.xm
Format files have two key parts: column headings and datatypes. Each column heading included in a format file is used to populate the column headings of the datafeed and datasets, upon being loaded into the dashboard. The datatype associated with each column heading tells the dashboard what type of data the column will hold. Datatypes include String, Integer and DateTime.
Creating a new format file
1 Begin by copying a pre-existing format file in the Intuitive_WorkFiles folder.
2 Change the column headings in the copied file to reflect your text file data. Column headings must be in the same order as the columns within the text file.
3 Change the datatype of each column heading to reflect the data the textfile column holds. For example if you have a column which contains both character and number entries then you set the column as string. If the column contains just numbers then it should be set to Int64 or Decimal.
4 Save the file. Ensure you include .format.xml after the name. Otherwise, the text file will not be displayed in the drop down menu when creating a new connection.
An example of a saved format file would be example.format.xm