Azure Logic Apps Data Mapper Helps You Transform and Integrate Data Easily

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Azure Logic Apps Data Mapper is a powerful tool that simplifies data transformation and integration. It allows you to map data from one format to another without writing code.

With Data Mapper, you can create complex data transformations by dragging and dropping data elements from one schema to another. This makes it easy to integrate data from various sources.

Data Mapper supports a wide range of data formats, including JSON, XML, and CSV. It also allows you to use expressions and functions to transform data.

Getting Started

Azure Logic Apps Data Mapper can seem overwhelming at first, but getting started is easier than you think.

To begin, you'll need to create a new Logic App project in Azure. This can be done through the Azure portal, where you'll select the Logic App template and choose a blank Logic App project.

The Data Mapper is a key component of Logic Apps, allowing you to transform and map data between different sources and systems.

What Are Apps?

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Azure Logic Apps is a cloud-based platform that helps you automate tasks, workflows, and more.

It's a Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) that lets you create and design automated workflows with ease.

You can use visual designs to construct workflows and select from pre-built templates to get started quickly.

With Azure Logic Apps, you can automate tasks such as scheduling, sending email notifications, and transferring files from SFTP or FTP servers to Azure Storage.

It also empowers you to tailor highly scalable solutions for your enterprise and business-to-business requirements using low-code-no-code tools.

What is Apps?

Azure Logic Apps is a cloud service that makes it easy to define workflows by consuming a range of APIs exposed as Connectors.

These connectors will perform a sequence of actions defined in the workflow whenever the trigger gets fired.

Logic Apps is used to automate tasks and business processes by connecting different applications and services.

It provides a visual interface to design and manage workflows, making it a powerful tool for process automation.

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With Logic Apps, you can create automated workflows that integrate with various services and applications.

This integration enables you to automate tasks and processes, saving you time and increasing productivity.

Logic Apps is a cloud-based service, which means it's scalable and can handle large volumes of data and traffic.

This scalability makes it an ideal choice for businesses and organizations that need to automate complex processes.

Creating a Map

To create a map in Azure Logic Apps Data Mapper, you'll need to start by selecting the Azure icon on the left menu in Visual Studio Code. From there, navigate to the Data Mapper section and choose "Create new data map." Provide a name for your map and specify your source and target schemas.

You can either add your source and target schema files locally to your logic app project in the Artifacts/Schemas folder or select existing schema files in the Data Mapper tool. The table below describes the possible data types that might appear in a schema:

By following these steps, you'll be able to create a data map that meets your needs.

Direct Mapping

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To create a direct mapping between elements, you need to select the target elements and then the source elements that you want to map. This will allow you to visually connect the elements and create a mapping relationship.

If you want to review what happens in code while you create the mapping, you can select the Show code option in the map's upper right corner. This will give you a better understanding of the mapping relationship that you're creating.

To create a direct mapping, you need to drag a line from the source element to the target element. This will connect the two elements and create a mapping relationship. A circle and a plus sign (+) will appear when you move your pointer over the source element, indicating that you can create a mapping.

The code view window will reflect the mapping relationship that you created, showing the direct mapping between the elements. If you create a mapping between elements where their data types don't match, a warning will appear on the target element.

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Here are the steps to create a direct mapping:

  1. Select the target elements and then the source elements that you want to map.
  2. Move your pointer over the source element so that both a circle and a plus sign (+) appear.
  3. Drag a line from the source element to the target element.

Creating a Map

Creating a Map is an essential step in data transformation.

To start, you'll need to create a new data map in Visual Studio Code. This is done by selecting the Azure icon in the left menu, then navigating to the Data Mapper section and clicking on "Create new data map."

You'll be asked to provide a name for your data map. Choose a name that makes sense for your project.

To specify your source and target schemas, you can either add your schema files locally to your logic app project or use the Data Mapper tool to select existing schemas.

The possible data types that might appear in a schema include Array, Binary, Bool, Complex, DateTime, Decimal, Integer, Null, Number, Object, and String.

Here's a quick reference to the possible data types:

Once you've specified your source and target schemas, you can start creating mappings between elements.

Benefits of Using

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Using a map automation tool can save you a significant amount of time and reduce mundane tasks. Logic Apps can automate repetitive tasks and orchestrate workflows on multiple services, making it an excellent choice for map creation.

Scalability and flexibility are crucial when creating a map, and Logic Apps can handle workflows of any complexity while adapting to changes in business requirements.

With Logic Apps, you can schedule the execution of tasks based on a set schedule, allowing for timely automation of tasks. This feature is particularly useful when working on a map that requires regular updates.

Monitoring the status and performance of workflows is essential, and Logic Apps provides users with visibility into workflow behavior, including execution history and logs.

Mapping and Functions

You can create a direct mapping between elements by selecting the target and source elements, dragging a line between them, and viewing the code to see the mapping relationship. This is a straightforward transformation between elements with the same type in the source and target schemas.

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To create a complex mapping, you can use one or more functions to perform tasks for the transformation. The Data Mapper tool offers various function groups, including Collection, Conversion, Date and time, Logical comparison, Math, String, and Utility. Each function group has multiple functions that can be used for specific tasks.

You can add a function to an existing mapping relationship by selecting the line, inserting a function, and selecting the desired function from the list. To add a function with multiple inputs, you can select the function, expand its shape to display the function's details and connection points, and configure the inputs. The Data Mapper tool supports various data types, including Array, Binary, Bool, Complex, DateTime, Decimal, Integer, Null, Number, Object, and String.

Select Target and Source Elements

To select target and source elements to map, start by selecting the target element on the right side of the map surface, in the target schema area. This can be a child of a parent element, so make sure to expand the parent first if needed.

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Select the target element by clicking on it, and then move to the left side of the map surface, where you'll find the source schema area. Here, click on "Select element" to open the Source schema window.

In the Source schema window, you can select one or more source elements to show on the map. Click on each element to add it to the map, and then close the Source schema window when you're done. You can always add more source elements later by clicking on "Show source schema" in the upper left corner of the map.

To make the mapping process easier, it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with the different data types that might appear in a schema. Here's a quick rundown of the possible data types:

By understanding the data types and how to select target and source elements, you'll be well on your way to creating effective mappings and functions in your logic app project.

Types of Connectors

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DataMapper offers three types of connectors to facilitate robust and flexible data integration.

These connectors are built into DataMapper's Service Integration Engine, supporting integrations with applications like Outlook, Outlook Global, OneDrive, SharePoint, Google Drive, and Local Drives.

Native Connectors are a key part of this offering, enabling direct and secure data transactions within these widely used platforms.

Logic Apps provide access to over 1000 additional connectors available through the Logic App Store, dramatically expanding the integration possibilities for DataMapper users.

Custom Connectors allow for the integration of any app using RESTful API, giving customers with unique integration needs the flexibility they require.

Here are the three types of connectors offered by DataMapper:

  1. Native Connectors
  2. Logic Apps
  3. Custom Connectors

Custom Connectors are especially valuable for companies requiring customized data solutions, ensuring that unique business requirements are met.

By leveraging the power of Logic Apps, DataMapper can integrate with various SaaS and enterprise applications, including Salesforce, Twitter, and Office 365.

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Katrina Sanford is a seasoned writer with a knack for crafting compelling content on a wide range of topics. Her expertise spans the realm of important issues, where she delves into thought-provoking subjects that resonate with readers. Her ability to distill complex concepts into engaging narratives has earned her a reputation as a versatile and reliable writer.

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