Transforming source data
When importing data, you can transform values in source records prior to assigning them to iBase fields.
- You can create a new value by combining data from other fields in the source record.
For example, you could combine a first name with a last name to create a full name. You do this by creating a new field, choosing which fields to combine and specifying how they should be combined. When you do this, the data is copied from the source data, so you can continue to use the original data for other fields that you want to import.
- You can apply actions to the data in individual fields to change its format or value.
For example, you could prefix the text in a specific field with fixed text, suffix it with text from another column, replace it with a value retrieved from a substitution file such as Female for F, or remove ordinal suffixes such as st, nd, rd, and th from (English-language) dates. These transformations are referred to as Actions, and any number of them can be applied to individual fields.
The actions you specify are saved as part of the import specification.
For detailed information, see the iBase help.
Upgrading iBase 5 import specifications
If you are modifying an iBase 5 import specification that does not have any transforms set up, then you will use the steps above.
- Continue to use the import specification as before. You can modify the existing transforms or add new ones by using the old Transforms dialog.
- Upgrade the import specification by removing the existing transforms and reassigning the source fields. When you next click the Field Actions button the new Field Actions dialog will be displayed. Re-enter the transforms as described above.