The Node Count function counts the number of iterations of an element in the input recordset or XML document at run-time. The count is provided to an output element. It does not count distinct values, only node occurrences.

Node Count functions are available as part of the Data Transformation Layer (DTLClosed When used as part of a BPA Platform tool, the Data Transformation Layer (DTL) extend the tool's functionality by transforming SML from schema to another. In addition, several transformation functions are available for use with the input data before such data is mapped to the destination schema.) feature.

Adding a Node Count Function

Node Count functions are used in the Mapping tab of the following tools:

Microsoft SQL Server Connector
Run Microsoft Reporting ServicesClosed The Run Microsoft Reporting Services tool automates the running of Microsoft Reporting Services (MSRS) reports.
Transform DataClosed Transform Data is a Format tool that enables a new structure to be created from an existing XML or recordset data source. The output generated by this tool is ready for use in a destination system which consumes or requires XML.
Web Service Connector
  1. Open the relevant task step and go to the Mapping tab.
  1. Click Functions to expand the Functions pane.
  2. Expand the Aggregation node and drag Node Count to the Transformation Mappings pane.
  3. Drag the parent Input Data source node to the new icon. This is the "folder" containing the element you want to count.
  4. Drag the Input Data element whose values you want to count to the icon. Note that all values are counted, no value distinction is made.
  5. Drag the receiving Output Data element to the icon.
  6. Double-click the icon.

The Transformation Mappings pane is replaced with the Node Count's configuration pane:

Data Transformation Layer - Node Count

  1. Enter a meaningful Function Name.
  2. Make sure the CountWithin and ItemToCount mappings are correct (hover over each Mapped To parameter in turn).

    To change an existing mapping, either Inputs or Output, use the drop-down lists under Mapped To to select a new node or element.

Selecting Error Handling Options

Use the Options tab to define error handling behaviour for this function.

At task run-time, if a mapped input element is not included in the received input recordset or XML, you can choose to:

Output an empty String — An empty string is passed to the mapped output node at task run time, for example, <country></country>.
Output no Data — The element isn't included in the output XML.
Output Value — Enter a static value in the provided text box; this value is passed to the mapped output at task run-time.
Error — The function logs an error to the BPA Platform Event Log. Depending on the parent task step's own error handling options, the task can either continue or fail completely.

Click OK to save the function and return to the parent task step's Mapping tab.