Working with column map expressions and procedures using Lua functions

You can define a column map expression or column map procedure to mask or transform the data in a column using the Lua scripting language.

You can use most standard Lua functions in a column map expression or column map procedure. In addition, you can use functions that are specific to Optim™. For more information about the Lua scripting language, see the Lua web site at http://www.lua.org. For the Optim-specific functions, see Lua for column map expressions and procedures.

Lua for column map expressions and procedures
A column map or column map procedure can contain either a complex expression (unstructured set of Lua statements) or a set of standard functions (structured set of Lua statements).
Sample structured Lua expression
The Optim sample library, SFOPSAMP, includes the Lua sample files.
Limitations of using Lua functions in column map expressions and procedures
Column map expressions and procedures do not support certain data types and Lua functions.
Guidelines for using Lua functions in column map expressions and procedures
The following guidelines will help you use Lua functions to define a column map expression or procedure.
Defining a column map expression using Lua functions
You can define a column map expression on the Define Column Map or Modify Column Map panel.
Defining a local Column Map Procedure using Lua functions
You can define a local Column Map Procedure on the Define Column Map or Modify Column Map panel.
Defining a named Column Map Procedure using Lua functions
A named Column Map Procedure can be reused and shared with other users. It is stored as an object in the Optim directory. To define a new named Column Map Procedure, on the Main menu, type 6.A to display the Column Map Procedure editor. You can also display the Column Map Procedure editor by selecting Option 6 DEFINITIONS, and then Option A PROCEDURES. Use this panel to create a new named Column Map Procedure or to select an existing Column Map Procedure to modify or delete.
Using a Named Column Map procedure
After you have created and saved a named Column Map Procedure, you can use it in a column map. Open the column map and overtype the name of the source column for which you will use the Column Map Procedure.

Parent topic: Column Map Editor