Advanced Input Parameters

Ply supports several advanced input parameter types that allow for greater flexibility when working with complex data structures. These types include List, JSON, and Item.

List

The List parameter type is used when an action expects a collection of items, such as a list of customers or an array of products. To populate a List, you can map a table of data as the source.

If the List's items have a specific structure (e.g., each item must have a "name" and an "address"), you will be prompted to map the columns from your source table to these required fields.

For example, to populate a List of customers, you could:

1. Select your customer data table as the source for the List.

2. Map the "name" field by combining columns from your table, such as {{first_name}} {{last_name}}.

3. Map the "address" field directly from the address column in your table.

If you need to modify your source table before mapping it—for example, by filtering rows, sorting data, or adding new columns—you can use Ply's built-in table functions. For a complete guide on how to manipulate table data, please see the Table Functions documentation.

JSON

The JSON parameter type is used when an action requires input in the form of a JSON object. To populate this parameter, you must provide a valid JSON-formatted string in the input field. Ply will then send this string to the integration, where it will be parsed and handled as a JSON object.

Item

The Item parameter represents a single, structured object with a set of predefined attributes. Unlike a List, which is a collection, an Item is a single object. To populate an Item, you map data to each of its attributes separately. You decide how to "build" the item's content by mapping data from various sources into the specific fields defined by the integration.