Data Tables

A Data Table is the primary type of data item in Iotellect.

Each Data Table may contain zero or more records (rows, lines) and zero or more fields (columns), and thus (records * columns) cells filled with data. The records (lines) for a given table are described by a Table Format. All records in a Data Table are always of the same format. The Table Format describes every field in the table and contains several other options.

Data Tables with one column and multiple records are used to represent arrays. Data Tables with one record and multiple columns represent structures.

Even scalar data types, such as a single string or number, are represented by a Data Table with just one record and one field. This may seem strange at first glance, but the concept of Data Tables significantly simplifies complex operations. Iotellect provides intuitive tools for easy “boxing” simple values into data tables and “unboxing” them back.

Data Table cells may contain nested Data Tables. This allows such a single Data Table with sub-tables to represent a data structure of any complexity.

Uses of Data Tables

Data Tables are widely used in Iotellect. They have three primary uses:

  • Variable values. The value of each variable in every Iotellect Server context is represented by a Data Table. Its format is specified by a variable definition.

  • Function input and output values. Input and output values for each function in every Iotellect Server context are represented by a Data Table. Its format is specified by a function definition.

  • Event data. Every Iotellect Server context event has a separate Data Table associated with it. This Data Table contains event-specific data. Its format is specified by event definition.

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