Dynamic Filename Generator for Workflows

Code Explanation

The provided code snippet is a conditional expression used primarily in environments like Microsoft Power Automate or similar platforms that handle workflows and automation. Below is a breakdown of the components and functionality.

Code Snippet

if(startsWith(triggerOutputs()?['body/subject'],'SDNY'))
    'SDNY' + formatDateTime(utcNow(), 'MMddyyyy') + '.csv'

Breakdown of the Code

1. Conditional Statement:

   • if(condition): This initiates a conditional check. If the specified condition is true, the code within the block is executed.

2. startsWith Function:

   • startsWith(triggerOutputs()?['body/subject'],'SDNY'):
     • This function checks whether the string retrieved from triggerOutputs()?['body/subject'] begins with the substring 'SDNY'.
     • triggerOutputs(): This function retrieves the outputs from the triggering event of the workflow.
     • ?['body/subject']: This syntax accesses the 'subject' field of the 'body' from the trigger outputs. The ? denotes optional chaining, ensuring that the code does not throw an error if triggerOutputs() returns null.

3. String Concatenation:

   • If the condition is true, the expression generates a filename string. The components of the filename are:
     • 'SDNY': This is a fixed prefix indicating that the content is related to SDNY.
     • formatDateTime(utcNow(), 'MMddyyyy'):
       • This function formats the current UTC date and time into a string using the specified pattern.
       • utcNow(): Returns the current date and time in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC).
       • 'MMddyyyy': This formatting pattern specifies that the date should be represented as 'MonthDayYear' (e.g., for October 5, 2023, it would yield '10052023').
     • '.csv': This is a file extension indicating that the file is a Comma-Separated Values file.

Overall Functionality

• The code checks if the subject of a triggering message starts with 'SDNY'. If this condition is satisfied, it constructs a filename that incorporates the prefix 'SDNY', followed by the current date formatted as 'MMddyyyy', and appends the '.csv' extension.

Key Concepts

• Conditional Logic: Fundamental to programming, allowing for decision-making based on specified conditions.
• String Manipulation: Involves constructing strings through methods such as concatenation and formatting.
• Date Formatting: The ability to present date and time in specific formats is essential for creating files with meaningful names, ensuring easy identification and organization.

Additional Examples

To demonstrate a different application while maintaining the core logic, consider the following variations:

1. Using Different Prefix:

   if(startsWith(triggerOutputs()?['body/subject'],'ABC'))
       'ABC' + formatDateTime(utcNow(), 'MMddyyyy') + '.txt'

   This checks for 'ABC' and generates a .txt file instead.

2. Changing Date Format:

   if(startsWith(triggerOutputs()?['body/subject'],'XYZ'))
       'XYZ_' + formatDateTime(utcNow(), 'yyyyMMdd') + '.csv'

   Here, a different date format 'yyyyMMdd' is used for naming the file.

Conclusion

This code effectively combines condition checking, string manipulation, and date formatting to create a dynamically named file based on the subject of a triggering event. Understanding these basic programming concepts expands one's ability to automate data operations and manage workflows more efficiently. For further learning and a deeper understanding of such concepts, consider exploring related courses available on the Enterprise DNA Platform.