Manual

The Manual Data Source lets you enter data directly into an Avonni Dynamic Component's configuration. This provides a simple way to populate components with small, static datasets without connecting to a Salesforce object or external source.

1. Overview

The Manual Data Source is the most straightforward way to provide data to specific Avonni components. It's best suited for:

Small, Static Datasets: Data that doesn't change frequently (or at all).
Prototyping and Demos: Quickly creating sample data to demonstrate component functionality.
Testing: Providing controlled data for testing component behavior.
Simple list of options: Like options for a combobox.

It's not recommended for large datasets, frequently changing data, or data that needs to be synchronized with Salesforce records.

2. Supported Components

The Manual Data Source is typically available for components that display lists or collections of data, such as:

Data Table
List
Carousel
Lookup
Combobox
And potentially others (check the specific component's documentation)

3. How it Works

Select the Component: Add the Avonni component (e.g., Data Table) to your Dynamic Component.
Choose "Manual" Data Source: In the component's properties panel, find the "Data Source" setting (or similar) and select "Manual."
Enter Data: The component's properties will now display an interface for entering your data. The exact interface varies depending on the component:
- Data Table: You'll typically see a table-like interface where you can add rows and columns, and enter data into each cell. You can often define the data type for each column (Text, Number, Date, etc.).
- List: You might enter data as a comma-separated list or have individual fields for each item's properties.
- Carousel: You might enter data for each slide in the carousel (e.g., image URL, title, description).
- Lookup/Combobox:: You will define the list of options available.
Preview: The component will immediately display the data you've entered.

4. Use Cases and Examples

Static Product List (Small Catalog): A Data Table displaying a small, unchanging list of products with their names, descriptions, and prices.
Demo Data: Populating a Data Table or List with sample data to demonstrate how the component looks and behaves.
Testing Filter Logic: Creating a small, controlled dataset to test filtering and sorting functionality within a Data Table.
Navigation Menu (Simple): A List component used as a simple navigation menu, where each item's label and URL are entered manually.
Combobox/Lookup options: A list of static options.

Example: Data Table with Manual Data

Add an Avonni Data Table component.
Set its "Data Source" to "Manual."
The Data Table's properties will now show a table editor.
Add columns (e.g., "Product Name" - Text, "Price" - Number, "Description" - Text).
Add rows and enter your data directly into the table cells.

5. Limitations

Not for Large Datasets: Manually entering data is not practical for large numbers of records.
Not for Dynamic Data: The data is static. It won't automatically update if the underlying information changes.
No Connection to Salesforce: The data is stored within the component's configuration, not in Salesforce.
Maintenance: Updating the data requires manually editing the component's configuration.

6. Best Practices

Keep it Small: Use the Manual Data Source only for small, manageable datasets.
Use for Static Data: Reserve it for rarely or never-changing data.
Consider Alternatives: For dynamic data, use the Avonni Query Data Source, Picklist Data Source, or Variable resources (populated via "On Load" actions).
Document Clearly: If you use a Manual Data Source, clearly document its purpose and the data within the component's description or comments. This is important for maintainability.

In Summary

The manual data source is a simple way to provide static data for your components. Use this data source to create a list of options for your components or any data set that does not change.

Last updated 1 month ago

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1. Overview

The Manual Data Source is the most straightforward way to provide data to specific Avonni components. It's best suited for:

Small, Static Datasets: Data that doesn't change frequently (or at all).

Prototyping and Demos: Quickly creating sample data to demonstrate component functionality.

Testing: Providing controlled data for testing component behavior.

Simple list of options: Like options for a combobox.

It's not recommended for large datasets, frequently changing data, or data that needs to be synchronized with Salesforce records.

3. How it Works

Select the Component: Add the Avonni component (e.g., Data Table) to your Dynamic Component.

Choose "Manual" Data Source: In the component's properties panel, find the "Data Source" setting (or similar) and select "Manual."

Enter Data: The component's properties will now display an interface for entering your data. The exact interface varies depending on the component:

Data Table: You'll typically see a table-like interface where you can add rows and columns, and enter data into each cell. You can often define the data type for each column (Text, Number, Date, etc.).
List: You might enter data as a comma-separated list or have individual fields for each item's properties.
Carousel: You might enter data for each slide in the carousel (e.g., image URL, title, description).
Lookup/Combobox:: You will define the list of options available.

Preview: The component will immediately display the data you've entered.

4. Use Cases and Examples

Static Product List (Small Catalog): A Data Table displaying a small, unchanging list of products with their names, descriptions, and prices.

Demo Data: Populating a Data Table or List with sample data to demonstrate how the component looks and behaves.

Testing Filter Logic: Creating a small, controlled dataset to test filtering and sorting functionality within a Data Table.

Navigation Menu (Simple): A List component used as a simple navigation menu, where each item's label and URL are entered manually.

Combobox/Lookup options: A list of static options.

Example: Data Table with Manual Data

Add an Avonni Data Table component.

Set its "Data Source" to "Manual."

The Data Table's properties will now show a table editor.

Add columns (e.g., "Product Name" - Text, "Price" - Number, "Description" - Text).

Add rows and enter your data directly into the table cells.

5. Limitations

Not for Large Datasets: Manually entering data is not practical for large numbers of records.

Not for Dynamic Data: The data is static. It won't automatically update if the underlying information changes.

No Connection to Salesforce: The data is stored within the component's configuration, not in Salesforce.

Maintenance: Updating the data requires manually editing the component's configuration.

6. Best Practices

Keep it Small: Use the Manual Data Source only for small, manageable datasets.

Use for Static Data: Reserve it for rarely or never-changing data.

Consider Alternatives: For dynamic data, use the Avonni Query Data Source, Picklist Data Source, or Variable resources (populated via "On Load" actions).

Document Clearly: If you use a Manual Data Source, clearly document its purpose and the data within the component's description or comments. This is important for maintainability.