Data types are used by the system to specify the kinds of characters expected, or not expected.
For example, the Numeric type is best used for values where only numbers are expected, versus the Generic Text type, which is best used for values containing sentences. Some types expect certain types of formatting or value lengths, such as Date, Currency Amount, or Email Address. There are also data types for non-text fields, such as Signature and Checkbox.
You can view a list of the system's data types by navigating to Library > Data Types.
Editing data types
The name and status of a data type can be updated, but its ML Configuration information (including the list of value and pattern information) cannot be changed after creation. Note that disabling a field data type will not impact layout versions or Field Dictionary entries where that data type is already being used.
To edit a data type, follow these steps:
Navigate to the Data Type library table by going to Library > Data Types.
Click the name of the data type to view its details and then the rectangular Edit button in the top right.
Additionally, you can create a new data type using an existing data type as a template. This is helpful because it allows you to quickly add new data types without configuring each one from scratch.
To create a new data type from an existing one:
Navigate to the Data Type library table by going to Library > Data Types.
Click the name of the data type to view its details and then the Copy to New Data Type button in the top right.
From here, you'll be brought directly to the Data Type information page where you can configure the new data types.
Creating new data types
Though a default set of data types is included in each new Hyperscience instance, you can also create new data types. Depending on the specific type of data type you need, you can create a new one in three different ways.
With existing ML configurations
Based on a list of expected values
With a custom pattern
For more information on how to create and edit data types, see Creating Data Types with Custom Patterns, Creating Data Types with a List of Expected Values, and Creating Data Types with ML Configurations for more information.
Using field data types in the Layout Editor
To select a defined field data type, navigate to the relevant layout’s details page and then click the Edit Draft button to open the Layout Editor.
Then, to select a data type, search for it in the Data Type field within the respective field in the right-side panel. As new characters are typed, matching dictionary entries will be shown in a dropdown below.