The GET Data Source Request Action in Frontly is a feature that allows users to retrieve row values dynamically within a Frontly custom action flow. This functionality enhances app performance by accessing values only when needed, making it useful for workflows that depend on flexible data retrieval. Here’s a breakdown of how to set it up, use it, and maximize its potential.
Setup
To start using the GET data source request action, follow these steps:
Select an Action Trigger
Begin your action flow by choosing an appropriate trigger that will initiate the GET request.
Choose the Data Source Request Action and Set Action Type to GET
Under action types, select Data Source Request to open the configuration for fetching row data. Once you choose the ‘GET’ action type, two fields will appear— Row ID and Row Column. These fields should look familiar, as they mirror those used for row fetching rows for blocks like the Edit Form block and Infolist block.
Tip 💡: It might be good to test your inputs for the 'Row ID and 'Row Column' field on an Edit Form block or Infolist block to ensure the correct row is being fetched for your action flow. This will help you confirm the accuracy of your setup before proceeding.
Reference Fetched Values with Previous Step Variable
Once you've completed your configuration for the Data Source Request action, any subsequent step in your action sequence can reference the fetched values using the syntax {{step.StepNumber.Field}}.
Within the syntax above, StepNumber corresponds to the sequence of the GET action within your action flow, and Field represents the specific data source field you want to access to.
Why the GET Action is Useful
One of the significant advantages of using the GET data source request action is its isolated data fetching approach. Each fetched row is self-contained within the action, so there’s no need to preload data in other instances.
Rather than referencing values from the Spreadsheet, Block or Custom variable types which are all fetched during the initial page load, this structure will improve app performance since values only load when the 'Data Source Request' action is executed.
Ideal Use Cases for the GET Action
The GET action is especially effective when used to:
Enhance OpenAI Actions: Use the retrieved values to customize inputs dynamically for OpenAI requests, tailoring responses with in-row data from multiple data sources.
Update Local States: The fetched data can easily be used to update local states, enabling an alternative method to making changes to your key / value pairings.
Manage Multiple Data Sources: Integrate retrieved values into other spreadsheets or data sources without the need for repetitive preloading, for more seamless backend processing.
With the GET data source request action, you can streamline data interactions within Frontly in ways you couldn't before, making complex workflows easier and more efficient. This action is ideal for those looking to build flexible, high-performance applications with on-demand data access.