Spectre Build Breaks Object

The Spectre Breaks object identifies break levels in the input flow.

A break level is a set of rows that have identical values for a set of break columns. The Breaks object creates up to four new columns that describe the position of each row in the break level. This action allows subsequent calculations to process a row of a break column knowing whether it is the first or last row of the break level.

A combination of a Breaks object, persistent calculated fields, and a Filter object can recreate the functionality of the Squash object. For more information, see Spectre Build Squash Object.

It is DI best practice to sort data before it is passed to the Breaks object to ensure full functionality.

The Breaks object has Closedthree panes where you can set attributes and other details.

You can set attributes for the Breaks object in the ClosedProperties pane.

Attribute Description
First Specifies the name of a new column that indicates the beginning of a break level. This column has a value of true on the first row of a break level, and false otherwise.
Index Specifies the name of a new column that indexes a break level. This column has a value of 1 on the first row of a break level, 2 on the second row, and so on.
Last Specifies the name of a new column that indicates the end of a break level. This column has a value of true on the last row of a break level, and false otherwise.
Level

Specifies the name of a new column that counts the number of break columns having the same values as the previous row in order:

  • If the value of the first break column is different from the previous value, this column has a value of 0.

  • If the first break column has the same value as the previous value, but the second break column is different, this column has a value of 1.

  • These conditional values are summed such that this column can be used to detect intermediate break levels.

Each object has an area where you can enter comments.

It is a DI best practice to enter a note for every object in a Spectre build script. These notes can help you or a coworker understand the intent of the node and troubleshoot issues in the future.

The ClosedBreaks object column grid displays the columns from the input data flow.

Attribute Description
Column Displays the name of each input column. This attribute is read-only.
Source Displays the name and object type of the source object.
Break Order Specifies the break order for the input flow columns.