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Decision tables

Add a decision table​

You can add a decision table from the Rule authoring menu.

Decision table properties​

Screenshot of decision table example

1. Name
The title of the decision table is saved here.

2. Enabled
You can enable or disable the selected decision table. Disabled decision tables will not run when the rule set is executed.

3. Compatibility mode
When checked, the identity of conditions that evaluate and actions that execute will include the row identifier (e.g. Row3). Turning this feature on will result in slower compilation and execution performance.

note

If the Run Mode of the parent rule set is Auto-Optimized, Compatibility mode is the only option and must be used.

4. Exit at first true
When checked, the decision table will stop evaluating rows after a row matches its conditions and executes its actions. If unchecked, execution continues to evaluate the remaining rows in the table and executes actions for any row whose conditions match.

5. Analysis toolbar
Here you can view the total number of Conditions, Actions, and Total Rows in the table as well as the notifications and controls for Missing Combinations, Duplicate Combinations, and Issues.

6. Filter table
The Filter checks the input within all columns and rows. If there is a match, the complete row will show for the match. The filter allows for large data sets to be easily searched.

7. Add Condition
Adds a new Condition column.

8. Add Action
Adds a new Action column.

9. Add Row
Adds a new row to the table.

10. Delete Row
Deletes the selected row.

11. Delete All Rows
Deletes all rows in the table.

Moving rows and columns​

It is possible to move rows and columns by dragging and dropping them. The Conditions and Actions columns can be rearranged with their respective sections, but they cannot be mixed.

note

It is not currently possible to insert a row at a specific position. You can only add a new row and drag it to its appropriate position.

Editing conditions​

Click on the clipboard icon next to a column name.

This opens the Edit Condition Column window.

note

Only local lists are editable in this view.

Column selector​

Use the < Previous and Next > buttons to navigate between columns.

Condition display name​

Specifies the name of the Condition Set that appears in the decision table column header.

Include –Any– condition​

Check or uncheck the Include –Any– Condition to add or remove the Any Condition.

Linked field​

Select the Linked Field here.

Value list source​

Shows which value list is being used and allows you to reselect.

Use values from the field’s value list
Selected by default. Picks the value from a field associated with a value list.

Use values from an existing value list
Allows selection of any inline value list in the rule application.

Use local list
Allows you to create a custom value list to be used for the decision table. If no value list is available, the editor is blank. If a value list is selected, that value list appears in editable form. Edits made here do not impact the original value list, but create a new version associated with the decision table.

List values​

The List Values section shows the Display names and Expressions of the selected value list. At the bottom of the list, there are options for refreshing the list and adding a new value if using a local list.

Display name​

Edit the name shown in the table.

Condition type​

Select the type of condition to use.

Comparison type​

Select how the condition is evaluated and provide the necessary input.

Edit actions​

Only editing of Actions of the type Set Value is currently possible.

note

Only local lists are editable in this view.

Action display name​

Specifies the name of the Action that appears in the decision table column header.

Linked field​

Select the Linked Field here.

Value list​

Shows which value list is being used and allows you to reselect.

List values​

The List Values section shows the Display names and Expressions of the selected value list. At the bottom of the list, there are options for refreshing the list and adding a new value.

Missing combinations​

A missing combination is an input scenario that does not match any rule row in the decision table. In these cases, the table does not define what should happen for that set of conditions.

irAuthor analyzes the decision table and identifies:

  • Condition values that lead to uncovered scenarios
  • Any overlaps or gaps in the logic
  • Rows you may want to add so all relevant scenarios are addressed

Generate missing combinations and handling duplicate rows​

To generate missing combinations​

  1. Click on the Generate button.
  1. You will be asked to confirm. Select Generate again. The rows will then be generated.
  1. If the rows in the decision table are greater than 2000, you will see a Compute option.
  1. From the Compute Missing Combinations Count window, select if you want to proceed with computing additional Missing Combinations.
  1. If duplicate combinations exist in the decision table, you will see a notification.
  1. Click on the Remove button.
  1. From the Duplicate Combinations window, select the duplicates you want to remove, and select Remove Duplicates.

Decision table issues​

Here you can view any issues in the table that do not pass the validation check.

Common issues​

  • Columns are not named
  • Columns do not have unique names
  • Different fields need to be set