Getting Started

Overview

To use the DataMapper for creating data transformations, you need to add and configure a DataMapper step in your Camel route. This guide covers the essential steps to get started with the DataMapper interface.

Adding a DataMapper step

Now let’s add a DataMapper step to your Camel route. The DataMapper provides a visual interface for creating data transformations without writing XSLT code manually.

1. Add a Kaoto DataMapper step in your Camel route. When you Append, Prepend or Replace a step in the Kaoto Design view, you can find the Kaoto DataMapper step in the catalog.

   

   

2. Click the added Kaoto DataMapper step in the Kaoto Design to open the config form.

   

   

3. In the config form, click the Configure button to open the visual DataMapper editor.

   

   

4. This will open the visual DataMapper editor where you can create your data mappings.

   

   

Understanding the Interface

The DataMapper editor is divided into two main sections that represent the data transformation flow:

Source Section (Left Side)

The Source section represents where your data comes from - the input side of your mappings. This is where the DataMapper step reads the data from.

• Body - The incoming Camel Message Body (the main data payload)
• Parameters - Additional data from Camel Variables and Message Headers

Think of this as the “input” side of your transformation - the data you’re reading from.

Target Section (Right Side)

The Target section represents where your data goes to - the output side of your mappings. This is where the DataMapper step writes the transformed data.

• Body - The outgoing Camel Message Body (the transformed result)

Think of this as the “output” side of your transformation - the data structure you’re creating.

Tip

You can adjust the font size in the DataMapper interface to match your preference. Use the + and - magnifier icons in the toolbar to make the text larger or smaller for better readability.

Working with Parameters

Parameters allow you to access Camel Variables and Message Headers in your mappings. This is useful when you need to combine data from multiple sources in your transformation.

Add a Parameter

Follow the below steps to add a parameter.

1. Click the plus + button on the right side of the Parameters title.

   

   

2. Now type the parameter name and click the check button on the right.

   

   

Tip

When you have many parameters, you can improve readability by hiding them visually. Click the eye icon next to the Parameters section to toggle the visibility of the parameter list.

Delete a Parameter

To remove a parameter, click the trash icon next to it and confirm the deletion.

Next Steps

Now that you understand the DataMapper interface, you can:

• Attach schemas to visualize your data structures
• Create mappings between source and target fields
• Add conditional logic for complex transformations