Data Monitor¶
A multipurpose data utility that displays and forwards data. It can either pass through incoming data or process text you enter, converting it to a requested type. Supports variable substitution from auxiliary inputs and shows the processed value in the node’s panel.
Usage¶
Use this node to inspect, transform, and forward data within a workflow. Connect any value to Passthrough to visualize it and forward it as-is or converted to a target type. If no Passthrough is connected, type a value or expression in Text and choose an Output Type to generate data. Aux inputs can inject values into the Text via %aux%, %aux2%, %aux3%, %aux4%, %aux5% placeholders, useful for building formulas or templated strings.
Inputs¶
| Field | Required | Type | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| text | True | STRING | Text to visualize or process when no Passthrough is provided. Can include placeholders like %aux%, %aux2%, %aux3%, %aux4%, %aux5% that will be replaced by the corresponding Aux inputs. | The result is %aux% + %aux2% |
| output_type | True | ENUM | Desired output type or behavior. Options: ANY (forward as-is), STRING, INT, FLOAT, BOOLEAN, LIST, TUPLE, DICT, JSON, FORMULA. | FORMULA |
| passthrough | False | WILDCARD | Any value to visualize and forward. When provided, this takes precedence over Text. The value can be converted according to Output Type before being forwarded. | [1, 2, 3] |
| aux | False | WILDCARD | Auxiliary value used for placeholder substitution (%aux%) in Text, often combined with FORMULA or templated strings. | 7 |
| aux2 | False | WILDCARD | Second auxiliary value for %aux2% substitution. | 5 |
| aux3 | False | WILDCARD | Third auxiliary value for %aux3% substitution. | true |
| aux4 | False | WILDCARD | Fourth auxiliary value for %aux4% substitution. | {"key":"value"} |
| aux5 | False | WILDCARD | Fifth auxiliary value for %aux5% substitution. | 3.14 |
Outputs¶
| Field | Type | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| output | WILDCARD | The processed value. If Passthrough is present, it is forwarded (optionally converted) and displayed. Otherwise, the processed Text is returned. | 12 (when Text='7+5' and Output Type='FORMULA') |
Important Notes¶
- Passthrough precedence: If Passthrough is connected, it overrides Text. The UI will display a readable representation of the incoming value after any variable substitution and type conversion.
- Variable substitution: Placeholders %aux%, %aux2%, %aux3%, %aux4%, %aux5% in Text are replaced with the corresponding Aux values (case-insensitive).
- Output types: ANY forwards data unchanged; STRING/INT/FLOAT/BOOLEAN/LIST/TUPLE/DICT/JSON convert the data; FORMULA evaluates the Text as a Python expression. The input must be compatible with the chosen type.
- DICT and JSON expectations: DICT requires an input that is already a mapping or an iterable of key-value pairs. For string-based dictionaries, prefer JSON (must be valid JSON).
- Error handling: If conversion or evaluation fails, the node logs the error and returns the unconverted value where possible.
- Display behavior: Scalars and booleans may be displayed encapsulated, but the output still matches the selected type.
Troubleshooting¶
- Text is not used: Ensure Passthrough is disconnected; Passthrough takes priority over Text.
- Placeholders not replaced: Verify the placeholders are spelled as %aux%, %aux2%, %aux3%, %aux4%, %aux5% and that the corresponding Aux inputs are connected. Replacement is case-insensitive but the placeholder format must match.
- JSON conversion fails: Confirm the Text or Passthrough contains valid JSON (e.g., proper quotes and braces).
- DICT conversion fails: Provide a mapping or an iterable of key-value pairs. If starting from a string, parse it into a JSON object first and use JSON output type.
- FORMULA errors: Ensure the expression is valid and all referenced placeholders are replaced with suitable values.
- Unexpected booleans or numeric casting: Remember that non-empty strings cast to BOOLEAN become True, and numeric strings must be parseable for INT/FLOAT.