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Scripting Functoid

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The Scripting functoid enables you to use custom script or code at run time to perform functions otherwise not available. For example, you can call a .NET assembly at run time by using the Scripting functoid and writing your own custom functions.

The Scripting functoid supports the following languages:

  • C# .NET

  • JScript .NET

  • Visual Basic .NET

  • Extensible Stylesheet Language Transformations (XSLT)

  • XSLT Call Templates

    Another significant difference between the current Scripting functoid and earlier versions is that the script need no longer be created and stored in the functoid itself. Instead, you can create the script in a separate .NET assembly and reference the assembly through the Script property. Having the script in a separate assembly enables you to use the same script in more than one map. Additionally, you may be able to purchase Scripting functoid assemblies from third-party vendors.

    You can use Scripting functoids created in previous versions of BizTalk Mapper with the current version of BizTalk Mapper. However, you must migrate the functoids first. For more information about how to migrate Scripting functoids, see Migrating Functoids.

    When you add a Scripting functoid to a map, you need to configure the script the functoid uses. If you select a Scripting functoid, the Script property is enabled in the Properties window. If you click the ellipsis (...) button for this property, the Configure Scripting Functoid dialog box opens. Alternatively, you can double-click the Scripting functoid.

    The following table shows the fields of this dialog box.

Configure Scripting Functoid dialog box field Description
Select script type Use this field to select the type of script you want to use in this Scripting functoid.

Values:

- External Assembly. Use this value if you want to associate the Scripting functoid with an assembly in the global assembly cache (GAC). Warning: The code in the external assembly must be thread-safe. Under stress conditions, multiple instances of a map may be running concurrently.
- Inline C#. Use this value if you want to associate the Scripting functoid with C# code in the Inline script buffer.
- Inline JScript .NET. Use this value if you want to associate the Scripting functoid with JScript .NET script in the Inline script buffer.
- Inline Visual Basic .NET. Use this value if you want to associate the Scripting functoid with Visual Basic .NET code in the Inline script buffer.
- Inline XSLT. Use this value if you want to associate the Scripting functoid with XSLT in the Inline script buffer.
- Inline XSLT Call Template. Use this value if you want to associate the Scripting functoid with XSLT call templates in the Inline script buffer.
Script assembly Select the assembly to associate with the Scripting functoid. Only assemblies referenced in the Project window appear in this list. Note also that you must register assemblies in the GAC.

This field is only available when Select script type is set to External Assembly.
Script class Select the class within the chosen assembly that you want this Scripting functoid to use.

This field is only available when Select script type is set to External Assembly.
Script method Select the method within the chosen class that you want this Scripting functoid to use. Note: Make sure the number of input parameters expected by the method matches the number of input parameters specified in the Configure Scripting Functoid dialog box.
Inline script Write or copy the inline script to be used into this text box. Valid languages and scripts include: C#, JScript .NET, Visual Basic .NET, XSLT, and XSLT call templates.

This field is only available when Select script type is set to one of the Inline settings. Caution: Avoid using the same method signature more than once. When several Scripting functoids have the same method signature, BizTalk selects the first implementation and disregards the others.

The following figure shows how the Scripting functoid appears in a map using the C# .Net script to reformat a telephone number.

Map using the C# to format a telephone number.
Scripting Functoid Map

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