Expression Builder
Use the Expression Builder dialog box to create and edit a property expression or write the expression that sets the value of a variable using a graphical user interface that lists variables and provides a built-in reference to the functions, type casts, and operators that the Integration Services expression language includes.
A property expression is an expression that is assigned to a property. When the expression is evaluated, the property is dynamically updated to use the evaluation result of the expression. Likewise, an expression that is used in a variable enables the variable value to be updated with the evaluation result of the expression.
There are many ways to use expressions:
**Tasks **Update the To line that a Send Mail task uses by inserting an e-mail address that is stored in a variable; or update the Subject line by concatenating a string such as "Sales for: " and the current date returned by the GETDATE function.
**Variables **Set the value of a variable to the current month by using an expression like DATEPART("mm",GETDATE()); or set the value of a string by concatenating the string literal and the current date by using the expression "Today's date is " + (DT_WSTR,30)(GETDATE()).
Connection Managers Set the code page of a Flat File connection manager by using a variable that contains a different code page identifier; or specify the number of rows in the data file to skip by entering a positive integer like 3 in the expression.
To learn more about property expressions and writing expressions, see Use Property Expressions in Packages and Integration Services (SSIS) Expressions.
Options
Term |
Definition |
|---|---|
Variables |
Expand the Variables folder and drag variables to the Expression box. |
Mathematical Functions String Functions Date/Time Functions NULL Functions Type Casts Operators |
Expand the folders and drag functions, type casts, and operators to the Expression box. |
Expression |
Edit or type an expression.` |
Evaluated value |
Lists the evaluation result of the expression. |
Evaluate Expression |
Click Evaluate Expression to view the evaluation result of the expression. |