Filters: Data Transformation and Manipulation

Welcome to the exciting world of Xano, where you can harness the full potential of filters to transform and manipulate data with ease. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore three incredible examples that will empower you to take your data operations to new heights. Let's dive in!

Example 1: Text Transformation - Searching with Ease

Imagine you have a table filled with names, and you want to allow your users to search for specific records. However, you quickly realize that if a user types in a name with an incorrect capitalization, no results will be returned. This is where filters come into play.

Follow these simple steps to implement a case-insensitive search functionality:

1. Create an API Endpoint: Start by creating an API endpoint that retrieves all records from your table.
2. Add a Text Input: Include a text input field where users can enter their search query.
3. Implement Conditional Query: Apply a conditional query to filter the records based on the user's input.
4. Add a Filter: Add a `to_lower` filter to the user's input, ensuring that the search is case-insensitive.

Now, when users enter a name with incorrect capitalization, the filter will automatically convert it to lowercase, ensuring accurate search results. It's that simple!

Example 2: Mathematical Calculations - Fahrenheit to Celsius Conversion

Have you ever needed to perform complex mathematical calculations on your data? Xano's filters have got you covered! Let's explore how to convert temperatures from Fahrenheit to Celsius:

1. Create a Variable: Start by creating a variable to store the user's input (the temperature in Fahrenheit).
2. Chain Filters Together: Apply a series of filters to the user's input, following the mathematical formula for conversion:

• Subtract 32 using the `subtract` filter
• Multiply by 5 using the `multiply` filter
• Divide by 9 using the `divide` filter

1. Round the Result: If needed, you can round the result to a specific number of decimal places using the `round` filter.

By chaining these filters together, you can seamlessly perform complex calculations on your data, ensuring accuracy and consistent formatting.

Example 3: Manipulating Strings - Customizing API Requests

In this final example, we'll explore how to leverage filters to manipulate strings, allowing you to customize API requests on the fly. Let's say you want to use the Google Maps API to retrieve city information based on a user-provided zip code:

1. Create an External API Request: Start by creating an external API request with the appropriate URL structure.
2. Replace Placeholders with Filters: Utilize the `sprintf` filter to replace placeholders in the URL string with dynamic values:

• Replace the zip code placeholder with the user's input
• Replace the API key placeholder with an environment variable stored securely in Xano

1. Execute the Request: Run the API request, and you'll receive the city information based on the user-provided zip code, thanks to the power of filters.

By following these steps, you can easily customize API requests, ensuring that sensitive information remains secure while allowing for dynamic data manipulation.

Xano's filters are a game-changer in the world of data transformation and manipulation. Whether you're working with text, performing mathematical calculations, or customizing API requests, these powerful tools will streamline your workflow and unlock new possibilities.

Embrace the power of filters today and revolutionize the way you work with data!