Using merge to update an existing array

In Xano, you can easily add new values to an array of table references within your API. This is particularly useful when you need to associate multiple records from one table to a single record in another table. Follow the step-by-step guide below to learn how to accomplish this task:

Step 1: Get the Record You Want to Edit

First, you need to retrieve the record you want to modify from the table. You can do this by using the `Get Record` action and specifying the unique identifier (e.g., ID) of the record you want to fetch.

Step 2: Edit the Record

Next, use the `Edit Record` action to modify the retrieved record. Again, you'll need to specify the unique identifier of the record you want to update.

Step 3: Access the Existing Array of Table References

Within the `Edit Record` action, locate the input field corresponding to the array of table references you want to modify. This field will likely be populated with the existing array of referenced records.

Step 4: Merge the New Values into the Array

To add new values to the array, you'll need to merge the existing array with the new values you want to include. You can achieve this by using the `Merge` filter and applying it to the existing array.

Here's an example of how you can do this:

In this example, `get_record.table_field` refers to the existing array of table references, and `input.new_values` represents the new values you want to add to the array.

Step 5: Run the API and Verify the Changes

After setting up the `Edit Record` action with the merged array, you can run the API and provide the necessary input values (e.g., the unique identifier of the record you want to update and the new values to add to the array).

Once the API has executed successfully, you can verify the changes by checking the updated record in the database table.

By following these steps, you can easily add new values to an array of table references in Xano, allowing you to associate multiple records from one table to a single record in another table. This functionality can be particularly useful in scenarios where you need to manage complex relationships between data entities.

Remember, Xano's visual interface makes it easy to build and deploy backend services without writing code, enabling both non-technical users and developers to streamline their development process efficiently.