How to use variables in load scripts

[#1]

Hi there.

I need to use a variable whose value is set in a previous stage of the data load process in a further section of the same load script.

The variable contains a date and I need to calculate the difference between its value and the dates in another field to build up a new field containing that difference. So:

Setting the value of the variable

And vMaxDate will contain the most recent date in my data table (this part works perfectly).

Using the variable

Later in the load script I'd something like (simplified example):

LOAD

Id,

Exped.,

Company,

...

Registration_date,

(vMaxDate - Registration_date) as Time_in_system,

...

And this is what I can't make work.

Any suggestion, guidance, comment will be highly appreciated.

Many thanks in advance.

M.

[jonathandienst · Accepted solution]

You need to enclose a variable in a $() expansion in a load statement, if vMaxDate is a number, like this

...

Registration_date,

($(vMaxDate) - Registration_date as Time_in_system,

...

Or if vMaxDate is formatted as a date:

...

Registration_date,

('$(vMaxDate)' - Registration_date as Time_in_system,

...

[#3]

Brilliant!

Thanks Jonathan.

M.