WorkspaceRunner - return values?

Question

I have a workspace that creates a CSV file from an ArcGIS feature service. I have five attributes that contain 0 to 5 comma-separated 5-digit integers. I sort the integer list then look up text values in an Excel file. I’d like to put this task in a separate workspace and call it from a WorkspaceRunner. For example, I convert “12345, 12346, 12347” to “Desc1,Desc2,Desc3”

I have a programming background and was thinking of a WorkspaceRunner as a function or sub-routine with a return value. I understand how to pass a parameter to a workspace, but how do I get a return value (e.g. “Desc1,Desc2,Desc3”) back to the parent workspace? I have a feeling that I’m misunderstanding what a WorkspaceRunner can do. Thanks.

veronikaatsafe · Accepted Answer

Hi ​@datablue,You are on the right track with your answer, as the WorkspaceRunneronly outputs process metadata (_proc_count and _processes{}) and does not expose any features or attributes generated inside the child workspace. Using a custom transformer would be similar to using a function call, so it should be the right tool for your purposes.You may find these resources helpful:Creating a Custom Transformer— FME DocumentationExporting a Custom Transformer — FME DocumentationOutput attributes of a WorkspaceRunner— Community PostIf you have any other questions, please let me know!

datablue · Answer

I will answer my own question here.I believe that I need to use a Custom Transformer and not a separate workspace. This will allow me to return a value. I do need to figure out how to export a custom transformer so that I can use it in other workspaces.

WorkspaceRunner - return values?

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