Custom Scripting in Dell Boomi: Powering Up Your Integrations

Dell Boomi is a robust cloud-based integration platform (iPaaS) that simplifies and streamlines the process of connecting applications and data sources. While Boomi offers a rich set of pre-built connectors and shapes, there are times when you need more tailored logic or transformations within your integration processes. This is where custom scripting enters the picture.

What is Custom Scripting in Boomi?

Custom scripting in Boomi lets you embed code snippets into your integration processes. These scripts unlock advanced data manipulation, complex logic, and interactions with external systems that Boomi may not natively support. Boomi supports the following scripting languages:

• Groovy: A Java-like syntax, often the preferred choice for Boomi scripting.
• JavaScript: A widely used language that is ideal if you’re already familiar with it.

When to Use Custom Scripting

Here are some compelling use cases for custom scripting in Boomi:

• Complex Data Transformations: Manipulate data in ways standard shapes cannot achieve (e.g., intricate calculations, string parsing, regular expressions).
• External API Calls: Interact with REST or SOAP APIs without dedicated Boomi connectors.
• Advanced Error Handling: Implement custom error handling routines, retries, and notifications for more robust processes.
• Data Validation: Enforce specific data formats, business rules, and quality checks beyond basic validation.
• Specialized Logic: Build unique decision-making or conditional flows within your integration processes.

Essential Tips for Custom Scripting

1. Utilize the Boomi API: Access Boomi’s built-in functions and classes to interact with process data, properties, and logging. The Boomi API is comprehensive and can streamline your scripting.
2. Start Simple: Begin with small, focused scripts and gradually expand their functionality.
3. Modularize Your Code: Break down scripts into reusable functions for better organization and maintainability.
4. Logging: Use logging statements to track execution, debug issues, and provide insights into your processes.
5. Thorough Testing: Rigorously test your scripts with different input scenarios to ensure they work as expected under various conditions.

Example: Data Transformation with Groovy

Suppose you need to reformat incoming phone numbers into a standardized format:

Groovy

import java.util.regex.Matcher;

import java.util.regex.Pattern;

for( int i = 0; i < dataContext.getDataCount(); i++ ) {

  InputStream is = dataContext.getStream(i);

  Properties props = dataContext.getProperties(i);

  // Sample input phone number

  String inputNumber = props.getProperty(“dynamicDocumentProperty.phoneNumber”);

  // Regex pattern to extract digits 

  Pattern pattern = Pattern.compile(“\\d+”);

  Matcher matcher = pattern.matcher(input number);

  String formatted number = “”;

  if (matcher.find()) {

      formatted number = “(” + matcher.group().substring(0, 3) + “) ” + 

                        matcher.group().substring(3, 6) + “-” +

                        matcher.group().substring(6, 10);

  }

  props.setProperty(“dynamicDocumentProperty.phoneNumber”, formattedNumber);

  dataContext.storeStream(is, props);

}

Let’s Get Started!

Custom scripting adds a dimension of flexibility to your Dell Boomi integrations. By understanding the use cases and best practices and leveraging the power of Groovy or JavaScript, you can take your data integration efforts to the next level.