BizTalk and Functoids

When using the BizTalk Mapper to design structural transformations between disparate document schemas, the native Functoids provided by BizTalk allow for the creation of sophisticated transformation logic. BizTalk Utilities extends this feature, by introducing the ability to encapsulate reusable Functoid logic into scripts that can be applied to multiple maps. These scripts are called “ScriptToids”.

How it works

Illustrated below is an example of how BizTalk Utilities integrates with the BizTalk Mapper to allow the same ScriptToid to be applied to different maps:

This part of BizTalk Utilities is managed through the use of a configuration wizard, which allows for the step-by-step creation of ScriptToids. Below are a series of dialog screens used to set up a ScriptToid.

The first set of dialogs allow you to assign the ScriptToid a name, a category from the BizTalk Functoid Palette, as well as a script type and associated tool tip text.

The content of the ScriptToid is defined using the remaining screens. For instance, script parameters and return values are set up, and the actual script code is pasted into the Wizard’s form.

Summary

By supplying an easy-to-use wizard for the creation and maintenance of ScriptToids, you can build your own library of reusable utility scripts. Through this feature, BizTalk Utilities significantly increases the power of the BizTalk Mapper. The reusability of application logic, a concept familiar to all developers, can finally be applied to document maps. With just a few button clicks map designers can leverage existing code and save a great deal of time and effort.

To learn more about these and other features, download an evaluation copy of BizTalk Utilities