This section offers a comprehensive guide to mastering CTL2, CloverDX’s powerful scripting language for data transformation and manipulation. It is designed to equip you with everything you need to effectively use CTL2 for data transformation, from basic syntax to advanced features, debugging strategies, and a thorough function reference. This chapter provides a structured and in-depth overview of CTL2, starting with a general introduction to the language and then diving into its core components.
The Language reference section breaks down the foundational elements of CTL2, including the program structure, how to add comments, or importing external resources from other .ctl files. You’ll explore the supported data types, literals, and variables. Essential programming concepts such as operators, control statements, and error handling are discussed to help you create efficient and reliable code. The section also covers how to define custom functions or how to write conditional fail expressions, and methods for accessing and mapping data records and fields.
The CTL debugging section is dedicated to helping you troubleshoot and optimize your CTL2 scripts. You’ll learn how to use the debug perspective, manage breakpoints, and inspect variables and expressions. Examples provide practical insights into debugging techniques, enhancing your ability to maintain high-quality scripts.
In the CTL2 functions reference, the chapter catalogs the wide array of CTL2 functions available to you. These include conversion, date, mathematical, and string functions, as well as more specialized mapping, container, and record functions. You’ll also find details on functions related to lookup tables, sequences, and subgraphs, as well as how to leverage Data Service HTTP Library functions or how to create custom functions. This section provides a quick reference guide to all CTL2 functions, ensuring you can easily find and apply the right tools for any task.
Finally, the chapter concludes with an appendix listing national-specific characters, providing additional support for handling multilingual or region-specific data.