Create List

The Create List action A feature that supplies the instructions in a botflow. creates a list in a botflow A file that stores the actions and variables designed to automate tasks..

Using the Create List action, you can create a list:

  • To prepare the list for the import of new data.
  • On a network drive in the network domain.
  • In a database.

Some examples of using the Create List action with lists are:

  • A list created in the Nintex RPA Botflow pane.

  • With a Loop Action to perform a work action with each item in the list.

  • File and folder information imported or compiled into a list using the Expression Builder.

Add a Create List action to a botflow

This example provides the steps necessary to add a Create List action to a botflow.

To add a Create List action to a botflow:

  1. On the Actions List, click Lists and then click Create List from the Lists list.

    2. The Action Builder window for Create List displays.

  2. Set the Create List settings.

    Name: Type in a name for the list.

    Type: Select the type of list from the drop-down list.

    Overwrite: Check the box to overwrite a list with the same name.

    Options (File & Folder List)

     Retrieve: Select to retrieve files, folder, or both files and folder from the drop-down list.

    Folder: Type in the folder location.

    Include subfolders: Check the box to include subfolders in the Create List action.

    Ignore inaccessible folders: Check the box to ignore inaccessible folders.

    Include Hidden items: Check the box to include hidden files.

    Include System items: Check the box to include system items.

    Filter: Check the box to type in filter criteria.

    Options (Custom List)

    Columns (Plus Sign): Click to display the Column window.

    • Name: Enter a name for the column.
    • Exception value: Optionally, enter a value in the Exception value field.
    • Keep window open to add another column: Check to keep the window open while adding columns.

  1. If needed, adjust the Run Error Task settings to fine tune how the action runs.
  2. If needed, adjust the Run Switch setting to create the action without running it.
  3. Optionally, add an action note.
  4. Click OK to add the Create List action to the botflow.
Field or button Description
Create List Options/Settings

    General

    • Name: Type in a name for the list or use the Expression Builder to build the action settings.
    • Type: Select the type of list from the drop-down list.
      • Custom List: Create a custom list using the Column window.
        • Name:Type in a name for the column.
        • Exception value: Optionally, enter a value in the Exception field. This is the value returned for a list lookup if no list entry is found.
        • Keep window open to add another column: Check to keep the window open while adding columns.
      • File & Folder List: Create a list of files and/or folders from a specific directory.

        • Note:  Lists provide information about each list item, such as the number of items that appear in the list, so that a Loop action will loop that number of times.

    • Overwrite: Check the box to overwrite a list with the same name.

      • Options (File & Folder List)

    •  Retrieve: Select to retrieve files, folder, or both files and folder from the drop-down list.
      • Files: Retrieve a list of file names only (exclude folders).
      • Folders: Retrieves a list of folder names only (exclude files).
      • Files & Folders: Retrieves a list of both file names and folder names.
    • Folder: Type in the folder location, click the folder icon and browse to the folder location, or use the Expression Builder to build the action settings using variables or other token values.
    • Include subfolders: Check the box to include subfolders in the Create List action.
      • Limit depth: Type in the number of levels of subfolders to include, use the up and down arrows to increase or decrease the number, use the Expression Builder to build the action settings using variables or other token values.
    • Ignore inaccessible folders: Check the box to ignore inaccessible folders.
    • Include Hidden items: Check the box to include hidden files.
    • Include System items: Check the box to include system items.
    • Filter: Check the box to type in filter criteria or use the Expression Builder to build the action settings using variables or other token values. Example: To filter for Microsoft Excel files, a file filter may look something like ".xlsx, .csv, .xls, .xlsm".

      • Options (Custom List)

    • Columns (Plus Sign): Click to display the Column window.
      • Name: Enter a name for the column.
      • Exception value: Optionally, enter a value in the Exception value field. This is the value returned for a list lookup if no list entry is found.
      • Keep window open to add another column: Check to keep the window open while adding columns.
Run error task
  1. Click Run error task.
  2. Open the On Error drop-down list and select the required setting:
    • Run error task: A botflow containing an error task automatically runs the error task in the event of an error. If the botflow does not contain an error task, the botflow stops in the event of an error.
    • Stop on error: The botflow stops in the event of an error.
    • Ignore errors: The action is skipped in the event of an error and the botflow attempts to execute the next action
  1. Click X to close the drop-down and save the setting.
Note

(Optional) Type a Note to document any special instructions or functionality.    
Run Switch

The Run Switch toggle controls how Nintex RPA runs an action when adding or editing an action in a botflow.

  • Run: To run the action automatically when you click OK, turn the toggle to Run.

  • Don't Run: If you do not want to run the action automatically when you click OK, turn the toggle to Don't Run.
OK/Cancel Click OK to save the action or click Cancel to discard the action or any changes.