Mapping Inputs & Outputs

First step of getting any Excel model compatible with Spark is mapping.

For Excel models to work with Spark, the workbook must have inputs and outputs mapped. This is typically done by setting specific Named Ranges in the Excel file, which Spark can recognize. These mapped inputs and outputs will correspond to the parameters of the API request and the API response.

Before the introduction of Mapper, creating inputs and outputs involved manually establishing named ranges in the traditional manner. Now, you can simply select your inputs/outputs and add them with a single click. Here's how:

1. Open Mapper application.

2. Click on Start mapping.

3. Navigate in Excel ranges that you want to identify as inputs and outputs. Select the first input you would like to add.

4. The input will appear on the taskpane as shown below.

5. Click on Add selected (1)

Adding inputs and outputs step by step

You can also hold down CTRL and select multiple cells/ranges, this will let you map multiple inputs or outputs at the same time.

How are my inputs/outputs saved?

After identifying your inputs and outputs with Mapper, you'll notice that Named Items are created for the selected cells. By default, Mapper assigns names to the inputs/outputs based on the content of the cell to their left. If the cell to the left is empty, Mapper will use the cell's address as the name.

You can also create inputs and outputs by manually mapping them through Excel Name Manager. Every named range that is prefixed by Xinput or Xoutput will automatically added to Mapper.

You can always rename your inputs/outputs by clicking on the name in the taskpane. Do not use period/dot character ( . ) in your input or output names; this character is specifically reserved for defining sub-services.

What are inputs and outputs?

In Excel, inputs serve as the user's starting point. They involve entering data crucial for your model. The outcomes of your Excel model represent the findings you wish to present to the end user. These outcomes can manifest as a calculated cell, a table, a chart, or a pivot table.

An example of input and output for a simple model can be BMI. For the body mass indicator calculator, the inputs of the model are age, body weight, and height whereas the output will be the

For more details about mapping inputs and outputs, please check out How to: Map inputs and outputs