This guide explains how to add the link function in a template, allowing you to import data from another calculation. A common example is the load link feature which allows exporting the reactions of a beam to be used as input for column calculations.

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The Basics

Beam calculator with link button
Figure 1 - Beam calculator with the “link” button

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Step 1: Create Export Data

First, create a equation widget in the template you want to obtain the data from. This equation widget should be a table (using double square brackets [[]]) containing all data you want to export.
Preparing data for exporting
Figure 2 - Preparing the data for exporting Make sure to check the “Export” box for this widget:
Export checkbox

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Step 2: Create Import Table

Create a table in the destination template where you need the imported data. This table should have the same number of columns as the exported table.
Remember to add "inputType": "string" for text columns.
In the import table, include the following code to create the link function: 
{
    "type": "linkRow",
    "mappings": [
        {
            "sourceColumn": 0,
            "targetColumn": 0,
            "prependSheetName": true
        },
        {
            "sourceColumn": 1,
            "targetColumn": 1
        },
        {
            "sourceColumn": 2,
            "targetColumn": 2
        },
        {
            "sourceColumn": 3,
            "targetColumn": 3
        },
        {
            "sourceColumn": 4,
            "targetColumn": 4
        }
    ],
    "description": "Link to MAFI Bracket Calculator",
    "referenceId": "testinglink",  // ReferenceID from exported sheet 
    "linkRequired": true, // Required link for calc to be valid?
    "sourceDataColumns": [
        {
            "label": "Label",
            "sorted": true
        }
    ]
}

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Configuration Parameters

  • referenceId: Must match the reference ID of the exported table
  • sourceColumn and targetColumn: Refer to the column indices of the exported and imported tables respectively (the imported table can have a different column arrangement)
  • prependSheetName: Set to true to include the sheet name in the imported data
  • linkRequired: Set to true if the link is required for the calculation to be valid

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Final Configuration

Make sure to check both “Expand” and “Show in Summary” boxes for the linking widget.
A tutorial video is available, created by Brooks while teaching Qiming.

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Advanced Linking

For more advanced linking concepts, including backend architecture and common pitfalls, refer to this comprehensive learning session: Advanced Load Linking Session This recording covers:
  • How load linking works on the backend
  • How to design new types of links (not necessarily just loads)
  • Common pitfalls and how to avoid them
  • Best practices for complex linking scenarios