Test DREL Expressions

Data Reference Expression Language (DRELClosed Data Reference Expression Language (DREL) is used to get form data and metadata and add it to a string, such as dates, usernames, or answers to questions in forms.) dynamically references data and metadata from submitted forms. You can use DREL expressions for submitted form and document names when you implement your company’s workflow. We recommend that you test any DREL expressions you want to use to make sure that they return the intended data or metadata. This topic includes detailed steps to test your DREL expressions.

Available on all tiers:

Essentials
Advanced
Enterprise

Prerequisites to test DREL expressions

Steps to test DREL expressions

  1. Go to

    Data & Analytics > Submissions (by Form) > FormName > Continue

    or

    Manage Forms > FormName > Go to submissions

    Result: The Web Portal displays the Form Submissions page for the selected form. By default, The Form Submissions page displays form submissions from the last 30 days.

  2. Select the reference number of the submitted form you want to use for your tests.

    Result: The system opens the Form Submission details page.

  3. Select or hover over the arrow next to the reference number, and then select Test DREL.

    Select the Form Submission Reference Number, and then select Test DREL.

    Result: The system opens the Test DREL window.

  4. In the DREL Text field, enter the DREL expression you want to test. You can test the following common DREL expressions:

    Info:The topic DREL Quick Reference includes a list of all the DREL expressions you can test.

    The following example shows a test of the DREL expressions for date and time.

    In the test DREL window, a user inputs the DREL expressions %d - %t. The system returns "2022-01-07 - 11:56:01".

    Note:The Result Text field can be empty in the following situations:
    • The referenced information is not available in the submitted form. For example, if the device does not have geo location enabled, %g returns an empty result.
    • The system could not find a match to your DREL expression. Check that your DREL expression references an existing object.