Flat File Fixed Width search field expression type plugin
Easily extract unique values from fixed-width messages using the Nodinite Flat File Fixed Width Search Field Expression Plugin. This page shows you how to configure, test, and use this plugin with clear input, configuration, and result examples.
✅ Extract single or multiple unique values from fixed-width messages
✅ Flexible configuration for start position, length, and row selection
✅ Designed for high performance and self-service log views
What is the Flat File Fixed Width Plugin?
The Nodinite Flat File Fixed Width plugin lets you extract one or more unique values from the payload (Body) of Log Events. Use it to process messages where each field has a fixed width, making it easy to target specific data.
- Process flat files with fixed-width fields
- Target specific rows or ranges for extraction
- Ideal for small payloads and business integration scenarios
Use this plugin for extracting values from messages with a fixed-width format.
How It Works: Input → Configuration → Result
Each example below clearly separates the Input (message body), the Configuration (plugin settings), and the Result (output values).
Quick Example
Input:
ORD|101|ExampleCompany1|456|Company Name ACME |...
ORD|102|ExampleCompany2|789|Company Name MECA |...
Configuration:
Start position on line = 4
Length = 3
Result:
101
102
Examples
Example 1: Extract Order IDs from Pipe-Delimited Fixed Width File
Input:
ORD|101|ExampleCompany1|456|Company Name ACME |Dieselgate valley 1|123 45|Flameburg|
ORD|102|ExampleCompany2|789|Company Name MECA |Radiator Spring 420|543 21|Apocalypsenburg|
Configuration:
Start position on line = 4
Length = 3
Result:
101
102
Example: Extract multiple order IDs from a fixed-width flat file.
Features
- Extract single or multiple unique values from fixed-width messages (payload)
- Configure start position, length, and row selection (include/exclude)
- Target specific rows or ranges for advanced extraction
- Designed for small payloads and high performance
Click the Add button to enter which rows to include
Enter start and stop rows to keep
Click the Add button to enter which rows to exclude
Enter start and stop rows to exclude
Note: This plugin loads the entire message into RAM. Only use it for small payloads.
How to Use
- Select the 'Flat File Fixed Width' expression type plugin when configuring a Search Field.
- Enter the configuration for the Flat File Fixed Width plugin:
- Start position on line (positive integer)
- Length (positive integer)
- Row number(s) to include or exclude (single or range)
- Finalize the configuration and select the Message Types to apply the expression.
- Optionally, perform a re-index operation (Add or manage Search Field).
Extracted values are stored for as long as the Message Type retention is configured.
Test Expression
You can test your configuration in the 'Test Expression' tab when setting up a Search Field:
- Enter a sample payload in the 'Message Body' tab
- Select the 'Flat File Fixed Width' plugin
Here's an example selecting the 'Flat File Fixed Width' expression type plugin. - Enter your configuration (click on elements/attributes to get suggestions)
- Review the output and adjust as needed
If the expression is valid, you will see the unique values and total count:
Valid expression with state output, unique values, and total count.
If the expression is invalid or does not match any data, you will see:
Example of an invalid expression yielding no result.
Related Plugins and Topics
- Flat File CSV – For delimited content
- Formula – For advanced options using nested expressions
Mermaid Diagram: Search Field Expression Flow
This diagram shows how the Flat File Fixed Width plugin fits into the overall search field expression process.
Next Step
Learn More
- What are Search Fields?
- What are Search Field Expressions?
- What are Message Types?
- What are Log Views?