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

1. Select the 'Flat File Fixed Width' expression type plugin when configuring a Search Field.
2. 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)
3. Finalize the configuration and select the Message Types to apply the expression.
4. 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:

1. Enter a sample payload in the 'Message Body' tab
2. Select the 'Flat File Fixed Width' plugin
   
   Here's an example selecting the 'Flat File Fixed Width' expression type plugin.
3. Enter your configuration (click on elements/attributes to get suggestions)
4. 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

• Add or manage Search Fields
• Add or manage Log Views

Learn More

• What are Search Fields?
• What are Search Field Expressions?
• What are Message Types?
• What are Log Views?