Computed Expressions
Raw data and displayed data aren't always the same thing. A stored value of 0.847 should display as 84.7%. A first name and last name should display as a single full name. A timestamp should display relative to now: "3 hours ago." A revenue number should be formatted with currency symbol and thousands separators.
These transformations are simple in principle, but they accumulate — every field that needs special display requires handling. Computed expressions bring a concise, configuration-driven approach to data transformation.
Expression Syntax
Expressions use a template syntax that wraps field references in curly braces and chains transformations with pipes:
{firstName} {lastName}
Combines two fields with a space between them.
{amount | currency}
Applies the currency function to format the amount field.
{status | uppercase}
Converts a status value to uppercase for display.
{createdAt | date:'MMM d, yyyy'}
Formats a date field with a specific format pattern.
{quantity} × {unitPrice | currency} = {lineTotal | currency}
Combines multiple fields with static text and transformations.
Available Functions
The built-in function library covers the transformations most commonly needed in business contexts:
- Text:
uppercase,lowercase,truncate(n),trim - Numbers:
round(n),floor,ceil,abs,percent - Dates:
date(format),timeAgo,dayOfWeek,monthName - Currency:
currency,currency(code) - Conditionals:
if(condition, trueValue, falseValue) - String formatting:
prefix(str),suffix(str),default(fallback)
Functions chain — {amount | abs | currency} takes the absolute value of a negative amount and formats it as currency.
Where Expressions Are Used
Expressions appear in display fields, column format configurations, notification message templates, action step values, and computed field definitions. Anywhere a value is displayed or composed from existing data, an expression can be used.
A notification template like "Invoice {invoiceNumber} is due in {daysUntilDue | default:'N/A'} days" reads field values from the current record and formats them inline.
No Code Required
Expressions are the power-user layer of data display configuration. They require no programming knowledge — the syntax is intentionally readable and the functions are named for what they do. Power users comfortable with spreadsheet formulas will find expressions immediately familiar.