Node and flow property examples

Last updated: Jan 17, 2024

You can use node and flow properties in a variety of ways with SPSS Modeler. They're most commonly used as part of a script: either a standalone script, used to automate multiple flows or operations, or a flow script, used to automate processes within a single flow. You can also specify node parameters by using the node properties within the SuperNode. At the most basic level, properties can also be used as a command line option for starting SPSS Modeler. Using the -p argument as part of command line invocation, you can use a flow property to change a setting in the flow.

Table 1. Node and flow property examples
Property	Meaning
`s.max_size`	Refers to the property `max_size` of the node named `s`.
`s:samplenode.max_size`	Refers to the property `max_size` of the node named `s`, which must be a Sample node.
`:samplenode.max_size`	Refers to the property `max_size` of the Sample node in the current flow (there must be only one Sample node).
`s:sample.max_size`	Refers to the property `max_size` of the node named `s`, which must be a Sample node.
`t.direction.Age`	Refers to the role of the field `Age` in the Type node `t`.
`:.max_size`	* NOT LEGAL * You must specify either the node name or the node type.

The example s:sample.max_size illustrates that you don't need to spell out node types in full.

The example t.direction.Age illustrates that some slot names can themselves be structured—in cases where the attributes of a node are more complex than simply individual slots with individual values. Such slots are called structured or complex properties.