Need help converting a list of texts into a list of things

[jbtecsolutions]

I’ve been racking my brain over this for the last day and can’t find a solid solution.

In short, I want to take an existing lists of texts, and using that list I want to create a NEW list of things.

This list of things will be based on an existing data type in my database. The name of these things should match the name of my list of texts.

example:
List Text [“A”, “B”, “C”, “D”] should create new List of Thing [Name =“A”, Name =“B”, Name = “C”, Name = “D”].

This new list of things will be assigned to the current user. This will all be triggered through the front end by the end user.

How can I achieve this through state or workflow?

[jonah.deleseleuc]

1. Create a backend workflow.
2. Make sure it has a parameter called “Input” and make it of type text and make sure “list” is checked
3. Schedule a backend workflow on a list
4. Create an action → Create a new thing with the field being the value of the “input”

[jbtecsolutions]

@jonah.deleseleuc For step 3, what do I put in the types of things? For more context, I want to add a list of ids to a Thing. My text list will matchup with a list of things and pull the ids from each match, creating a new list. I can add one thing at a time, but having trouble adding all 5 ids at once.

Here’s my front end workflow

And my backend.

[J805]

Hmm. Seems you are close. Try this. Try having your backend workflow not be checked for the option ‘is a list/array’’.

Then the front end workflows to schedule on a list of things toolName would really be one item. ‘This text’ or whatever option it shows. Are you sure you want to use the unique ID? Or should it be a name of a tool?

Does that help at all?

[jonah.deleseleuc]

You’re right - I mix up the parameter as list thing with custom events sometimes.

No need to add the parameter, just schedule a backend workflow on a list and use “this item”

[jbtecsolutions]

Got it. I’ll try that way. I ended up finding another solution to do what I was trying to do (add a button that lets the user add each item to the list individually). But for the original use case ,I’ll keep your advice in mind. Thanks!