Informatica Transformations are repository Objects that are used to perform aggregations, sorting, merging, modifying, distributing, etc., while passing data through them.
The Power Center Designer provides a set of transformations in Informatica that perform specific functions. For example, Sorter transformation will sort the input fields based on a specified field.
Types of Transformations in Informatica
A transformation is a part of Informatica Mapping, which transforms or modifies the data as per the selected transformation. This section covers the list of available Transformations with practical examples.
Informatica transformations can divide into two types: Active Transformations or Passive Transformations. We can further divide them based on the connectivity in mapping: Connected Transformations and Unconnected Transformations.
Active Transformations in Informatica
An active type of transformation in Informatica can change the number of rows that pass through the transformation. For example, if the input rows do not meet the specified expression, then those rows will not move to the target.
Passive Transformations in Informatica
If a transformation does not change the number of rows that pass through it, then the transformation is called Informatica passive transformation.
Connected Transformations in Informatica
Within a Mapping, if a transformation connected to other transformations, or if it connected directly to the target table, then it is called Informatica Connected Transformation.
All the active and passive transformation can call as connected transformations in Informatica. A connected transformation can receive / or provide multiple input ports
Unconnected Transformations in Informatica
Within the Mappings, if a transformation not connected to other transformations, then we can call it as Unconnected Transformation in Informatica. It means it neither connected to Source nor the target.
Unconnected Lookup is the best example of Informatica Unconnected Transformation.
Informatica Transformations List
Before we get into the list of Informatica transformations and their definitions, let me open my Power Center Designer to display the transformation in mappings:
and few more transformations
The following are a list of Informatica transformations that are available to transform data. I suggest you click on the URL (red color links) to navigate to the required transformation and find the example with a detailed explanation.
| Informatica Transformations | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Aggregator | Active / Connected | This transformation is used to perform Aggregate calculations such as SUM, MIN, COUNT etc. |
| Application Source Qualifier | Active / Connected | It represents the rows that the Integration Service reads from an application. |
| Custom | Active or Passive / Connected | This transformation is used to call Procedures from DLL or shared Library |
| Data Masking | Passive / Connected | Use this transformation to replace original data (sensitive data) with realistic test data. This is very useful while we are working in Non- Production environment. |
| Expression | Passive / Connected | This transformation helps you to write Custom Calculation using Expression Editor. |
| External Procedure | Passive / Connected or Unconnected | This is used to call a procedure in a Shared Library or from the Com layer of Windows. |
| Filter | Active / Connected | This transformation is used to Filter the data |
| HTTP | Passive / Connected | Use this transformation to connect with HTTP Server and read or update data. |
| Input | Passive / Connected | This is available in Mapplet Designer. Use this transformation to define the Input rows. |
| Java | Active or Passive / Connected | This is very useful to execute the code written in Java. |
| Joiner | Active / Connected | Use this transformation to Join data from multiple tables. There are four types of Joins: Normal Join, Master Outer Join, Detail Outer Join, and Full Outer Join. |
| Lookup | Active or Passive / Connected or Unconnected | This Informatica transformation is useful to look up data present in Relational databases, or flat files |
| Normalizer | Active / Connected | Use this transformation to normalize the data (DE normalized). |
| Output | Passive / Connected | This is available in Mapplet Designer. Use this transformation to define the output rows. |
| Rank | Active / Connected | Used to Limit the records from Top or Bottom |
| Router | Active / Connected | Based on the group condition, this transformation will route the data to multiple destinations or transformations. |
| Sequence Generator | Passive / Connected | This Informatica Transformation will generate Numeric values. We mainly use this to generate primary keys |
| Sorter | Active / Connected | This is used to Sort the data based on the specified Column or Key |
| Source Qualifier | Active / Connected | It represents the rows that the Service reads from a Flat File or Relational Database. |
| SQL | Active or Passive / Connected | This Informatica transformation helps you to execute SQL Queries against a Database |
| Stored Procedure | Passive / Connected or Unconnected | Use this transformation to call a stored procedure. |
| Transaction Control | Active / Connected | By using this transformation you can define Commit, and Rollback Transactions |
| Union | Active / Connected | This is used to combine or merge data from different databases or sources. |
| Unstructured Data | Active or Passive / Connected | It transforms data in a semi-structured or unstructured format. |
| Update Strategy | Active / Connected | This transformation is used to determine whether to Insert, Update, Delete, or reject Rows. |
| XML Generator | Active / Connected | It reads data from one or more ports and returns XML |
| XML Parser | Active / Connected | This transformation reads XML file and output the data. |
| XML Source Qualifier | Active / Connected | It represents the records that the Integration Service reads from an XML source. |
If you want to save the above specified list of Informatica Transformations in your Mobile, then use below image
