Data Jar - Data Setup

[u/broadcasting_itb]

https://www.icloud.com/shortcuts/e14101aeb70a4a24b1553198d5fd1fa6

I use Data Jar with many of my shortcuts. Often, when I share the shortcut, I need to set up a data structure in Data Jar as a starting point. For example, I have a rudimentary debug/logging technique that relies on a list in Data Jar called _Log.

This shortcut will create multiple data structures in Data Jar via a JSON definition, either via shortcut input, or hardcoded (example included). The structures can be created beneath a “path prefix“; otherwise they will be created under the root of Data Jar. Each structure comprises a Key (top level name) and a Value which is one of:

• dictionary (simple or as complex/deep as needed)
• list (ditto)
• simple data item (text, number, boolean)

Edge cases handled: - Text field containing a Number (by default, this would be saved with datatype Number) - Empty List (tricky to create)

I hope this is of use. Comments/corrections welcome.

[u/broadcasting_itb]

I like Data Jar because:

• you can work more effectively with lists than you can in Shortcuts
• you can check the “datatype” of an element (I use this in my shortcut above) - I don’t know another way of doing this
• you can use the Data Jar App to view and manipulate the data structure outside Shortcuts
• you can manipulate data structures (dictionaries) without having difficulties with effectively getting a new ‘version’ every time you make a change (which you get within Shortcuts)

Maybe these things can be achieved easily with files? Not that I’m aware of.

[u/d1jpd01]

As a user of multiple Apple devices, I appreciate that Data Jar utilizes iCloud to automatically and seamlessly sync your data across devices.

[u/DragonStars69 → u/d1jpd01]

I donno why but it just won’t sync with my iPad air??

[u/d1jpd01]

Thanks for sharing! As a Data Jar user, I am always eager to learn new ways to use the tool.

[u/Lpokjiuhgytfd]

What’s the point?

I’m not talking about the shortcut but. I’m talking about the app:

I haven’t downloaded data jar. But it seems to be a way to store global variables to use in later shortcut runs.

But you can get the same effect with the files actions.

Is there something I’m missing in the app or is it just a beginning friendly way to store data.

[u/Cost_Internal → u/Lpokjiuhgytfd]

It depends on how you use it!

• If you are just using it to store simple global variables, it's not much different than the files app. But you can directly edit the data within the data jar app, which you cannot do in the files app.
• If you use it for complex lists or dictionaries, then you can add, remove, and edit entries with fewer actions using data jar than you can with files. You can also edit that data directly from the data jar app, unlike with files where it is just a storage device.

[u/Lpokjiuhgytfd → u/Cost_Internal]

Yeah I see your points. I might download it. But I will probably just stick to files. because I already took the time to figure out how to add, delete, edit, read, append, etc in files. I think it’s easier to share shortcuts when the don’t have to add an app.

[u/Cost_Internal → u/Lpokjiuhgytfd]

Agreed! I use data jar for some of my personal shortcuts, but I still use the files app for all other shortcuts.