Distinct

The Distinct operator retains records input from a relation that are unique. If duplicate records exist, they will not be sent out from the Distinct operator. All attributes of records must match to be filtered with the Distinct operators.

You typically use the Distinct operator in conjunction with a relation output from another operator. The Distinct operator does not forward duplicate records from input to it. Typical operators whose input the Distinct operator uses include:

• Attribute-Based Window operator

• Partitioned Window operator

• Time Based Window operator

• Tuple-Based Window operator

• Relation Map operator

• Relation Aggregator operator

When you use the Distinct operator, any records provided must be a complete duplicate, meaning that all attributes have to match for the Distinct operator to fill out all records.

The Distinct operator works with other operators. For example, you can use the Distinct operator with a Tuple-Based Window operator to limit the number of tuples that are affected by the operator. Or you can use the Distinct operator with the Time-Based Window operator to keep records for only 30 seconds, but to filter out records if there are no duplicates.

To Create a Distinct Operator

1. Drag a Distinct operator from the Palette to the Design view.

2. Connect an input from an operator that has a relation result.

3. Double-click the Distinct operator.

   The property editor opens with the name of the Distinct operator and the output schema name populated. The property editor displays the schema of the data that is input to the Distinct operator.

4. (Optional) Click the Documentation tab and supply notes on this component.

5. Click OK.