# Inline Functions: Transform Data in a Single Step

### Overview

Inline Functions brings the familiarity of function-based transformations directly into your Tray workflows, enabling powerful data manipulation without leaving your connector steps. This game-changing feature optimises workflow efficiency whilst reducing complexity and task usage, allowing you to focus on building value-adding integrations.

![inline functions sample](https://tray.ai/documentation/images/releases/features/inline-functions-transform-data-in-a-single-step/inline-functions-sample.png)

### Key Features

* \*\*Simple Syntax: \*\*Familiar function-based syntax makes data transformation accessible to users of all technical backgrounds (based on [lodash library](https://lodash.com/docs/4.17.15))
* \*\*In-connector Transformations: \*\*Transform data directly within connector steps, eliminating the need for additional helper connectors
* \*\*Comprehensive Function Library: \*\*Rich set of string, number, date, and boolean functions to handle complex data manipulation needs
* **Dynamic Arguments**: Use data from previous steps and project configuration seamlessly as function parameters (using Tray's jsonpaths)
* **Intuitive Function Discovery**: Built-in function search and syntax assistance helps you find and use the right transformations

### Benefits

* **Optimised Task Usage**: Consolidate multiple helper steps into single transformations, reducing overall task consumption
* **Enhanced Workflow Readability**: Cleaner, more maintainable workflows with fewer steps and clearer data flow
* **Reduced Technical Barrier**: Perform complex transformations without requiring JavaScript or Python expertise
* **Faster Execution**: Streamlined workflows lead to quicker execution times and improved performance

### Getting Started

Access Inline Functions through the `f(x)` input type option in any string-type field within your connector steps.

![f(x) type](https://tray.ai/documentation/images/releases/features/inline-functions-transform-data-in-a-single-step/fx-type.png)

Visit our [documentation](https://tray.ai/documentation/platform/automation-integration/building-workflows/mapping-data/configuration) to learn more about leveraging Inline Functions in your workflows, or [**watch this demo**](https://www.loom.com/share/bc1cc20dd21f46828ac9c0ff02393215?sid=d3a7d841-781b-47a4-8d2d-a28b2c6d80ba) for a live walk-through of the current functionality.

*Note: The current iteration supports string-type fields with date/time capabilities. Numbers and booleans are supported as string types. Additional type support will be introduced in future releases based on customer feedback.*