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@data-test : The Conditional Test Expression Attribute

The data-test attribute evaluates boolean expressions to conditionally render content within <if> elements. When the expression evaluates to true, the content is rendered; when false, the content is completely omitted from the PDF output. This enables sophisticated conditional logic for dynamic document generation.

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Summary

The data-test attribute provides conditional rendering capabilities, enabling:

  • Boolean expression evaluation for dynamic content control
  • Complete content removal when condition is false (not just hidden)
  • Complex logical operations with AND, OR, NOT operators
  • Data-driven document structure based on runtime values
  • Flexible conditional logic for any document scenario

This attribute is essential for:

  • Personalized documents with user-specific content
  • Role-based content inclusion (admin vs. user views)
  • Status-dependent sections (draft, published, archived)
  • Configuration-driven document generation
  • Multi-language document variants
  • Conditional formatting and styling
  • Business logic implementation in templates

Behavior: When data-test evaluates to false, the <if> element and its content are not rendered at all, reducing document size and processing time.

Usage

The data-test attribute is applied to <if> elements:

<if data-test="{{model.showSection}}">
    <!-- Content rendered only when showSection is true -->
    <div>Conditional content</div>
</if>

Basic Syntax

<!-- Simple boolean property -->
<if data-test="{{model.isActive}}">
    <div>Active content</div>
</if>

<!-- Comparison expression -->
<if data-test="{{model.age >= 18}}">
    <div>Adult content</div>
</if>

<!-- Logical operators -->
<if data-test="{{model.isAdmin && model.hasPermission}}">
    <div>Admin content</div>
</if>

<!-- Negation -->
<if data-test="{{!model.isHidden}}">
    <div>Visible content</div>
</if>

Supported Elements

The data-test attribute is only supported on the following element:

  • <if> - The conditional rendering element

Note: This attribute is required on <if> elements. Without data-test, the <if> element will always render its content.

Binding Values

Expression Types

The data-test attribute accepts any expression that evaluates to a boolean value:

Expression Type Example Description
Boolean Property {{model.isActive}} Direct boolean value from model
Comparison {{model.age >= 18}} Numeric or string comparison
Equality {{model.status == 'approved'}} Equality check
Inequality {{model.status != 'rejected'}} Not equal check
Logical AND {{model.a && model.b}} Both conditions must be true
Logical OR {{model.a \|\| model.b}} At least one condition true
Negation {{!model.isDisabled}} Logical NOT
Null Check {{model.value != null}} Check for null values
Length Check {{model.items.length > 0}} Array/collection size
Complex {{(model.a && model.b) \|\| model.c}} Combined logic

Type

Type: boolean (or expression that evaluates to boolean) Default: N/A (attribute is required on <if> elements)

Comparison Operators

Supported comparison operators:

Operator Description Example
== Equal to {{model.status == 'active'}}
!= Not equal to {{model.type != 'draft'}}
> Greater than {{model.quantity > 10}}
>= Greater than or equal {{model.age >= 18}}
< Less than {{model.price < 100}}
<= Less than or equal {{model.score <= 50}}

Logical Operators

Supported logical operators:

Operator Description Example
&& Logical AND {{model.a && model.b}}
\|\| Logical OR {{model.a \|\| model.b}}
! Logical NOT {{!model.isDisabled}}

Operator Precedence

From highest to lowest precedence:

  1. Parentheses ()
  2. Negation !
  3. Comparison ==, !=, >, <, >=, <=
  4. Logical AND &&
  5. Logical OR ||

Notes

Complete Content Removal

Unlike CSS-based hiding, data-test="false" completely removes content:

  • Content is not included in the PDF structure
  • No space is allocated for the content
  • Processing time is reduced (content not evaluated)
  • PDF file size is smaller (content not included)

Evaluation Timing

Expressions are evaluated during the data binding phase:

  • Occurs before layout and rendering
  • Model values must be available at binding time
  • Changes to model after binding don’t affect rendered output

Truthy and Falsy Values

JavaScript-style truthy/falsy evaluation:

Falsy values (evaluate to false):

  • false (boolean)
  • 0 (number)
  • "" (empty string)
  • null
  • undefined

Truthy values (evaluate to true):

  • true (boolean)
  • Non-zero numbers
  • Non-empty strings
  • Objects and arrays (even if empty)

Common Patterns

Null/Undefined Checks:

<if data-test="{{model.value != null}}">
    <div>{{model.value}}</div>
</if>

Empty Collection Checks:

<if data-test="{{model.items.length > 0}}">
    <template data-bind="{{model.items}}">
        <div>{{.name}}</div>
    </template>
</if>

Multiple Conditions:

<if data-test="{{model.isActive && model.isPaid && !model.isExpired}}">
    <div>Valid subscription</div>
</if>

Nesting Conditionals

Conditionals can be nested for complex logic:

<if data-test="{{model.hasPermission}}">
    <if data-test="{{model.isActive}}">
        <!-- Shown only if both conditions true -->
        <div>Active with permission</div>
    </if>
</if>

Alternative Approaches

For simple visibility control, consider alternatives:

CSS-based hiding (content still in PDF):

<div hidden="{{!model.show ? 'hidden' : ''}}">Content</div>

Conditional styling:

<div style="display: {{model.show ? 'block' : 'none'}};">Content</div>

Use <if> when content should be completely excluded.

Performance Implications

Conditional rendering improves performance:

  • Reduces PDF processing time
  • Decreases memory usage
  • Smaller PDF file size
  • Faster document generation

For large conditional sections with many items, the performance benefit can be significant.

Examples

1. Simple Boolean Test

Show content based on boolean flag:

<if data-test="{{model.showDisclaimer}}">
    <div style="padding: 10pt; background-color: #fff3cd; border: 1pt solid #ffc107;">
        <strong>Disclaimer:</strong> This information is provided for reference only.
    </div>
</if>

2. Numeric Comparison

Show content based on age verification:

<if data-test="{{model.age >= 21}}">
    <div style="padding: 15pt;">
        <h3>Age-Restricted Content</h3>
        <p>This section is only visible to users 21 and older.</p>
    </div>
</if>

3. String Equality

Display content based on user role:

<if data-test="{{model.userRole == 'Admin'}}">
    <div style="background-color: #f8d7da; padding: 10pt; margin: 10pt 0;">
        <strong>Administrator View</strong><br/>
        Internal ID: {{model.internalId}}<br/>
        Created: {{model.createdDate}}
    </div>
</if>

4. Logical AND

Require multiple conditions:

<if data-test="{{model.isPremiumMember && model.orderTotal > 100}}">
    <div style="background-color: #d4edda; padding: 15pt; border: 2pt solid #28a745;">
        <strong>Premium Discount Applied!</strong><br/>
        You saved ${{model.premiumDiscount}} on this order.
    </div>
</if>

5. Logical OR

Show content if any condition is true:

<if data-test="{{model.isUrgent || model.isHighPriority}}">
    <div style="background-color: #fff3cd; padding: 10pt; border-left: 5pt solid #ffc107;">
        <strong>⚠ Attention Required</strong><br/>
        This item requires immediate attention.
    </div>
</if>

6. Negation

Show content when condition is false:

<if data-test="{{!model.isDisabled}}">
    <div>
        <h3>{{model.featureName}}</h3>
        <p>{{model.featureDescription}}</p>
    </div>
</if>

7. Null Check

Verify value exists before displaying:

<if data-test="{{model.specialInstructions != null}}">
    <div style="margin: 15pt 0; padding: 10pt; border: 1pt dashed #666;">
        <strong>Special Instructions:</strong><br/>
        {{model.specialInstructions}}
    </div>
</if>

8. Collection Length Check

Show section only if items exist:

<if data-test="{{model.orderItems.length > 0}}">
    <h2>Order Items</h2>
    <table style="width: 100%;">
        <template data-bind="{{model.orderItems}}">
            <tr>
                <td>{{.productName}}</td>
                <td>${{.price}}</td>
            </tr>
        </template>
    </table>
</if>

9. Status-Based Display

Different sections based on order status:

<if data-test="{{model.orderStatus == 'pending'}}">
    <div style="color: orange; font-weight: bold; padding: 10pt; background-color: #fff3cd;">
        ⧗ Order Pending - Awaiting processing
    </div>
</if>

<if data-test="{{model.orderStatus == 'shipped'}}">
    <div style="color: green; font-weight: bold; padding: 10pt; background-color: #d4edda;">
        ✓ Order Shipped - Tracking: {{model.trackingNumber}}
    </div>
</if>

<if data-test="{{model.orderStatus == 'delivered'}}">
    <div style="color: blue; font-weight: bold; padding: 10pt; background-color: #d1ecf1;">
        ✓ Order Delivered - {{model.deliveryDate}}
    </div>
</if>

10. Complex Conditional Logic

Multiple conditions with parentheses:

<if data-test="{{(model.isVIP || model.orderTotal > 500) && model.isActive}}">
    <div style="background-color: #e7f3ff; padding: 15pt; border: 2pt solid #0066cc;">
        <h3 style="margin: 0 0 10pt 0;">VIP Benefits Applied</h3>
        <ul style="margin: 0;">
            <li>Free expedited shipping</li>
            <li>Priority customer support</li>
            <li>Extended return period (60 days)</li>
        </ul>
    </div>
</if>

11. Date-Based Conditional

Show content based on date comparison:

<if data-test="{{model.expirationDate != null && model.daysUntilExpiration < 30}}">
    <div style="background-color: #fff3cd; padding: 12pt; margin: 10pt 0; border-left: 4pt solid #ffc107;">
        <strong>⚠ Expiration Warning</strong><br/>
        This item expires in {{model.daysUntilExpiration}} days on {{model.expirationDate}}.
    </div>
</if>

12. Permission-Based Sections

Multiple permission levels:

<!-- Public content (always shown) -->
<div>
    <h2>Public Information</h2>
    <p>{{model.publicDescription}}</p>
</div>

<!-- Member-only content -->
<if data-test="{{model.accessLevel >= 1}}">
    <div style="page-break-before: always;">
        <h2>Member Content</h2>
        <p>{{model.memberContent}}</p>
    </div>
</if>

<!-- Premium member content -->
<if data-test="{{model.accessLevel >= 2}}">
    <div style="page-break-before: always;">
        <h2>Premium Content</h2>
        <p>{{model.premiumContent}}</p>
    </div>
</if>

<!-- Admin content -->
<if data-test="{{model.accessLevel >= 99}}">
    <div style="page-break-before: always; background-color: #f0f0f0;">
        <h2>Administrative Data</h2>
        <p>{{model.adminContent}}</p>
    </div>
</if>

13. Invoice Payment Status

Conditional payment messages:

<div style="margin-top: 30pt;">
    <if data-test="{{model.isPaid}}">
        <div style="background-color: #d4edda; padding: 15pt; border: 2pt solid #28a745;">
            <h3 style="color: #28a745; margin: 0;">✓ PAID</h3>
            <p style="margin: 5pt 0 0 0;">
                Payment received on {{model.paymentDate}}<br/>
                Payment method: {{model.paymentMethod}}
            </p>
        </div>
    </if>

    <if data-test="{{!model.isPaid && !model.isOverdue}}">
        <div style="background-color: #fff3cd; padding: 15pt; border: 2pt solid #ffc107;">
            <h3 style="color: #856404; margin: 0;">⧗ PAYMENT DUE</h3>
            <p style="margin: 5pt 0 0 0;">
                Due date: {{model.dueDate}}<br/>
                Amount due: ${{model.amountDue}}
            </p>
        </div>
    </if>

    <if data-test="{{!model.isPaid && model.isOverdue}}">
        <div style="background-color: #f8d7da; padding: 15pt; border: 2pt solid #dc3545;">
            <h3 style="color: #dc3545; margin: 0;">⚠ OVERDUE</h3>
            <p style="margin: 5pt 0 0 0;">
                This invoice is {{model.daysOverdue}} days overdue.<br/>
                Amount due: ${{model.amountDue}}<br/>
                Late fees may apply.
            </p>
        </div>
    </if>
</div>

14. Nested Conditionals

Complex nested logic:

<if data-test="{{model.hasInsurance}}">
    <div style="margin: 15pt 0;">
        <h3>Insurance Coverage</h3>
        <p>Policy Number: {{model.insurancePolicyNumber}}</p>

        <if data-test="{{model.insuranceType == 'comprehensive'}}">
            <div style="padding: 10pt; background-color: #d4edda;">
                <strong>Comprehensive Coverage</strong><br/>
                Full coverage including collision and liability.
            </div>
        </if>

        <if data-test="{{model.insuranceType == 'basic'}}">
            <div style="padding: 10pt; background-color: #fff3cd;">
                <strong>Basic Coverage</strong><br/>
                Standard liability coverage only.
            </div>
        </if>
    </div>
</if>

15. Conditional Tables

Show entire table based on data presence:

<if data-test="{{model.lineItems != null && model.lineItems.length > 0}}">
    <h2>Line Items</h2>
    <table style="width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse;">
        <thead>
            <tr style="background-color: #f0f0f0;">
                <th style="padding: 8pt; border: 1pt solid black;">Description</th>
                <th style="padding: 8pt; border: 1pt solid black; text-align: right;">Qty</th>
                <th style="padding: 8pt; border: 1pt solid black; text-align: right;">Price</th>
                <th style="padding: 8pt; border: 1pt solid black; text-align: right;">Total</th>
            </tr>
        </thead>
        <tbody>
            <template data-bind="{{model.lineItems}}">
                <tr>
                    <td style="padding: 6pt; border: 1pt solid #ddd;">{{.description}}</td>
                    <td style="padding: 6pt; border: 1pt solid #ddd; text-align: right;">{{.quantity}}</td>
                    <td style="padding: 6pt; border: 1pt solid #ddd; text-align: right;">${{.unitPrice}}</td>
                    <td style="padding: 6pt; border: 1pt solid #ddd; text-align: right; font-weight: bold;">
                        ${{.lineTotal}}
                    </td>
                </tr>
            </template>
        </tbody>
    </table>
</if>

16. Multi-Language Support

Language-specific content:

<if data-test="{{model.language == 'en'}}">
    <div>
        <h1>Welcome</h1>
        <p>Thank you for choosing our services.</p>
    </div>
</if>

<if data-test="{{model.language == 'es'}}">
    <div>
        <h1>Bienvenido</h1>
        <p>Gracias por elegir nuestros servicios.</p>
    </div>
</if>

<if data-test="{{model.language == 'fr'}}">
    <div>
        <h1>Bienvenue</h1>
        <p>Merci d'avoir choisi nos services.</p>
    </div>
</if>

17. Conditional Styling and Formatting

Show warnings based on threshold:

<div>
    <h3>Account Balance: ${{model.balance}}</h3>

    <if data-test="{{model.balance < 0}}">
        <div style="color: red; font-weight: bold; padding: 10pt; background-color: #f8d7da;">
            ⚠ OVERDRAWN - Immediate action required
        </div>
    </if>

    <if data-test="{{model.balance >= 0 && model.balance < 100}}">
        <div style="color: orange; font-weight: bold; padding: 10pt; background-color: #fff3cd;">
            ⚠ Low balance warning
        </div>
    </if>

    <if data-test="{{model.balance >= 100}}">
        <div style="color: green; padding: 10pt; background-color: #d4edda;">
            ✓ Account in good standing
        </div>
    </if>
</div>

18. Configuration-Driven Sections

Show sections based on configuration:

<if data-test="{{model.config.showExecutiveSummary}}">
    <div style="page-break-after: always;">
        <h1>Executive Summary</h1>
        <p>{{model.executiveSummary}}</p>
    </div>
</if>

<if data-test="{{model.config.showDetailedAnalysis}}">
    <div style="page-break-after: always;">
        <h1>Detailed Analysis</h1>
        <p>{{model.detailedAnalysis}}</p>
    </div>
</if>

<if data-test="{{model.config.showCharts}}">
    <div style="page-break-after: always;">
        <h1>Charts and Graphs</h1>
        <!-- Chart content -->
    </div>
</if>

<if data-test="{{model.config.showAppendix}}">
    <div style="page-break-after: always;">
        <h1>Appendix</h1>
        <p>{{model.appendixContent}}</p>
    </div>
</if>

19. Dynamic Document Sections

Build document structure from data:

<template data-bind="{{model.sections}}">
    <if data-test="{{.enabled}}">
        <div style="margin-bottom: 30pt;">
            <h2>{{.title}}</h2>

            <if data-test="{{.hasIntroduction}}">
                <p style="font-style: italic;">{{.introduction}}</p>
            </if>

            <div>{{.content}}</div>

            <if data-test="{{.hasFootnote}}">
                <div style="font-size: 9pt; color: #666; margin-top: 10pt;">
                    {{.footnote}}
                </div>
            </if>
        </div>
    </if>
</template>

20. Comprehensive Business Logic

Complex real-world scenario:

<div class="document">
    <!-- Header always shown -->
    <div style="background-color: #336699; color: white; padding: 20pt;">
        <h1 style="margin: 0;">{{model.documentTitle}}</h1>
        <div>Date: {{model.generatedDate}}</div>
    </div>

    <!-- Main content -->
    <div style="padding: 20pt;">
        <!-- Standard content -->
        <p>{{model.standardContent}}</p>

        <!-- VIP customer benefits -->
        <if data-test="{{model.customerType == 'VIP' && model.accountStatus == 'active'}}">
            <div style="background-color: #fff9e6; padding: 15pt; margin: 15pt 0; border: 2pt solid #ffd700;">
                <h3 style="color: #b8860b; margin: 0 0 10pt 0;">VIP Customer Benefits</h3>
                <ul style="margin: 0;">
                    <li>24/7 Priority Support</li>
                    <li>Free shipping on all orders</li>
                    <li>Exclusive early access to new products</li>
                </ul>
            </div>
        </if>

        <!-- Account warnings -->
        <if data-test="{{model.accountBalance < 0 || model.daysOverdue > 30}}">
            <div style="background-color: #f8d7da; padding: 15pt; margin: 15pt 0; border: 2pt solid #dc3545;">
                <h3 style="color: #dc3545; margin: 0 0 10pt 0;">Account Action Required</h3>

                <if data-test="{{model.accountBalance < 0}}">
                    <p>Your account balance is negative: ${{model.accountBalance}}</p>
                </if>

                <if data-test="{{model.daysOverdue > 30}}">
                    <p>You have invoices that are {{model.daysOverdue}} days overdue.</p>
                </if>

                <p style="font-weight: bold;">Please contact accounting immediately.</p>
            </div>
        </if>

        <!-- Regional-specific content -->
        <if data-test="{{model.region == 'EU'}}">
            <div style="margin: 15pt 0; padding: 10pt; border: 1pt solid #0066cc; background-color: #e7f3ff;">
                <strong>EU Customers:</strong> All prices include VAT as required by EU regulations.
            </div>
        </if>

        <!-- Promotional content -->
        <if data-test="{{model.hasActivePromotion && model.promotionEligible}}">
            <div style="background-color: #d4edda; padding: 15pt; margin: 15pt 0;">
                <h3 style="color: #28a745; margin: 0 0 10pt 0;">Special Offer Available!</h3>
                <p>{{model.promotionDescription}}</p>
                <p style="font-weight: bold;">Offer expires: {{model.promotionExpiry}}</p>
            </div>
        </if>
    </div>

    <!-- Footer -->
    <div style="margin-top: 30pt; padding: 15pt; border-top: 2pt solid #336699;">
        <if data-test="{{model.isConfidential}}">
            <div style="color: red; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; margin-bottom: 10pt;">
                CONFIDENTIAL - DO NOT DISTRIBUTE
            </div>
        </if>

        <if data-test="{{model.isDraft}}">
            <div style="color: #666; font-style: italic; text-align: center; margin-bottom: 10pt;">
                DRAFT - Not for Distribution
            </div>
        </if>

        <div style="text-align: center; font-size: 9pt; color: #666;">
            Generated: {{model.generatedTimestamp}} | Document ID: {{model.documentId}}
        </div>
    </div>
</div>

See Also