Concatenating data is a common task in data analysis, and can be done easily in Excel using the concatenate function. However, when it comes to Power Query, concatenating data requires a slightly different approach. In this blog post, let’s see step by step on how to concatenate data in Power Query using M code and discuss whether creating a new column is the best way to achieve this.
Step-by-Step Guide to Concatenate Data in Power Query
Step 1: Open the Power Query Editor
- Open Power Query Editor by selecting “Edit Queries” from the “Home” tab in Power BI Desktop or Excel.
Step 2: Select the Table
- Choose the table containing the columns you want to concatenate.
Step 3: Create a Custom Column
- In the “Add Column” tab, select “Custom Column.”
- In the “Custom Column” dialog box, enter a name for your new column in the “New column name” field.
- In the “Custom column formula” field, enter the following M code:
if [City] = null then “” else [City] & “, ” & if [State] = null then “” else [State] & “, ” & if [Country] = null then “” else [Country]
This code checks if each column (City, State, Country) is null or not, and concatenates them with commas and spaces in between.
Step 4: Create the New Column
- Click “OK” to create the new column.
Step 5: Select and Remove Original Columns (Optional)
- Once the new column is created, you can select it and remove the original columns if you no longer need them.
Is Creating a New Column the Best Way to Concatenate Data in Power Query?
The best approach depends on your specific use case. If you only need the concatenated data for a specific visualization or analysis, creating a new column is a good option. However, if you need the concatenated data for multiple visualizations or analyses, it might be better to create a separate table or view with the concatenated data, so you don’t have to repeat the concatenation process each time.
Conclusion
Concatenating data in Power Query is easy once you know how to do it. By creating a custom column using M code, you can concatenate data from multiple columns into a single column. Whether creating a new column is the best approach depends on your specific use case, but it can be a convenient option for quick analyses and visualizations. This guide should help you efficiently concatenate data in Power Query, allowing you to make the most of your data analysis and reporting tasks.
If you need further assistance with Power Query or other data analysis tools, Anyon Consulting is here to help. Our team of experienced professionals can provide personalized guidance, training, and support to ensure you get the most out of your data analysis and reporting efforts. Reach out to us today to discuss your needs and learn how we can help you excel in your data-driven endeavors.
