Tag Archives: functions

Describing a Function’s Record Parameters

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Did you know that Power Query provides a way to define field-by-field details for a function’s record parameters?

You may already be familiar with how metadata can be used to provide descriptive details about a function and its parameter list. When provided, Query Editor uses this information to enhance the function invocation forms it generates and the IntelliSense it displays.

However, for record parameters, what’s not so well known is how to go beyond simply describing the basic details of a parameter to detailing its expected shape—such as the list of fields the record may (or must) contain, a friendly name for each field and even the allowed values on a per-field basis.

Pulling this off is easy!

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Power Query M Primer (part 3):
Functions: Function Values, Passing, Returning, Defining Inline, Recursion

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Not only can you define and invoke functions (as we covered in part 2), you can also pass them around. The ability to pass a function around without invoking it gives lots of flexibility.

Sounds complex? Yes, in words, but not necessarily in practice. If you’ve touched the Power Query M language, you’ve probably already passed functions around—just perhaps without realizing about it.

Then there’s the mysterious each. It shows up a lot in code generated by the query editor. What does it actually mean or do? Turns out, it’s a handy shortcut that can simplify code you write.

We have ground to cover. Let’s get going!
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Power Query M Primer (part 2):
Functions: Defining

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If you read part 1 in this series, you may have picked up a theme about expressions that produce values: A simple statement, like 1, is an expression that produces a value. let is also an expression that produces a value.

Guess what? A function is an expression that ultimately produces a value. Unlike the expressions we looked at last time, a function only produces this value when it’s invoked.

Usually, parameters are passed to a function when it’s invoked. The function can reference these inputs as it computes what it will return.

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