Power Query: How to extract first characters from all columns except first two columns in a query

[Anonymous]

Hi ,

I would like to extract first character from all columns except the first two columns "NAME" and "OBJECT_NAME". I don't wan't to specify the column names each time while extracting since it changes on the basis of period of extracting this report. Currently I can see the code like below. Please help to optimize this code.

[ImkeF]

Hi @Anonymous 

is the picture you've posted the desired result? Do you want to change every (but the first 2) column in your table but add a new column that extracts (and combines) the first characters from those columns?

[Anonymous]

Hi @ImkeF ,

Yes it is.

My req is 1) extract first character.

2)calculate the length (which will be 1).

3)replace nulls and errors to 0

4) Add new column with sum of column values against each rows

[ImkeF]

Hi @Anonymous 

Easiest would be to check the first 2 columns and unpivot others.

Then select first character and do all the other transformation and pivot back.

Please check this post on how to improve the quality of your requests: 

https://community.powerbi.com/t5/Community-Blog/How-to-Get-Your-Question-Answered-Quickly/ba-p/38490

[amitchandak]

@ImkeF , can you help