circular dependency --help please

[Anonymous]

hi

i am just trying to relate tables using bridge table . where i am facing the circlaur dependency .

dim:

feedyard

sex

ration

data table :

feedyard sex ration index

alex bike 1200 0

alex car 6000   1

alex house 2000 2

created the bridge table :

check = CROSSJOIN(VALUES(data[Index]),VALUES('dimension'[dim]))

This is the error i am facing can anyone help here?

[v-juanli-msft]

Hi @Anonymous

You use 'dimension'[dim] to create the bridge table, then create the relationship between 'dimension' and "check" table, so it occurs an error for circular dependency.

More introduction about avoiding circular dependency please read this article.

As a workaround, you could create this bridge table in Edit Queries.

Create a blank query, then paste the following code in Advanced editor

let
    Source1 = dimension,
    #"Removed Duplicates" = Table.Distinct(Source1),
    Source2 = data,
    #"Removed Other Columns" = Table.SelectColumns(Source2,{"index"}),
    #"Removed Duplicates2" = Table.Distinct(#"Removed Other Columns"),
    addcolumn=Table.AddColumn(#"Removed Duplicates", "index", each #"Removed Duplicates2"),
    #"Expanded index" = Table.ExpandTableColumn(addcolumn, "index", {"index"}, {"index.index"})
in
    #"Expanded index"

Or you can edit the table steps by steps with the UI 

1.Query1:

copy and paste the 'dim' table->Removed Duplicates

2.Query2:

copy and paste the 'data' table->click on the [index] column and select "Remove other columns"->Removed Duplicates

3.in Query1:

Add column from Query2 , then expand the column

Best Regards

Maggie

[Anonymous]

hi @v-juanli-msft

will this table gets refreshed will scheduled in prod?. I mean if the values (attributes)gets added to the dimension ( productname say) will this data be also reflects to the bridge table automatically without manual intervension?

one more question : if i paste the query using query editor will this query creates other two tales and then join ?. Will this step refreshes the data in bridge table  based on data change other two tables ?

[v-juanli-msft]

Hi @Anonymous

1. when you add values in "dimension" or "data" table and refresh the dataset by clicking "Refresh All", it can automatically refresh in the "Query1".

2.

my first method is:

create a blank query-"Query1"

open the Advanced editor, paste my code, this will create a table which you want.

this new table "Query1" has joined "dimension" or "data" table together.

Yes, when "dimension" or "data" table refresh, table "Query1" will refresh automatically as shown above.

If you don't want table "Query1" to refresh upon the "dimension" or "data" table refresh,

you could uncheck "include in report refresh", then "close &&apply" , go to the "Data view", 

then when the "dimension" or "data" table refresh,  table "Query1" won't refresh but remain the previous values. (in Data view and Report view)

If you use "Query1" and "Query2" together to create the bridge table, you need to  uncheck "include in report refresh" for both  "Query1" and "Query2" .

Best Regards

Maggie

[Anonymous]

hi @v-juanli-msft : can you provide steps for add column please

[v-juanli-msft · Accepted solution]

Hi @Anonymous

1. copy "dimension" and paste, then i get "dimension2" table,

    in this table with only one column, "remove rows"->remove duplicates

2. copy "data" and paste, then i get "data2" table,

    in this table, click on the [index] column and select "Remove other columns", then Removed Duplicates

3.in "dimension2" table, add a custome column

Then expand this column

Best Regards

Maggie

[Anonymous]

hi @v-juanli-msft

3.in Query1:

Add column from Query2 , then expand the column .

can you send me screenshot how you did this  from query editor . I am not able to add column from another table .can you help here ?

[Anonymous]

hi @v-juanli-msft  if you used custom calculation tab for adding column .if yes can you share code please?

[Anonymous]

What does your overall table structure look like?  Do you have many bi-directional relationships?  Bi-directional 1 to many relationships are often the easy way to fall prey to this issue.  The other cause could be if you have created a loop within your actual structure, whereby you might have to make a relationship inactive and make use of USERELATIONSHIP in dax if there is a special case.

[Anonymous]

HI @Anonymous

i dont have any tables other than 3 .Ataching the screenshot . Do you mean that table which i am creating by the use of cross join is causing the issue ?

[Anonymous]

I notice the Cardinality and Filter direction are blank.  Those options shouldn't be blank, and it shouldn't even let you select blank.  Something is very broken here.

Are you able to select cardinality?

[Anonymous]

hi @Anonymous  : I am able to select them but "ok" button is not active state .can you try this sample data from your end once and let me know if any issues at my end.

[Anonymous]

It just occured to me what is wrong.  Your building your bridging table in DAX, then trying to join that table into one of its parent tables.  Thats creating the circular dependancy.

Instead, build this table inside the Edit Query section.  Do this by right clicking on your query for the table you desire, click on "Reference", remove the columns you don't need and select "Remove Duplicates" in the next step.  You should be able to create your join after you close and apply  (you will first need to remove your Dax created table)