How to use parameter as a dynamic list

[Anonymous]

Hi guys,

I have a custom column with a function like this:

= if List.Contains(List, [Column1.1]) then [Index] else null

The List is a variable I created in a step within a query. Is there any way I can pass this list into a Parameter instead of a Step? It will be much easier for users to input different lists. The data type of Parameter does not include List, however.

[PhilipTreacy · Accepted solution]

Hi @Anonymous 

You could create your parameter and require it to be text, and provide your users with a description that it must be comma separated.  Presumably you'd also tell them this before they used the query.

You can then try to split the parameter into a list

TheList = Text.Split(TextList, ",")

You could wrap this in try..otherwise to catch errors or just let it fail naturally - but usually best to handle errors if you can.

You will also need to do any other parsing as required to check for invalid input.

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/powerquery-m/m-spec-error-handling

Regards

Phil

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[Anonymous]

Thanks Philip, wonderful solution!