Skip to main content
cancel
Showing results for 
Search instead for 
Did you mean: 

To celebrate FabCon Vienna, we are offering 50% off select exams. Ends October 3rd. Request your discount now.

Reply
Anonymous
Not applicable

Replace Value with "If" Expression results in error

The following:

 

= Table.TransformColumns(#"Replaced Value1", {{"Location", each if Text.StartsWith([Location], "(") then Text.AfterDelimiter(_, ") ") else false, type text}})

 

results in this error:

"Expression.Error: We cannot apply field access to the type Text."

 

I cobbled this language together by using the language resulting from using the UI in the Power Query Editor.  In the screenshot below, there is some data that begins with a left paranthesis.  If data like that is identified, I want everything after the right paranthesis returned.  To keep it simple for testing purposes, I am asking that it returns "false" if it doesn't begin with a left paranthesis.   

 

2019-07-25 09_50_14-GPS_L55500187 - Power Query Editor.png

My ultimate goal would be that if it doesn't begin with a left paranthesis, that the data doesn't get transformed at all.  It just stays as-is.  

 

1 ACCEPTED SOLUTION
ImkeF
Community Champion
Community Champion

Just replace [Location] with underscore ("_") and you should be good to go:

 

= Table.TransformColumns(#"Replaced Value1", {{"Location", each if Text.StartsWith(_, "(") then Text.AfterDelimiter(_, ") ") else false, type text}})

 

Imke Feldmann (The BIccountant)

If you liked my solution, please give it a thumbs up. And if I did answer your question, please mark this post as a solution. Thanks!

How to integrate M-code into your solution -- How to get your questions answered quickly -- How to provide sample data -- Check out more PBI- learning resources here -- Performance Tipps for M-queries

View solution in original post

2 REPLIES 2
ImkeF
Community Champion
Community Champion

Just replace [Location] with underscore ("_") and you should be good to go:

 

= Table.TransformColumns(#"Replaced Value1", {{"Location", each if Text.StartsWith(_, "(") then Text.AfterDelimiter(_, ") ") else false, type text}})

 

Imke Feldmann (The BIccountant)

If you liked my solution, please give it a thumbs up. And if I did answer your question, please mark this post as a solution. Thanks!

How to integrate M-code into your solution -- How to get your questions answered quickly -- How to provide sample data -- Check out more PBI- learning resources here -- Performance Tipps for M-queries

Anonymous
Not applicable

That worked...thank you!

Helpful resources

Announcements
September Power BI Update Carousel

Power BI Monthly Update - September 2025

Check out the September 2025 Power BI update to learn about new features.