Replace entire column text value

[dlopez]

Hi,

I want to replace values in a text column but matching only entire values.

That is, I want to match "CAPITAL FED" but not "CAPITAL FEDERAL" (it's Spanish 😉)

I tried to use Transform > Replace values in Power BI Desktop and enabled option "Match entire cell contents" but noticed that this causes Replacer.ReplaceText to change to Replacer.ReplaceValue in Power Query code, what doesn't match anything.

I think Replacer.ReplaceValue is for numeric values but no sure since its doc (https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/powerquery-m/replacer-functions) is very poor

Bellow is the full code:

= Table.ReplaceValue(#"Otras columnas quitadas","CAPITAL FED","CAPITAL FEDERAL",Replacer.ReplaceValue,{"localidad"})

My question is why is the replacer changed and what is the solution to achieve the replacement (e. g. is there any way to use regular expresions?)

Thany you

[Rickmaurinus]

Hi,

I wrote some about the different between the two replacer functions. Replacer.ReplaceText also replaces substrings, whereas Replacer.ReplaceValue only matches the entire cell contents. If you like, I posted some screenshots in this article about the difference:

https://gorilla.bi/power-query/replace-values/#replacer-functions

Hope that helps!

Rick

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[dax]

Hi @dlopez , 

Based on this document, I think when columns have numeric or other types, it will use replacer.replacevalue. In addition, which part don't work? If possible, could you please inform me more detailed information(such as your expected output and your sample data (by OneDrive for Business))? Then I will help you more correctly.

Please do mask sensitive data before uploading.

Thanks for your understanding and support.
Best Regards,
Zoe Zhi

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[camargos88 · Accepted solution]

@dlopez ,

Can you give some example of it? I tried here the option to Match entire cell contents, it worked.

Have you tried clean/trim this column before the replace ?

[dlopez]

You are right.

I didn't realize the the strings have trailing spaces. That's why "Match entire cell contents" did not match anything.

From the point of view of the code, I insist that the documentation about Replacer.ReplaceValue (https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/powerquery-m/replacer-functions) is not clear at all.

Regards

[mahoneypat]

One way would be to add a Suffix like "#" to your column on the transform tab, then replace Capital Fed#.  When you are done you can simply replace # with null (leave the replace field empty).

If this solution works for you, please mark it as the solution.  Kudos are appreciated too.  Please let me know if not.
Regards,
Pat