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PBIDevNoob
Helper I
Helper I

What does question marks after a fieldname mean ex: "record[field]?"

‎02-19-2020 05:15 PM

I've been trying to learn the the TripPin example by Microsoft and I noticed that there were times when they were adding question marks (?) after the fieldname. Is there any point to this? I've tried removing it, and it didn't seem to make any difference. 

 
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ImkeF
Community Champion
Community Champion

‎02-19-2020 10:36 PM

Hi @PBIDevNoob ,

This prevents an error being risen if the field isn't included in your table. 

Instead a null will be returned for the missing column(s).

 

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

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ImkeF
Community Champion
Community Champion
In response to PBIDevNoob

‎02-19-2020 10:58 PM

Its in the language specs: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/powerquery-m/power-query-m-language-specification

 

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

Message 4 of 5
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ImkeF
Community Champion
Community Champion

‎02-19-2020 10:36 PM

Hi @PBIDevNoob ,

This prevents an error being risen if the field isn't included in your table. 

Instead a null will be returned for the missing column(s).

 

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

Message 2 of 5
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PBIDevNoob
Helper I
Helper I
In response to ImkeF

‎02-19-2020 10:44 PM
Oh. That's nifty. Does Ms have any documentation on this? I've been looking everywhere online.
Message 3 of 5
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ImkeF
Community Champion
Community Champion
In response to PBIDevNoob

‎02-19-2020 10:58 PM

Its in the language specs: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/powerquery-m/power-query-m-language-specification

 

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

Message 4 of 5
9,007 Views
PBIDevNoob
Helper I
Helper I
In response to ImkeF

‎02-20-2020 01:48 AM

You're a life saver. Thanks!

Message 5 of 5
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