Adding Columns to a Data Query

When you add a data source (a table or subquery) to the workspace, the columns from the data source are not automatically added as output columns. You must add the columns to the data query that you want to use.
After the columns are added, you can specify column expressions and aggregations and use the sort and pivot by features.
Note: As an exception, the auto-aggregate feature requires that you set the default aggregations for the table before they are added to the data query.
When a data source is dropped onto the workspace, the column types are represented by the following icons:
Icons for Data Types
Icon
Description
Numeric type
This icon represents numeric data.
Character type
This icon represents character data.
Note: Date, time, and datetime data use this icon. After the column is added, the Type and Format columns are updated with information about the new column.
You can add columns to the data query in the following ways:
  • Select the table in the workspace, right-click, and select Add All Columns.
  • To add one column from a table, select the column name with your pointer.
    Tip
    If you select the column name an additional time, then the column is added to the data query again. This can be helpful if you want to use a column for both numeric and character data. When you add a column more than once, a number is added to the column name. If you change the column name, then you must make sure that you do not have more than one column with the same name.
  • To create a new column, click the Column Editor tab, and then click the add button next to the last column that is listed. Enter a column name, expression, and type. The remaining fields are optional.