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What tools would YOU refresh with the new expression editor?

LeahK

When we released the new formula tool in 11.0, everyone was wondering when the filter tool was going to have the new expression editor, which got me thinking…

There are many tools that use the expression editor, some in the default configuration and some in a dialogue box.

GOT THOUGHTS_extra small.png If it were up to you, what three tools would you refresh with the new expression editor?

We’d love to hear your thoughts! Feel free to include as much or as little information as you like.

Thursday Thought

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NicoleJohnson

YES! Here's my votes!

1. Multi-Row Formula
2. Multi-Field Formula
3. Generate Rows Tool

Reasoning for all 3 is basically the same - if I like using the new expression editor on one formula at a time, then I will LOVE using it on formulas that do many things at one time!! Especially the Multi-Row tool... when you start getting into long formulas with multiple references to other rows and fields, would be SO helpful to just start typing the field I want, and then be able to pick whether I want it from the current row, previous row, etc.

Thanks!!!

MarqueeCrew

@LeahK,

How can I vote for options other than those of @NicoleJohnson? I insert a new tool and reorder some of the same tools.

1. FILTER

2. Multi-Field Formula

3. Multi-Row Formula

I used an Alteryx Easter egg to go old-school on the tools. As you can see, the Filter tool deserves a little TLC as it has been around longer than the Multi tools. Since this is a THURSDAY thought, and Thursday is a Throwback day I encourage others to vote Filter into inclusion in the new expression editor club.

Cheers,

Mark

P.S. Do you know how I converted the icons? It is a trick that anyone can do.

JohnJPS

Number one for me, by a mile: Action Tool... from the Interface tab for use in macros... this results in some huge, ugly expressions and it would be really nice to have auto-complete and syntax highlighting there.

Others, also based on my typical expression complexity

Multi-Row

Multi-Field

Dynamic Rename

For me, my Filters, while ubiquitous, are usually pretty trivial, simple expressions.

patrick_digan

I'm going with....

1) Filter. You don't know how many times I've typed the first few letters of a variable/function followed by the tab.

2) Multi-Row Formula. I love it's ability to group by, and I use it all the time.

3) Multi-Field Formula. I can imagine how great it will be when I only have to type _C and then tab to get the CurrentField.

4) Generate Rows. 3 expression editors for the price of 1.

Philip

1. Filter Tool.

2. Multi-Field Tool.

3. Action Tool or Generate Rows Tool.

I would say no to the Multi-Row Tool first because it would also have to manage the negative and positive indexing. This would make it more difficult to implement cleanly, in my opinion. I'd rather go for the quicker wins.

estherb47

Well, since we can't vote for ALL of the tools, here are mine:

1. Filter - Filter is a top tool/favorite. And an updated formula interface would be great

2. Generate Rows - all three pieces of it can use formulas, so again, updated interface here would be such a benefit!

3. Dynamic Select - another tool I use/teach often. Updated interface to make it easier!

Thanks for starting this discussion.

Warm regards, Esther

Aguisande

Hi all,

My three tools are:

- Filter

- Multi-Row Formula

- Multi-Field Formula

But.... Why just three? I want it in all !!

We know you can!!

BTW: Just a quick comment on the new expression editor. When you use a String expression in it, that string turns italic and light green. There's something that bothers me, and is that the pipe ( | ) looks like the slash ( / ) when this happens.

DultonM

Definitely looking forward to more of the new expression editor! I heard at Inspire that work on the Filter tool is already begun, so excluding that one I'd say...

1) Multi-Row Formula (I use this a lot, and according to the Periodic table of Alteryx tools, a lot of other people do too!)

2) Multi-Field Formula (I use this a lot, and according to the Periodic table of Alteryx tools, a lot of other people do too!)

3) Action (for the same reason @JohnJPS...my most crazy expressions are in Action tools)

4) Dynamic Select

I had to throw the Dynamic Select up there because it's not even listed on the "expression editor" help page even though it has one! Its expression editor is unique due to the options you can pick under Variables --> Fields.

Joe_Mako

How about selecting priority based on usage? The Periodic Table of Alteryx tools https://community.alteryx.com/t5/Engine-Works-Blog/The-Periodic-Table-of-Alteryx-tools/ba-p/64120 would put the order of priority at:

1. Filter

2. Multi-Field Formula

3. Multi-Row Formula

Somewhat related, the Regex tool also needs a better expression editor, at least a font like Courier New, and syntax highlighting would be ideal.

jdunkerley79

I'd do:

1. Filter

2. Multi-Row

3. Multi-Field

(plus make the CodeEditor easier to embed ourselved in JS HTML SDK and then the community can build our own replacement UIs to help out ...)

mceleavey

I would definitely put at the top of the list those tools that are natural brethren to the formula tool, such as the multi-row and multi-field formula tools. This is currently quite a jarring shift when stepping from the new to the old, so this is where I would definitely start.

This functionality would also be a natural fit for the dynamic tools, specifically rename and select.

Currently, the older (mature? Experienced? Aged like a fine wine?) users will be comfortable with the old expression editor, but it may be confusing for new users.

RachelW

@Philip Are you referring to these options under the variable tab?

With the expression editor in Formula, we put all of the variables under the variables (X) button. If we did that with the negative and positive indexing, would that work for you?

Di2g10

All of them?

How can we just pick three, Here are all those that i have recently used:

Filter, Multi-Field & Multi Row, Dynamic Rename, Dynamic Replace, Message, Test.

(i am sure there are likely others using formulas that i couldn't remember)

On quick review they are all using the same formula interface. Since you don't seem to have changed the functionality i can't see why you didn't replace this in all places where it is used. Surely each tool does not have the same interface separately coded to look the same?

Or am i missing something?

RachelW

So many of you listed Filter as your top choice for getting a new expression editor. Good news! A new Filter tool with a new expression editor and enhanced basic filter functionality (date and datetime) is available in the newest version of Designer released on March 6, 2018. Check it out on our Downloads page.

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