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SOLVED

Blank vs. Null

jillian
8 - Asteroid

What is the difference between a blank and a null record?

7 REPLIES 7
Kenda
16 - Nebula
16 - Nebula

@jillian Blank could mean that it is either an empty string or a null. Null is just null.

Jes_Li
7 - Meteor

Hi Pulsar,

 

Shouldn't Null mean it's unknown? The value of Null may be missing, empty or could be anything. But blank only mean empty string.

 

Like someone's middle name is empty just means he/she doesn't have a name, if middle name is Null, then it means the middle name is missing, could be empty, or "A" or "ABC" or anything....

ChrisTX
15 - Aurora

On the page that lists all Functions, click the third icon for Expand All, then look at the examples for the IsEmpty function.

 

https://help.alteryx.com/current/Reference/Functions.htm

 

Jes_Li
7 - Meteor

Hi Chris, 

 

Thanks for the reply. Why do we need to cleanse Null into Blank for string, if Null is part of blank?

Jes_Li
7 - Meteor

Also, I'm confused with definition of Null: 

 

NULL    
The value for that row is either missing, unknown, not yet know or inapplicable. Null is not zero, because zero is a value. Null is diferent than empty.
 
 
So if the scope of blank = empty + null, does that mean blank = empty + missing + unknow + notyetknow...   then what's the point of replacing Null with Blank in Cleansing tool? 
 
Thanks.
ChrisTX
15 - Aurora

Take a look at this video, 5 minutes:

 

Using Null & Empty in Expressions

 

https://community.alteryx.com/t5/Interactive-Lessons/Using-Null-amp-Empty-in-Expressions/ta-p/98944

 

Null versus empty is a long discussion, not unique to Alteryx.  Microsoft Access programmers also have the same questions. 

 

A Google search should help with examples.

EricMartinson
7 - Meteor

This was very helpful. Thank you!

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