Expression Builder overview
The Expression Builder is an Analytics utility that helps you create expressions. The Expression Builder is available wherever a user-defined expression can be created.
What is an expression?
An expression is a statement that combines elements such as data fields, operators, functions, filters, and variables that Analytics evaluates and returns a value for.
Validating expressions based on context
Depending on the context where the Expression Builder is displayed, Analytics checks that the expression evaluates to the required type of value. For example, if you are creating an expression used to filter the records in a view, the expression must evaluate to a logical value of True or False.
Expression Builder user interface elements
| 1 | Expression text box |
Text box for creating a new expression or editing an existing expression You can type the required syntax for the expression, or use the lists and buttons in the Expression Builder to enter required information. When you use the lists and buttons, the information is added at the current cursor position in the Expression text box. |
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| 2 | Verify button |
Automatically verify the syntax of the expression in the Expression text box Clicking Verify saves time by allowing you to quickly check the validity of an expression without leaving the Expression Builder. |
| 3 | Save As text box |
Field for entering a name for a permanently saved expression |
| 4 | Available Fields list |
Lists all data fields and computed fields in the selected table Double-click a field entry to add it to the Expression text box. |
| 5 | From Table drop-down list |
Drop-down list for selecting any related tables An expression can contain fields from one or more related tables, even if the fields do not appear in the current view. You can also build filters that include fields from related tables and see the results in the current view, whether or not you add the fields from the related tables to the view. |
| 6 | Operator buttons, and Date & Time Selector | Buttons for adding operators, or dates, datetimes, or times, to the Expression text box |
| 7 | Filters list |
Lists the named filters associated with the selected table Double-click a filter entry to add it to the Expression text box. |
| 8 | Variables list |
Lists the variables associated with the selected table Double-click a variable entry to add it to the Expression text box. |
| 9 | Functions drop-down list | Lists function categories that can be used to filter the functions displayed in the Functions list |
| 10 | Functions list |
Lists the functions available in Analytics and their required syntax. Optional parameters are enclosed in angle brackets (< >). Double-click a function to add it to the Expression text box. Depending on the type of function, the parameters can be constants, literals, field names, or expressions, which may include other functions. Tip For information about how to use the individual functions in the Functions list, click the Help button below the list. |
| 11 | Paste Parameters checkbox |
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