Type Converter
Description
A function that changes a column's data from one data type to another, for example, converting a text string to a date type.
Calculation Editor
Options
| Input Parameter Values | Input Values |
|---|---|
| Use Input Column Format | Checkbox |
| Only Rollup If | Generic Criteria |
Input
| Input | Input Values | Required |
|---|---|---|
| Input 1 | Column or Literal | ✔ |
Note
The output type of the column or literal input is based on the Type set on that calculation. This is on the left hand side of the calculation editor screen.
Remarks
- The Use Input Column Format check box is not checked by default. By checking this option, whatever format the input column is currently in (ex: changing date format appearance for "January 2024" instead of "1/1/2024") will be reflected in the output of this calculated column.
- The default Type is set to String.
Examples
Example 1
- Right-click on Column > Quick Calculations > System > Type Converter
- Double-click into the Type Converter Calculated Column to open the editor
- See the default output type is set to "String". Change Output type to desired value.
Example 2
Let's say you would like to utilize a date field in a concatenation with another field for your grouping. You can use the type converter to get the date field into a string format before including that new calculated column in your concatenation.
- Right-click on your date field > Select "Custom Date Format" > Choose a format that looks different than the default format.
- Go to Design > Calculations > Type Converter
- Input the Date field as the input and set the output type to String.
- Save and Close > See that the date format is appearing in its original format rather than the custom date format.
- Return to your Type Converter calculation editor > Select the "Use Input Column Format" checkbox
- Save and Close > See that the date format now reflects the custom date format selected.