Appending fields to your data

Sometimes, we find that we need to get some calculations from our datasets (SUMs, Averages, Counts, or Distinct Counts), and later add them back to the source, or maybe have a very small dataset that we need to add to each record from our main data source (for example, the location of our distribution center to a dataset that contains different locations and we need to get the distance from one to the other). Appending fields is a very useful technique that will allow us to do this, and we’ll be covering it in this recipe.

This is a cross-join operation where, for each record in the first dataset, all the records from the second dataset are added (generating what is called a Cartesian Join), and even when we think it is dangerous (and believe me, it is), if you understand well how to leverage it, you’ll realize how useful and powerful this technique is.

Important note

Alteryx Designer has its fail-safe mechanism to avoid entering...