Stop Using Generic Step Names! Power Query Tips for Clearer Code
Stop Using Generic Step Names! Power Query Tips for Clearer Code
In this video, we're diving into a small but incredibly powerful practice that will save you a lot of headaches in the future: naming steps, adding descriptions, and comments in Power Query. When working with Power Query, it automatically generates generic step names like "Changed Type" or "Filtered Rows." While these are functional, they don't provide the detailed context you'll need when you revisit your queries after some time, or if you're collaborating with others.
We’ll go over why naming steps properly matters, how to do it in a way that’s easy to follow, and how to choose between using camelCase or underscore formats. Plus, we'll discuss adding descriptions and comments—two simple yet effective ways to make your queries more understandable for both your future self and your colleagues. You'll learn why focusing on the why behind each step will make descriptions and comments even more helpful.
Follow along to find out how you can make your queries easier to maintain, debug, and explain—all while avoiding common pitfalls like using spaces in step names, which can make things messy in the code editor.
Trust me, future you will thank you for these small adjustments that make a big difference!
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Timestamps:
0:00 – Introduction: Why Naming, Descriptions, and Comments Matter
0:15 – Step Names: Why Auto-generated Names Fall Short
0:42 – Naming Best Practices: Camel Case vs. Underscores
1:55 – Adding Descriptions to Steps for Better Context
3:05 – Using Comments in the Formula Bar
3:28 – Single-Line vs. Multi-line Comments
4:10 – Conclusion: Keep Your Power Query Clean!
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