Trouble with a variable that evaluates to text

[lwestmaas]

Hello,

I am attempting to insert into a set expression a string value created by a variable that uses a series of if statements based on current selections. I have verified that the variable is properly returning the string, but for some reason I can't then use the string value in a set expression. This is particularly confusing because I have used a variable in set expression before with no issue; however, that variable was an actual string as opposed to an expression that evaluated to a string.

Here is a simplified example of what I'm trying to do. The variable definition is something like:

let clothing = if(count(distinct body_part)=1,if(body_part='Feet','Shoes',if(body_part='Head','Hat')))

If I insert a text box and insert a measure:

$(body_part)

Then select Feet, the box correct displays Shoes (and same for Head).

However, when I use the variable as part of a set expression, nothing is returned. For example, if I write:

count({<[Clothing]={$(clothing)}>} distinct Color)

Nothing is returned.

I've tried a number of adjustments and I'm almost positive the issue is with the variable being evaluated from expression. For example, if I write the actual string in:

count({<[Clothing]={Shoes}>} distinct Color)

it evaluates correctly, and if I set the variable to a string rather than an expression:

set clothing = 'Shoes'

then it also evaluates correctly.

I've tried a number of adjustments, e.g. using text() or putting the variable in quotes, but nothing has worked. Can anyone help?

Thanks!

Lucas

[craigsutton]

I ran into this issue earlier this week.  This might fix it for you. (putting quotes around the $ expansion).

count({<[Clothing]={'$(clothing)'}>} distinct Color)

or

count({<[Clothing]={'=$(clothing)'}>} distinct Color)

[OmarBenSalem]

I aslo think that Graig's answer is kind of logic; since the $ sign in the variable performs a calculation; and when you calculate a string it will show you null values; so we kind of force it to treat it as a string when surrounding it by quotes.

[ahaahaaha]

Hi Lucas,

May be

count({<[Clothing]={Text($(clothing))}>} distinct Color)

Regards,

Andrey

[vinieme12]

try

count({<[Clothing]={'$(clothing)'}>} distinct Color)

OR

count({<[Clothing]={'$(=clothing)'}>} distinct Color)

[sasiparupudi1]

Try

count({<[Clothing]={"$(=clothing)"}>} distinct Color

[lwestmaas]

Hi Craig,

Thanks for the response - did this work for you? Neither worked for me. Both still return a blank, implying an error. Interestingly, when I use double quotes instead of single quotes, I get a 0 - which implies there's no error even though the output is incorrect.

Lucas

[craigsutton]

Can you change let to set when defining your variable?  You should store the string then evaluate in the set expression.

[lwestmaas]

This didn't work either. In fact, I just tried an even simpler formula:

count(Clothing=$(clothing))

and nothing was returned, implying an error. I tried this with quotes and with the variable inside a text function but nothing produced a value.

Do you recall your solution?

[craigsutton]

can you change your variable to vClothing.  I am worried that you Clothing field is getting mixed up with your clothing variable.  It is also best practices as I understand it.  I made a test dashboard that might help you figure out what is going wrong.