topic Re: How can I create a column switcher in a final merged data table from a list variable created in one of the source tables? in Discussions

How can I create a column switcher in a final merged data table from a list variable created in one of the source tables?

fkp — Thu, 24 Apr 2025 10:44:07 GMT

I have two data sources that being updated on a regular basis, resulting in new columns. These are are merged via JSL scripting which works well but, I'd like to embed a graph with a column switcher that grows as more columns are added.

For example, say HPLC data comes from Instrument A and Instrument B. Each column is a separate sample, with more samples being added over time. I'd like to create a simple XY chart in the final data table for my 'A' samples, so that as more columns are added, the column switcher grows as well. (Similar with B and even C, if a third instrument is added later).

I've created a variable from the A table before I merge the data with B, but how can I pass the list (or evaluate it ) so that the final table recognizes the variable or has explicit column names?

A_columns = dt_A <<Get Column Names();

//Merge A and B based on time column

Final_Table =dt_B << Update(
With(dt_A)),
Match Columns( :Time = :Time)
);
Final_Table <<New Script("Graph",
Graph Builder(
Size( 546, 565 ),
Show Control Panel( 0 ),
Variables( X( :Time ), Y( A_columns[1] ) ),
Elements( Points( X, Y, Legend( 3 ) ), Smoother( X, Y, Legend( 4 ) ) ),
Column Switcher( A_columns[1], A_columns)
);

This seems to work well when I obtain a list of columns from the final table, but trying to use a variable created from another table is causing issues.

Re: How can I create a column switcher in a final merged data table from a list variable created in one of the source tables?

jthi — Thu, 24 Apr 2025 11:27:41 GMT

Do you always wish to use all expect for the first column (:Time) in the column switcher?

Re: How can I create a column switcher in a final merged data table from a list variable created in one of the source tables?

fkp — Thu, 24 Apr 2025 11:59:12 GMT

In this case yes - always the first column which will always have the same name.

Re: How can I create a column switcher in a final merged data table from a list variable created in one of the source tables?

jthi — Thu, 24 Apr 2025 17:46:35 GMT

In that case I consider building the column list dynamically within the table script

Names Default To Here(1); 

dt = Open("$SAMPLE_DATA/Semiconductor Capability.jmp");

table_script_expr = Expr(
	cols = Current Data Table() << Get Column Names();
	Remove From(cols, 1); // drop first column
	gb = Graph Builder(
		Size(528, 448),
		Show Control Panel(0),
		Variables(X(:lot_id), Y(Eval(cols[1]))),
		Elements(Points(X, Y, Legend(3)))
	);
	gb << Column Switcher(
		cols[1],
		Remove(cols, 1)
	)
);

Eval(EvalExpr(
	dt << New Script("Graph",
		Expr(NameExpr(table_script_expr))
	);	
));

You can avoid evaluation if you just create the graph and save that as script (I use this "trick" quite often)

Names Default To Here(1);

dt = Open("$SAMPLE_DATA/Semiconductor Capability.jmp");

cols = dt << Get Column Names();
Remove From(cols, 1); // drop first column

gb = dt << Graph Builder(
	Size(528, 448),
	Show Control Panel(0),
	Variables(X(:lot_id), Y(Eval(cols[1]))),
	Elements(Points(X, Y, Legend(3))),
	Column Switcher(
		cols[1],
		Remove(cols, 1)
	),
	Invisible
);
gb << Save Script to Data Table("Graph"); // this will remove the need for evaluation 
wait(0);
gb << close window;

and if you wish to evaluate

// If you wish to evaluate, this should work even though the script will look a bit weird due to lack of ":" in columns
// If it doesn't you for some reason, you will have to build the list in a bit different manner for evaluation
Eval(EvalExpr(
	dt << New Script("Graph2", 
		Graph Builder(
			Size(528, 448),
			Show Control Panel(0),
			Variables(X(:lot_id), Y(Expr(cols[1]))),
			Elements(Points(X, Y, Legend(3))),
			Column Switcher(
				Expr(cols[1]),
				Expr(Remove(cols, 1))
			)
		)
	)
));

Re: How can I create a column switcher in a final merged data table from a list variable created in one of the source tables?

fkp — Mon, 28 Apr 2025 11:52:39 GMT

Thank you!