I need to compare several columns

[#1]

Hi. 

I have a table with several columns with values that represent total votes obtained by political parties. I need a script that finds the greatest values of these columns and obtains the name of the column, i.e. the political party.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Manel

[#2 · Accepted solution]

You can do this with the Formula Editor.

Use the Maximum() function to find the max value in the columns and then the Match() function to match it to which column it came from.

The attached data table has the example.

[#3]

Thanks a lot Jeff,

I have a question.

How to do the second part of the formula?

[#4 · Accepted solution]

The Match() function is under the Conditionals section of the Formula Editor.

With the Maximum() funtion built and selected in the Editor, click on Conditionals -> Match. You'll be prompted about adding arguments, select "Do Not Add".

Then click on the ^ button in the toolbar to add the four pairs of arguments and then fill them in.

[#5]

In script form :

dt << New Column( "Maximum",
		Character,
		"Nominal",
		Formula(
			Match(
					Maximum(
						:Party A,
						:Party B,
						:Party C,
						:Party D
					),
				:Party A, "Party A",
				:Party B, "Party B",
				:Party C, "Party C",
				:Party D, "Party D"
			)
		));