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Expressions

Expressions are used to create new columns, but are just as powerful when applied to axes. They are recalculated on the fly in response to changes in the analysis, and by axis binding they can be used set an axis dynamically in response to marking. Expressions may involve one or more columns, aggregation measures, or mathematical expressions.

Overview

Custom expressions provide calculation logic. A single expression language is used in two different settings:

  • Column Expressions
    Custom expressions can be used to define calculations creating new columns. These expressions are referred to as Column Expressions. The resulting column is considered static, since it is calculated once and then added to a data table.
  • Axis Expressions
    Expressions may define calculations used in the axes of visualizations. They are often referred to as dynamic, since the expressions are recalculated based on changes to the analysis.
    Axis Binding
    Axis binding retrieves the currently marked value in a column as base for an axis expression. It is used to set up visualizations with axis expressions changing in response to marking in other visualizations.

Refer to the TIBCO Spotfire User's Guide for details, especially the following topics: