Introducing structured values
As we delve further into the M language, we arrive at one of the most important concepts: structured values. These values form the foundation of data shaping and manipulation in Power Query M. But what exactly do we mean when we say structured values? You can think of them as a container or package that can contain one or more values. These containers are organized in a way that allows us to perform transformations on them. As a developer, getting a thorough understanding of how to use these values allows you to perform challenging data transformations more easily.
Structured values allow us to deal with complexity by splitting data into manageable chunks. Each structured value – be it a list, record, table, or function – has its unique characteristics and applications, and understanding when to use each helps in writing effective code.
As we go through this chapter, you might find some concepts slightly more challenging than others...
