Adding Column Comments

When working with big data, it can be very helpful to have access to comprehensive column-level descriptions.

The following steps demonstrate how to add description to a column of a dataset, as a 'comment'. We are using the column iso_cc (the ISO-compliant country code) in the dataset World Life Expectancy [data source samples.world_life_expectancy].

  1. On the main navigation bar, click Data.

    The Data view appears, open on the Datasets tab.

  2. In the left navigation menu, click samples.
  3. In the Datasets area, select World Life Expectancy (samples.world_life_expectancy).

    selecting a dataset
    Selecting Dataset 'World Life Expectancy'
  4. In the Dataset Detail menu, select Attributes.

    detail of 'World Life Expectancy'
    Dataset Detail for 'World Life Expectancy'
  5. In the Attributes area, select Edit Attributes.

    Edit attributes for 'World Life Expectancy'
    Editing Attributes for 'World Life Expectancy'
  6. Under Measures, find the field iso_cc, and click the down arrow on its right side.

    From the menu, select Edit Attributes.

    selecting edit attribute window
    Editing Column Properties
  7. The Edit Table Column Properties window modal appears.

    Under Column Comment, add the following text:

    ISO 3166 Country Code Standard, Numeric, described in http://www.iso.org/iso/country_codes. Mappings are at https://www.iso.org/obp/ui/#search.

    Click Apply.

    changing display name
    Adding Column Comment
  8. Under Dataset: World Life Expectancy, click Save.

  9. Click Show Comments.

    changing display name
    Displaying Comment
  10. Notice that the comment appears with the field iso-cc.

    changing display name
    Displaying Column Comments
  11. To hide column comments, click Hide Comments.