In a world where data is not just power but the true currency of innovation, mastering the transformation of raw data into strategic intelligence and actionable insights is the secret weapon every app developer and business seeks.
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In a world where data is not just power but the true currency of innovation, mastering the transformation of raw data into strategic intelligence and actionable insights is the secret weapon every app developer and business seeks.
In this article, I will share an invaluable expert tip on how to harness the immense power of Virtual Columns in AppSheet to effortlessly solve complex calculations!
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AppSheet, acquired by Google in 2020, is a no-code application development platform that allows anyone to create customized mobile and web apps for their business needs. It offers easy integration with Google Sheets, Excel, and other data sources to automate processes and boost productivity.
At Idun Group, we help our clients across various industries, such as cosmetics, wellness, and engineering, design and create innovative solutions with AppSheet.
đź“° To learn more about AppSheet, we have written an article on how to become an AppSheet expert here.
Now, let’s delve into one of its remarkable features: Virtual Columns!
Virtual Columns in AppSheet are columns that do not rely on data stored in your data source but rather on formulas or expressions that you define. They can be used to perform calculations, transformations, or validations on existing data.
Here’s how to use Virtual Columns like an AppSheet Expert:
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SUM(), CONCATENATE(), IF(), AND(), OR(), etc., to perform calculations or operations on other existing columns.After adding a Virtual Column, it will be available in your app’s views and can be used just like any other column. It will automatically recalculate in real-time based on the defined formula whenever your app’s data changes.
Virtual Columns offer several benefits in AppSheet applications. Firstly, they allow you to perform complex calculations and data manipulations without altering the underlying data structure. This means you can add calculated fields to your app without modifying your data source. Additionally, Virtual Columns enable you to aggregate data, display calculated values, implement conditional logic, and improve the overall performance of your app. They provide a flexible and dynamic way to extend the capabilities of your applications.
Imagine you need to determine if a specific user is allowed to view certain data, based on a series of criteria such as their role, department, and country, etc. Virtual Columns come into play by enabling you to incorporate all these complex calculations into a single column. This approach not only optimizes performance—since the calculations are pre-defined—but also greatly simplifies the maintenance of your app. Instead of adjusting access logic scattered throughout the app, you only need to modify a single formula within the Virtual Column.
Our expertise at Idun Group positions us as leaders in developing intelligent solutions with AppSheet. We support companies of all sizes in solving complex challenges, ranging from project management to mobile app development and maintenance. I believe that Virtual Columns are an excellent technology that allows us to transform innovative ideas into customized and efficient solutions for our clients.
When choosing between a normal column and a Virtual Column, the Virtual Column is often the more strategic option!
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