Power Query - leaving detailed notes of steps

[Factotum]

Does anyone know of a way to keep notes on what each step does in Power Query? When I write VBA, I write up a detailed explanation of what each line of code does so if anyone needs to modify it they can understand the method to my madness. The closest options I can find in Power Query are:

1. Rename the steps which doesn't have a lot of space
2. Right click on the step, go down to Properties, and enter my notes in the Description box

I'm guessing option 2 is my best bet, I'm just used to being able to see my notes without having to click through menu options. Or is there any standard in this area that's generally considered a best practice? Thanks for any ideas!

 

[Ron Coderre]

I open the Advanced Editor and put my comments there.

// for single line comments

/* for multi
line comments */

Is that something you can work with?

 

[Factotum]

That's a fantastic idea on several levels. It gives me what I was asking for as far as comments/notes, but it might also help me learn Power Query better. I learned VBA mostly from the marco recorder and then reverse engineering the code it created. The Advanced Editor could maybe provide that same benefit. I'm very new to Power Query and the only one in my organization making an attempt to learn it. It could have massive benefits to my team if I could just get a little better with it. Thank you for your help!

 

[alansidman]

@Fatso
A really good beginner resource is "M is for (Data) Monkey" by Ken Puls and Miguel Escobar

 

[sandy666]

Find on MS site three pdfs:

• Microsoft Power Query M Formula Language Specification
• Power Query M Reference
• What is Power Query

 

[Factotum]

Thank you all for the suggestions! I'm excited to find out what I can do with Power Query!

 

[theBardd]

// for single line comments
/* for multi
line comments */

You can also add details in the query description, which you can get to via it's properties.