Diagnostics.ActivityId

Understanding Diagnostics.ActivityId

Before we dive into the M code, let’s first understand what Diagnostics.ActivityId is and how it works. In simple terms, Diagnostics.ActivityId is a function that generates a unique identifier for each query execution. This identifier can be used to track the execution of the query and diagnose any issues that might arise.

When you use Diagnostics.ActivityId in your Power Query M code, it generates a GUID (Globally Unique Identifier) that represents the current query execution. This GUID is then stored in the Query Diagnostics table, which is generated automatically by Power Query. You can access this table to view the GUIDs and track the execution of the queries.

The M Code Behind Diagnostics.ActivityId

Now that we understand what Diagnostics.ActivityId is and how it works, let’s take a closer look at the M code behind it. When you use Diagnostics.ActivityId in your Power Query M code, it generates the following M code:

`= let activityId = Text.NewGuid() in activityId`

As you can see, the M code generates a new GUID using the Text.NewGuid() function and assigns it to the variable activityId. This variable is then returned by the function, which allows you to use it in your M code.

Using Diagnostics.ActivityId

Now that we understand the M code behind Diagnostics.ActivityId, let’s explore some practical use cases for this function. Here are some examples of how you can use Diagnostics.ActivityId:

Troubleshooting

One of the primary uses of Diagnostics.ActivityId is troubleshooting. When you encounter an issue with your query, you can use the GUID generated by Diagnostics.ActivityId to track the execution of the query and diagnose the issue.

To do this, you can filter the Query Diagnostics table based on the GUID generated by Diagnostics.ActivityId. This will show you all the steps in the query execution that led up to the issue, allowing you to pinpoint the problem.

Auditing

If you need to audit your query execution, you can use the GUID generated by Diagnostics.ActivityId to track when and how the query was executed. You can store this information in a database or log file for future reference.

Parallelism

Diagnostics.ActivityId can also be useful when working with parallel query execution. When multiple queries are executed in parallel, each query will generate a unique GUID using Diagnostics.ActivityId. This allows you to track the execution of each query independently and ensure that they are executing correctly.

In conclusion, Diagnostics.ActivityId is a powerful function in Power Query that allows you to track the execution of your queries and diagnose issues when they arise. By understanding the M code behind this function and how it works, you can use it to your advantage and streamline your Power Query workflows.

Power Query and M Training Courses by G Com Solutions (0800 998 9248)

Upcoming Courses

Contact Us