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PL-300 · 1.3.5 · Prepare the data

Semi-structured data to a table

Convert semi-structured data to a table

Use connectors for whole sources; use Parse then Expand for JSON or stored in a column.

Parse the text

Parse changes raw text into a structured value. It does not automatically expose every nested field as a normal column.

Expand the nested fields

Power Query parsed JSON records with FirstName and LastName selected for expansion into columns.

When the whole source is a file or API response, use the JSON connector. When JSON or lives inside a column, use Parse and then Expand.

Whole source or value inside a column?

A JSON file or API response can be opened through the JSON connector so discovers its structure. JSON or XML text that already sits inside a table column needs Parse first.

After parsing, expand the resulting Record or Table values until the fields you need become normal columns.

Exam clue: JSON text already inside a table column = Parse, then Expand.

Key points

  • connector: automatically detects table structure
  • Parse JSON: text becomes
  • Parse : text becomes Table values
  • Expand: exposes nested fields as columns

Click an underlined term for a one-line explanation, or see them all in the glossary .

Exam trap

Parse creates structured values, but fields remain nested until you expand the column.

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