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CONCEPT

Grids, Tables, and Array Shaping

Summary

Runline's array functions distinguish row-oriented, column-oriented, and label-aware grid operations.

Core Idea

Vertical functions operate on rows, horizontal functions operate on columns, and grid functions preserve or interpret labels on both axes.

How It Works

Use U.V* functions for record-style tables, U.H* functions for column-oriented data, and grid functions such as U.TABLE_TO_GRID, U.GRID_TO_TABLE, and U.GRID_FILTER when row and column labels carry meaning.

Why It Matters

Choosing the wrong orientation can produce a plausible-shaped result with incorrect labels or aggregation semantics.

In Excel (Runline U)

Inspect the first row and first column before applying a grid function. Keep configuration ranges—filters, groupings, sort keys, and aggregation instructions—visible beside the result.

Common Patterns

  • Append compatible record sets before filtering.
  • Convert a flat table into a pivot-style grid for reporting.
  • Convert a grid back to a table before publishing or file export.

Misconceptions

  • A grid is not merely a two-dimensional array; its first row and column are often labels.
  • Vertical and horizontal variants are not interchangeable after transposing only part of a workflow.