Google spreadsheet "=QUERY" join() equivalent function?

Optimizing Your Queries

Even if your spreadsheets aren't the size of the Library of Alexandria, scalability and speed matter. Here's what you can do:

• Named ranges: Use meaningful names instead of cryptic cell codes. Because who remembers whether F23:H45 is the Budget or Project Tasks? (They never are, trust me 😏)
• Avoid INDIRECT: Swap INDIRECT gymnastics with constant arrays for faster calculations.
• Scrub those rows: Nulls or whitespaces are an immortal enemy. Strike NULLs down with all your might!
• Open-ended isn't always fun: Open-ended ranges (like A:A) can slow you down. Define precise ranges like A1:A100 whenever possible.

Mastering Complex Joins with Array Formulas

If the basic JOIN() equivalent isn't enough for your complex needs, there are more powerful ways to join tables:

ArrayFormula + VLOOKUP = Shiny Table Joins

Add ARRAYFORMULA, VLOOKUP, and curly brackets to your arsenal, and you can join tables like an Excel wizard!

=ARRAYFORMULA(VLOOKUP(keys, {Range1, Range2}, column_index, FALSE))

:// Doing a table join in Google Sheets? More likely than you think!

QUERY: A Swiss Knife In Disguise

Join tables using QUERY and a common column to imitate SQL joins:

=QUERY({table1;table2}, "select * where Col1 is not null")

:// Who needs SQL when you have Google Sheets?

The INDEX Card Trick

INDEX is a handy VLOOKUP alternative when joining tables, especially when you want to control what's returned:

=INDEX(Range2, MATCH(lookup_value, Range1, 0))

:// It's like a magic trick, but for data!

Strategies for Edge Cases & Optimizing Your Workflow

Complex spreadsheets can bring unique problems. Let's talk handling those:

Efficient Data Imports

Importing with QUERY before joining tables shaves off seconds (possibly minutes). Time you can use to sip that coffee ☕️:

=QUERY(IMPORTRANGE("spreadsheet_url", "range_string"), "select * where ...")

Accuracy over Speed

Scrutinize ranges and conditions to ensure accurate join operations. Trust me, you don't want to introduce data gremlins 🦠:

Complexity is the Spreadsheet's Kryptonite

Try to cut down on complexity wherever possible to avoid spreadsheet performance bottlenecks. Your future self will thank you!

Next-Level Techniques and Resources

For those willing to go the extra mile, there's a world of advanced join conditions and data manipulation at your fingertips:

• JavaScript LINQ: Emulate SQL-like functionalities and advanced data manipulation with libraries.
• Google Sheets documentation: Invest some time in understanding the functions and utilities offered. Knowledge is power. 💪