Applying functions on multiple columns

Rather than applying the same function to different columns one after the other, you can perform actions on several columns at the same time.

Let's take the example of a dataset containing several columns with date data, each of them set in a different format.

The different date formats used are the following:

You are going to harmonize the date format, and set these columns to the French standard: dd/mm/yy.

Procedure

Click the Subscription date column.
To select the two remaining columns, you have two options:
- While pressing the Ctrl key, click the Last rental column and the Birthday column.
- While pressing the Shift key, select the Birthday column.
The Shift + click option lets you select all the columns between your first selection and your last.

When selecting multiple columns, no charts are available for the data.
In the Functions panel, type Change Date Format.
From the New format drop-down list, select French/British standard.
Click Submit to apply the function on the three columns.

You have the possibility to output the result of this function in a new column by selecting the Create new column check box.

The date format for the three selected columns is now set to the French standard.

In addition, three new steps are added to the recipe, one for each column.

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