M functions documentation within Power Query

Often we look for the documentation of a function or we even look for a function. We may use Microsoft documentation (https://docs.microsoft.com/fr-fr/power-query/). But there is an other way much more comfortable for my needs: access to M functions documentation within Power Query

How to

• Add a blank query and name it ‘Shared’
• Open the advanced editor
• Copy this code and close advanced editor

let
    Source = #shared,
    #"Converted to Table" = Record.ToTable(Source),
    #"Sorted Rows" = Table.Sort(#"Converted to Table",{{"Name", Order.Ascending}})
in
    #"Sorted Rows"

Then, you get a list of M functions and constants. Click on a function to get details (don’t click on the word ‘Function’)

You get many information including description, parameters, examples, …

Of course, you can filter the names just like you do with any other table

Don’t forget to remove filter before applying a new one because they are cumulative !

So, in this way, you always have M functions documentation available no matter if you have an internet connection.

See how to get documentation about your data model : Visualize your SQL database schema within Power Query