BigQuery

BigQuery Launches Table Explorer for Visual Data Exploration and Query Creation

July 25, 2024 at 5:11:16 PM

TL;DR BigQuery introduces Table Explorer, a new feature in preview to simplify data exploration and query creation. It offers visual data exploration, query generation based on user-selected fields, and the ability to examine up to 10 table fields at a time. Interactive cards display selected fields, and dynamic querying allows users to apply or copy generated queries. Limitations include single-table scope, no AI assistance, and required read access for selected fields.

BigQuery Launches Table Explorer for Visual Data Exploration and Query Creation

BigQuery has introduced Table Explorer, a new feature currently in preview, designed to simplify data exploration and query creation.

Key Features of Table Explorer

Visual Data Exploration: Automates the visual exploration of table data.
Query Generation: Generates queries based on user-selected fields.
Field Selection: Allows examination of up to 10 table fields simultaneously.

How It Works

Interactive Cards: Displays selected fields as cards showing up to 10 most common values.
Dynamic Querying: Creates data exploration queries based on user interactions with the cards.
Query Application: Users can apply generated queries directly in Table Explorer or copy them to the query editor.

Limitations

Table Scope: Only supports single-table exploration.
Query Generation: Generates SQL queries based on user selections without AI assistance.
Access Control: Requires read access for all selected fields in tables with column-level ACLs.

Pricing Considerations

Table Explorer incurs compute pricing charges for query execution. Before running a query, it displays the amount of data to be processed, allowing users to manage costs effectively. The feature is available for BigQuery tables, BigLake tables, external tables, and views.