Two ways to transpose in Coda
Back and regular transpose
In this blog post we discuss transposing data in Coda. There are two main ways to do this:
- “Backwards” Transpose: This is for display purposes, like showing quarterly results. You store your data in rows, but for a better visual, you flip it into columns. In this blog post I explain the basics.
- Regular Transpose: This is more common, especially with form data. Each form field becomes a column. This is useful when you have similar data types, like multiple phone numbers or contact methods, and you want to track them with “valid as of” dates. It’s also helpful for things like weekly planning, where each working day is linked to the same type of data (a work schedule). Forms are often easier for users to fill out this way, especially since many prefer not to edit tables directly.
It would be great if Coda had a built-in transpose function, like spreadsheets have. While transposing isn’t rocket science, it’s a common task that could be simplified.
The confusion
In Coda, you store data in rows with columns, each with distinct data types like numbers, people, dates/times, or text. Each row represents an object, enriched by the data in its columns, including the display column (often labeled ‘Name’). These columns become the object’s properties. For example, a bike object might have properties like ‘purchase date,’ ‘purchase price,’ and ‘specifications.’ Properties can also be linked to other tables through relations. In our bike example, the ‘color’ property could connect to a separate table listing available colors.
For newcomers to Coda, grasping this object-property concept can be challenging, especially for those accustomed to Excel or Google Sheets. However, once you understand the power of this row-based approach, you can build robust and feature-rich applications that surpass traditional spreadsheets.
Then, you encounter the need to transpose data. This often arises when data is entered inefficiently through forms, or when presentation requirements conflict with optimal data storage principles. You might need to deviate from the fundamental row-based structure to achieve a desired visual layout.
This is a key adjustment. Data is stored in rows, sometimes entered in columns (via forms), and sometimes data may require a column-based presentation.
It’s about maintaining the core principle while retaining the flexibility to adapt tables to your specific requirements.
The role of AI
AI will probably assist with coding in the future, but it’s unlikely to design your data structure for you. There’s no single ‘correct’ way to set things up. It depends on your specific goals and how they change over time. For instance, I prefer using relations to select items, but I sometimes start with select items for speed and then refine the structure later. Data architecture is more like an art than a strict science.
When I began using Coda, I thought knowing the functions was the key. I was mistaken. Professional Coda work requires first and foremost clear objectives and a data architecture to support them. This is a substantial task, and I believe most users would benefit from built-in Coda tools that help them understand and translate their data.
This will be challenging for Coda due to the wide range of possible variations, but it should handle many simpler use cases. This would meet the expectations of users who have some data experience but aren’t experts.
Furthermore, Coda would need to explain the fundamentals in a clear and straightforward manner, providing guidance on how to use Coda effectively. Currently, this type of clear guidance is lacking, and users primarily rely on examining the work of established creators.
Hopefully, this post has shed some light on this common Coda challenge and empowered you to create more interactive and insightful data experiences. On a personal note, creating these in-depth posts takes a lot of time and effort. While I love sharing my knowledge, a little support goes a long way. If you found this helpful, what about a donation and sharing this post with your fellow Coda enthusiasts? Every bit of encouragement helps!
My name is Christiaan, and I regularly blog about Coda. While this article is free, my professional services (including consultations) are not, but I’m always happy to chat and explore potential solutions. You can find my free contributions in the Coda Community and on X. The Coda Community is a fantastic resource for free insights, especially when you share a sample doc.
