Google launched Table Explorer for BigQuery

Examine Table Data and create Data Exploration Queries

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Google just launched a new Feature in BigQuery call Table Explorer to examine table data and create data exploration queries[1].

The build in Table Explorer function in BigQuery provides an automated, visual way to explore table data and create queries based on the fields you choose. In Table Explorer, you can select up to 10 fields from a table to explore at once[1][2].

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You will find it in BigQuery Studio then in the Explorer pane, select the table for which you want to create a query.

Using the Table Explorer — Screenshot by Author

The selected fields are displayed as interactive cards, each showing up to 10 of the most common values for that field, sorted by frequency. You can interact with these cards by choosing specific fields and values you want to explore further[1][2].

Working with the new Feature — Screenshot by Author

Based on your selections, Table Explorer generates a data exploration query. You can copy this query into the Query Editor to create a new query, or you can apply it directly within Table Explorer. When you apply the query, Table Explorer executes it and updates the displayed cards with the latest results. To continue exploring the data, you can select additional fields or values from these updated cards[2].

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Keep in mind that this feature is for now in preview and limited to BigQuery tables, BigLake tables, external tables, and views. The Table explorer also lets you explore a single table at a time. The feature does not support simultaneous exploration of multiple tables or generating cross-table operations, for example, JOIN operations[2].

Sources and Further Readings

[1] Google, BigQuery release notes (2024)

[2] Google, Create queries with table explorer (2024)