table distinct from Editor Power Query to Python

Question

I need to transform a data transformation programm from Editor Power Query to Python. I am not very good with Editor power Query.

I have a table with 30ish columns, with a task like this:

= Table.Distinct(#"Previous task", {"column1"})

When I do this, which row does it take? the first one? the last one? A random one? How can I translate this to Python Pandas, to be sure to have same data?

Thanks for answer

Answer 1

By default, I believe Table.Distinct keeps the first row.

In Pandas, you could use something like:

df.drop_duplicates(keep='first', inplace=True)

The keep parameter specifies which row you want to keep, and the inplace parameter just makes sure the changes are made to the dataframe itself and not a copy of the dataframe.

See more here on pandas.DataFrame.drop_duplicates .

Also, here's some more information on Table.Distinct and how you can preserve the sort order of a table before performing the operation.