What is the first step when configuring the Multi-Row Formula tool?

Configuring the Multi-Row Formula tool begins with choosing to update an existing field or create a new one because this decision sets the context for the calculations you will perform within the tool. By selecting whether to modify an existing field or generate a new one, you establish the foundation of your data transformation process.

This initial step is crucial because it directly affects how the data will be manipulated. If you choose to update an existing field, the calculations will overwrite the existing data, while creating a new field allows you to preserve the original values. This flexibility is particularly important when analyzing and manipulating data over multiple rows, as it ensures that the output is tailored to meet specific analytical needs or reporting requirements.

Other steps, such as setting the number of rows to display or building the expression for calculation, follow this initial choice and depend on it. Without defining the target field, it would not be possible to execute the calculations meaningfully. Grouping by fields is also relevant for contextualizing calculations but comes after the decision about which field to update or create.