It sounds like you're encountering a frustrating issue with your Fintel Workbench query, especially when the initial syntax check passes but an error appears during result retrieval, particularly with the "without blanks" observation. This often points to subtle parsing or execution-time issues that aren't caught by a basic syntax validation.
Here are a few potential areas to investigate:
- Invisible Characters or Encoding: Sometimes, copying and pasting query components can introduce invisible characters (like non-breaking spaces, tabs, or other control characters) that are not visually apparent but can cause the query engine to misinterpret the syntax, leading to concatenated or malformed error messages. Try retyping the problematic section of the query directly into the Workbench.
- Specific Function or Operator Usage: While the overall query structure might be correct, certain functions or operators within the Fintel Workbench's query language might have specific requirements for their arguments or context that are only validated at execution time. For example, a data type mismatch for an argument or an unexpected value passed to a function could trigger an error that manifests as a garbled message.
- Subquery or Join Aliasing: If your query involves subqueries or complex joins, ensure all aliases are correctly defined and referenced. An ambiguous or missing alias could cause the engine to misinterpret parts of the query, especially if it's trying to resolve column names.
- Workbench Display/Processing Anomaly: It's also possible that the query itself is technically valid, but the Workbench's error reporting mechanism is struggling to display the specific error message correctly, leading to the "without blanks" observation. This could be an internal display issue rather than a fundamental flaw in your query logic.
To diagnose this, consider simplifying your query to its most basic components and gradually adding complexity back in. This can help isolate the exact line or expression causing the issue. You might also want to consult the Fintel Workbench documentation for specific query language nuances or common troubleshooting steps. If the issue persists, reaching out to Fintel's support with the exact query and the error message (even if garbled) would be the most direct path to resolution. Ensuring your queries execute correctly is paramount for accurate data retrieval and subsequent investment analysis.