What function does Merge Columns replace in Excel?

The function that Merge Columns replaces in Excel is Concat() or Concatenate(). As data management and manipulation needs have evolved, Microsoft introduced the Merge Columns feature as an enhancement to provide users with a more intuitive and flexible way to combine data from multiple cells into a single cell.

Prior to this enhancement, the Concat() and Concatenate() functions were commonly used to achieve similar results, allowing users to join text strings from different cells. However, these functions have some limitations, such as lacking the ability to handle arrays and not being as user-friendly as the Merge Columns feature. By replacing these functions, the Merge Columns feature allows users to easily select multiple columns within a table and combine them into one, offering enhanced functionality and ease of use within the Excel interface.

This transition reflects a broader trend in software development towards promoting methods that enhance usability and integrate more seamlessly into the user's workflow, illustrating how Excel continuously adapts to user needs.