How can a user differentiate a set name from a dimension or measure name?

In Looker, when defining a set, the asterisk (*) character is utilized to differentiate it from other names, such as dimensions or measures. Sets are powerful Looker features allowing users to group or filter data based on specific criteria and to represent these groups effectively, an asterisk is used in the syntax. When a user sees a name prefixed with an asterisk, it clearly indicates that it refers to a set rather than a dimension or measure, which helps maintain clarity and organization within the LookML model.

This clear syntactical distinction is crucial because it prevents confusion between different elements in Looker’s data model. Dimensions and measures serve different purposes and have different data types and aggregations, while sets imply a distinct grouping mechanism. Therefore, recognizing the asterisk in usage allows for efficient analysis and interpretation of data, aiding users in building more coherent data visualizations and insights.