, (join)

The join of two data objects a and b is denoted by a,b. Any two atoms or lists can be joined (concatenated). For example,

q)1 2 3,4
1 2 3 4
q)1 2,3 4
1 2 3 4
q)(0;1 2.5;01b),(`a;"abc")
(0;1.00 2.50;01b;`a;"abc")

When two simple lists are joined, or an atom and a simple list, the result is a general list unless the types of the two operands are the same. For example,

q)1 2.4 5,-7.9 10
1.00 2.40 5.00 -7.90 10.00     / both operands are simple float lists
q)1 2.4 5,-7.9
1.00 2.40 5.00 -7.90           / one is a simple float list, the other a float atom
q)1 2.4 5, -7.9 10e
(1.00;2.40;5.00;-7.90e;10.00e) / one is float, the other real.

As when replacing items in a simple list, there may be situations in which more latitude is required. For example, if the left argument is a simple short list then a right argument of type int, boolean or byte may also be acceptable.

q)v:1 2.34 -567.1 20e
q)v,(type v)$789                / cast an int to a real
1.00 2.34 -567.1 20.00 789e
q)v,(type v)$1b                 / cast a boolean to a real
1.00 2.34 -567.1 20 1e
q)v,(type v)$0xab
1.00 2.34 -567.1 20.00 171e

Tables can be joined.

q)t:([]a:1 2 3;b:`a`b`c)
q)s:([]a:10 11;b:`d`e)
q)show t,s
a  b
----
1  a
2  b
3  c
10 d
11 e

Tables can be joined sideways, i.e. each record to each record.

q)r:([]c:10 20 30;d:1.2 3.4 5.6)
q)show t,'r
q)show t,'r
a b c  d
----------
1 a 10 1.2
2 b 20 3.4
3 c 30 5.6

Join for key tables is strict; both the key and data columns must match in names and data types.

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For a complete list of functions, see the kdb+ Function Reference.