The Add Join tool should warn the user if the join table has a definition query, since the definition query will be applied to the join.
For example, if we're using a map that someone else created, we might not be aware that the join table has a definition query. And so the definition query would be applied unknowingly.
Edit:
I suppose the GP tool could be enhanced so that the definition query is shown as an editable SQL expression text box right in the tool. We’d have the option of changing the definition query or removing it, if needed (in the join, not the underlying table). Or we could even add a new definition query, if there wasn’t one already.
That would have the added benefit of making it abundantly clear that there is a definition query. It would be hard to ignore. Whereas a small yellow exclamation mark beside a field is easy to accidentally overlook, especially when we see those exclamation points regularly for things like “no index” warnings.
ArcGIS Pro 3.0.3
Do you mean in the interface? Because it is in the help
Add Join (Data Management)—ArcGIS Pro | Documentation
The definition query of the join table will be applied to the input layer or table view. The definition query can be removed using the Remove Join tool or by manually removing the definition query from the layer.
@DanPatterson Yeah, I meant in the GP tool UI.
An informational tip will be added below the Join Table parameter in a future release, to indicate that the specified layer/table has a definition query which will be moved to the input layer when performing the join. This is such a special case and behavior we agree the information should be presented directly to the user, not behind a small warning icon or solely in the tool documentation. An editable definition query control will not be placed on the tool dialog, that is outside what we can do at this time.
ArcGIS Pro 3.2 has a parameter tip to indicate that the join table definition query will impact the join.
This Idea has been implemented in ArcGIS Pro 3.2. Read this blog to learn more about the enhancements we made to the join tools in Pro 3.2.
Also, see the What's New documentation for more new features in Pro 3.2.
ArcGIS Pro 3.2.2; File Geodatabase
Just a heads up to anyone reading this:
An SQL Expression in Make Query Table does not produce a definition query in the resulting layer; the SQL Expression is hidden. Consistent/visible SQL expressions and query definitions in layers
So, the Add Join tool will not warn the user about the SQL Expression, unlike if there was a definition query via Make Table View or Make Feature Layer.
But I suppose that's expected since the SQL Expression isn't a definition query, and this idea was specifically for definition queries.
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