metadata mapping by sample name

[nick-youngblut]

Although not explicit in the README, it appears that the metadata table must have the same sample order as the sample x feature table. For the sake of users who want to make sure that the correct samples are mapped to the correct metadata, it would be helpful to allow users to include a Sample column in the metadata table that will map the metadata to the correct sample in the sample x feature table.

[jtackm]

True, this should definitely be added to the README (I'm actually surprised it isn't). I was pondering to allow user-provided index columns, but didn't get around to implement it yet because there are a number of special cases to consider. Anyways, I agree it would be a good convenience feature.

[nick-youngblut]

Great! It would also be a good sanity check to make sure that the user has actually correctly ordered both tables.

[Dalcon2704]

Since there is no information about this problem in the README yet. The problem have been fixed or you have to still sort the metadata?

[jtackm]

Yes, metadata still has to be aligned between OTU table and meta data table. I added a statement to the README now.