Fast Analysis with Direct Lake

Introduction to Microsoft Fabric

Alex Kuntz

Technical Instructional Designer

Previous methods of loading data (Part 1)

Direct Query mode

  • Queries directly from the data's original source
  • Somewhat slow; query must be translated from Power BI to source database
  • Data is always up-to-date

 

A database icon

Introduction to Microsoft Fabric

Previous methods of loading data (Part 2)

Import mode

  • Queries a cached copy of the data's original source
  • Faster results
  • Data is not necessarily current; may need to refresh your model to sync cached data with original source.
    • Could schedule refreshed

copy_symbol.jpg

Introduction to Microsoft Fabric

Direct Lake mode

  • Fast and up-to-date data
  • Relies on OneLake's parquet file storage

Diagram comparing DirectQuery, Import, and Direct Lake modes

1 https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/fabric/get-started/direct-lake-overview
Introduction to Microsoft Fabric

Direct Lake mode

  • Fast and up-to-date data
  • Relies on OneLake's parquet file storage

Highlighting direct query mode

1 https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/fabric/get-started/direct-lake-overview
Introduction to Microsoft Fabric

Direct Lake mode

  • Fast and up-to-date data
  • Relies on OneLake's parquet file storage

Highlighting import mode

1 https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/fabric/get-started/direct-lake-overview
Introduction to Microsoft Fabric

Direct Lake mode

  • Fast and up-to-date data
  • Relies on OneLake's parquet file storage

Highlighting direct lake mode

1 https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/fabric/get-started/direct-lake-overview
Introduction to Microsoft Fabric

Let's practice!

Introduction to Microsoft Fabric

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