Data source settings

Data Connections in Power BI

Iason Prassides

Content Developer, DataCamp

Parameters

• Provide users the ability to store and manage values
• Useful for creating dynamic report environments
• Common uses include:
  • Filtering purposes
  • Inputs in custom functions
  • Changing data source functions
• Created and managed in Power Query Editor

Parameters

• Properties that can be set include:
  • Name
  • Value
  • Type
• Data connection uses of parameters:
  • Dynamic connections with changeable servers and databases
  • Incremental refreshes

Incremental refresh

• Partial refresh of data model created in Power BI
• Used when dealing with very large datasets or historical data
• Advantages of incremental refresh:
  • Lower refresh times
  • Less database resources consumed

Incremental refresh

• Upon new refresh, data is either archived, refreshed, or added
• Require parameters for dynamic querying of our data sources
• Access to Power BI Service through relevant account types
• Ensure data gateways have been setup for data sources connections

M Language

• Fixing errors in data connections
• M Language is the code used within Power Query Editor
• Useful for working with data connections during the data import stage
• Code is case-sensitive
• Library of standard functions available

Row-level security

• Row-level security (RLS) can be tailored for different user groups
• Applied on tables within the data model after the import process
• Filters data based on defined DAX rules
• RLS created in Power BI Desktop, and take effect in Power BI Service

Let's practice!

Data Connections in Power BI