PowerBI_Tutorial

Part 2 - Chapter 5: Preparing Data Sources

5.1 Getting Data from the Source

List of all data sources in Power BI Desktop:

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/connect-data/desktop-data-sources

5.2 Managing Data Source Settings

Method 1: change in Source step in specific query

Method 2: change from Data Source Settings

5.3 Working with Shared vs. Loacl Datasets

The name of Power BI datasets in the book is changed to Power BI semantic models now.

5.4 Sotrage Modes

5.4.1 Import data into a data model

  1. Local Storage: Data files and folders can only be imported into Power BI
  2. DirectQuery: For database connectivity, there are two alternatives exist:
    • Import the data locally
    • Create a connection to the data source with DirectQuery
  3. Live Connection: use the analysis services integrated with Power BI Desktop or Power BI Service
  4. Composite Models: combine both importing data and DirectQuery, or connect to multiple DirectQuery connections.

5.4.2 Dual Mode

You can choose one of three options for the storage modele: Import, DirectQuery, or Dual.

Live Connection or Composite as well are hybrid modes of Import and DirectQuery.

Dual mode allows for a table to be cached and retrieved in DirectQuery mode when necessary.

5.5 Considering the Query

The method that ensures the most accuracy is Import mode.

  Import DirectQuery Live Connection
Maximum Size Based on how you’re licensed Limited by your infrastructure Services have dataset size limits like Import Data. Otherwise, infrastructure limits your size.
Number of Sources Unlimited Unlimited One
Security Row level based on user login Row level security. Security is defined as the data source for some sources. However, row level security can still be used in Power BI Desktop. Can use data source security based on current user login.
Refresh Cycle Based on license:
<ul><li>Pro: eight refreshes per day</li><li>Premium: unlimited refreshes per day</li></ul>		 Shows latest data available in the source Shows latest data available in the source
Performance Metrics Optimal Varies based on data sources Optimal
Data Transformation All features Limited based on data source transformation language. Not applicable
Modeling requirements All features Significant limitations Analysis services and Power BI Services measures created with limitations.

5.5.1 Addressing and Correcting Performance

5.5.2 Diagnosing Queries

5.6 Exporting Power BI Desktop Files and Leveraging XMLA

Last Updated at 2026-01-11

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