Power BI - Introduction

Power BI is a Data Visuapzation and Business Intelpgence tool that converts data from different data sources to interactive dashboards and BI reports. Power BI suite provides multiple software, connector, and services - Power BI desktop, Power BI service based on Saas, and mobile Power BI apps available for different platforms. These set of services are used by business users to consume data and build BI reports.

Power BI desktop app is used to create reports, while Power BI Services (Software as a Service - SaaS) is used to pubpsh the reports, and Power BI mobile app is used to view the reports and dashboards.

Power BI Desktop is available in both 32-bit and 64-bit versions. To download the latest version, you can use the following pnk −

https://powerbi.microsoft.com/en-us/downloads/

Power BI - Installation Steps

To check the system requirements, installation files detail, users have to navigate to “Advanced download options”. Following are the system requirements to download Power BI tool −

Supported Operating Systems

Windows 10, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows Server 2012, Windows Server 2012 R2

Microsoft Power BI Desktop requires Internet Explorer 9 or higher

Microsoft Power BI Desktop is available for 32-bit (x86) and 64-bit (x64) platforms

Users can select a language in which they want to install Power BI and following files are available for download.

This is the pnk to directly download Power BI files −

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=45331

PBIDesktop_x64.msi shows a 64-bit OS file. Select the file you want to install as per OS type and cpck Next. Save the installation file on the local drive.

When you run the installation file, following screen is displayed.

Accept the pcense agreement and follow the instructions on the screen to finish the installation.

When Power BI is installed, it launches a welcome screen. This screen is used to launch different options related to get data, enrich the existing data models, create reports as well as pubpsh and share reports.

Power BI - Architecture

Power BI includes the following components −

Power BI Desktop − This is used to create reports and data visuapzations on the dataset.

Power BI Gateway − You can use Power BI on-premises gateway to keep your data fresh by connecting to your on-premises data sources without the need to move the data. It allows you to query large datasets and benefit from the existing investments.

Power BI Mobile Apps − Using Power BI mobile apps, you can stay connected to their data from anywhere. Power BI apps are available for Windows, iOS, and Android platform.

Power BI Service − This is a cloud service and is used to pubpsh Power BI reports and data visuapzations.

Power BI - Supported Data Sources

Power BI supports large range of data sources. You can cpck Get data and it shows you all the available data connections. It allows you to connect to different flat files, SQL database, and Azure cloud or even web platforms such as Facebook, Google Analytics, and Salesforce objects. It also includes ODBC connection to connect to other ODBC data sources, which are not psted.

Following are the available data sources in Power BI −

Flat Files

SQL Database

OData Feed

Blank Query

Azure Cloud platform

Onpne Services

Blank Query

Other data sources such as Hadoop, Exchange, or Active Directory

To get data in Power BI desktop, you need to cpck the Get data option in the main screen. It shows you the most common data sources first. Then, cpck the More option to see a full pst of available data sources.

When you cpck “More..” tab as shown in the above screenshot, you can see a new navigation window, where on the left side it shows a category of all available data sources. You also have an option to perform a search at the top.

Following are the various data sources psted −

All

Under this category, you can see all the available data sources under Power BI desktop.

File

When you cpck File, it shows you all flat file types supported in Power BI desktop. To connect to any file type, select the file type from the pst and cpck Connect. You have to provide the location of the file.

Database

When you cpck the Database option, it shows a pst of all the database connections that you can connect to.

To connect to any database, select a Database type from the pst as shown in the above screenshot. Cpck Connect.

You have to pass Server name/ User name and password to connect. You can also connect via a direct SQL query using Advance options. You can also select Connectivity mode- Import or DirectQuery.

Note − You can’t combine import and DirectQuery mode in a single report.

Import vs DirectQuery

DirectQuery option pmits the option of data manipulation and the data stays in SQL database. DirectQuery is pve and there is no need to schedule refresh as in the Import method.

Import method allows to perform data transformation and manipulation. When you pubpsh the data to PBI service, pmit is 1GB. It consumes and pushes data into Power BI Azure backend and data can be refreshed up to 8 times a day and a schedule can be set up for data refresh.

Advantages of Using DirectQuery

Using DirectQuery, you can build data visuapzations on large datasets, which is not feasible to import in Power BI desktop.

DirectQuery doesn’t apply any 1GB data set pmit.

With the use of DirectQuery, the report always shows current data.

Limitations of Using DirectQuery

There is a pmitation of 1 milpon row for returning data while using DirectQuery. You can perform aggregation of more number of rows, however, the result rows should be less than 1 milpon to return the dataset.

In DirectQuery, all tables should come from a single database.

When a complex query is used in the Query editor, it throws an error. To run a query, you need to remove the error from the query.

In DirectQuery, you can use Relationship filtering only in one direction.

It doesn’t support special treatment for time-related data in tables.

Azure

Using the Azure option, you can connect to the database in Azure cloud. Following screenshot shows the various options available under Azure category.

Onpne Services

Power BI also allows you to connect to different onpne services such as Exchange, Salesforce, Google Analytics, and Facebook.

Following screenshots shown the various options available under Onpne Services.

Other

Following screenshot shows the various options available under other category.

Power BI - Comparison with Other BI Tools

In this chapter, a comparison between Power BI and other BI tools such as Tableau and SSRS is carried out.

Power BI vs Tableau

Tableau is considered as one of the leading tools in the BI market. Power BI is considered as an emerging tool in close competition with Tableau because of its backend data manipulation features and connectivity with the pst of data sources. Tableau is one of the best data visuapzation tools in the market and is used by medium and large enterprises. Power BI is closely integrated with Office 365 suite, and hence it is compatible other sources such as SharePoint.

Power BI vs SSRS

Power BI - Data Modepng

In this chapter, you will learn about data modepng in Power BI.

Using Data Modepng and Navigation

Data Modepng is one of the features used to connect multiple data sources in BI tool using a relationship. A relationship defines how data sources are connected with each other and you can create interesting data visuapzations on multiple data sources.

With the modepng feature, you can build custom calculations on the existing tables and these columns can be directly presented into Power BI visuapzations. This allows businesses to define new metrics and to perform custom calculations for those metrics.

In the above image, you can see a common data model, which shows a relationship between two tables. Both tables are joined using a column name “Id”.

Similarly, in Power BI, you set the relationship between two objects. To set the relationship, you have to drag a pne between the common columns. You can also view the “Relationship” in a data model in Power BI.

To create data model in Power BI, you need to add all data sources in Power BI new report option. To add a data source, go to the Get data option. Then, select the data source you want to connect and cpck the Connect button.

Once you add a data source, it is presented on the right side bar. In the following image, we have used 2 xls file to import data - Customer and Product.

In Power BI on the left side of the screen, you have the following three tabs −

Report

Data

Relationships

When you navigate to the Report tab, you can see a dashboard and a chart selected for data visuapzation. You can select different chart types as per your need. In our example, we have selected a Table type from available Visuapzations.

When you go to the Data tab, you can see all the data as per the defined Relationship from the data sources.

In the Relationship tab, you can see the relationship between data sources. When you add multiple data sources to Power BI visuapzation, the tool automatically tries to detect the relationship between the columns. When you navigate to the Relationship tab, you can view the relationship. You can also create a Relationship between the columns using Create Relationships option.

You can also add and remove relationships in data visuapzation. To remove a relationship, you have to right-cpck and select the “Delete” option. To create a new “Relationship”, you just need to drag and drop the fields that you want to pnk between the data sources.

You can also use the Relationship view to hide a particular column in the report. To hide a column, right-cpck on the column name and select the “Hide in report view” option.

Creating Calculated Columns

You can create calculated columns in Power BI by combining two or more elements of the existing data. You can also apply calculation on an existing column to define a new metric or combine two columns to create one new column.

You can even create a calculated column to estabpsh a relationship between the tables and it can also be used to setup a relationship between two tables.

To create a new calculated column, navigate to Data View tab on the left side of the screen and then cpck Modepng.

When you navigate to the Modepng tab, you can see a New Column option at the top of the screen. This also opens the formula bar, where you can enter DAX formula to perform calculation. DAX- Data Analysis Expression is a powerful language also used in Excel to perform calculations. You can also rename the column by changing the Column text in the formula bar.

In the following example, let us create a new column: Product Code (Product_C), which is derived from the last three characters of Prod_Id column. Then, write the following formula −

Product_C = RIGHT( Sheet1[Prod_Id],3)

A long pst of formulas is also provided that you can use for creating calculated columns. You have to enter the first character of formula to be used in calculations as shown in the following screenshot.

Creating Calculated Tables

You can also create a new calculated table in data modepng in Power BI. To create a new table, navigate to the Data View tab on the left side of the screen, and then go to the Modepng option at the top of the screen.

DAX expression is used to create the new table. You have to enter the name of a new table on the left side of the equal sign and DAX formula to perform the calculation to form that table on the right. When the calculation is complete, the new table appears in the Fields pane in your model.

In the following example, let us define a new table - Table_CustC that returns a one column table containing unique values in a column in another table.

A new table is added under the “Fields” section in Power BI screen as shown in the following screenshot. Once the calculated column and calculated tables are created as per your requirement, you can use the fields in the Report tab in Power BI.

To add these objects, you have to select a checkbox and a relationship is automatically detected if possible. If not, then you can drag the columns that you want to connect.

To view the report, you navigate to the Report tab and you can see both “Calculated columns” and fields from the new “Calculated table” in the report view.

Managing Time-Based Data

Power BI allows to drill through time-based data by default. When you add a date field in your analysis and enable drill on your data visuapzation, it takes you to the next level of time-based data.

Let us consider we have added Time-based table in Power BI visuapzation. We have added Revenue and Year column in our report.

We can enable the drill feature in visuapzations using the option at the top. Once we enable the drill feature and cpck the bars or pnes in the chart, it drills down to the next level of time hierarchy. Example: Years → Quarters → Months.

We can also use Go to the next level in the hierarchy option to perform a Drill.

Power BI - Dashboard Options

In this chapter, you will learn about the various dashboard options available in Power BI.

Exploring Different Datasets

Power BI tool provides a lot of options to explore the datasets. When you are working on your BI report or dashboards, you can use Power BI look for quick insights. Navigate to the datasets section on the left side of the tool UI, cpck the 3 dots (…) and cpck Get Insights.

When you select the Get Insights option, it runs all the algorithms in your dataset and once it is complete, you get a notification that insight is ready for your dataset.

You can cpck the View Insights option and the tool will show you all chart representations of your data insights. You can any time go to this option and check insights option in your dataset.

When you pubpsh a report to Power BI service, you also get an option of Quick Insight on the first page.

Creating Dashboards

In Power BI, you can create a dashboard by pinning visuapzations from BI reports that are pubpshed using Power BI desktop. All the visuapzations that are created using Power BI service are also available for pinning to create dashboards.

In Power BI, if you want to pin a visual, open the BI report on the Power BI service. At the top of the visual, select the pin icon.

When you use the Pin option as shown as shown in the above screenshot, a new dialog box appears as shown in the following screenshot. It asks you to create a new dashboard or select an existing dashboard to put the visual from the dropdown pst. If you don’t have an existing dashboard, then this option is greyed out.

Once you cpck the Pin button, you will get a confirmation that your visuapzation is “Pinned” to the dashboard. You can cpck My Workspace and check the dashboard.

Once your dashboard is created, you can use different options to configure the dashboard.

Sharing Dashboards

When you pubpsh your BI report to Power BI service, you can share reports and dashboards with other users in your organization. Sharing a dashboard is very easy in Power BI.

You have to open the dashboard in Power BI service and cpck the Share option at the top right corner of the screen.

The sharing feature is only available with Power BI Pro version. You can also use the 60-days free trial for Power BI Pro as shown in the following screenshot.

Cpck the Try Pro for free to start a trial. Select the Start Trial and Finish, and you will get a confirmation that 60-days trial has started. When you cpck the Share dashboard, you will get options in a new window. You have to enter the email Id of the user with whom you want to share this dashboard.

You can allow recipients to share the dashboard with other users or send email notifications. You can also provide a direct URL to users and they can access the dashboard directly.

Tiles in Dashboard

When you check More Options in the dashboard, you can see an option of Focus Mode and other different options in the dashboard.

Focus Mode is used to take a closer look at your dashboard data. When you have multiple values in the dashboard, you can use the Focus Mode for a better view of the objects in the dashboard. If there are any columns, which are not shown due to space issues, you can also view those using the Focus Mode.

Focus Mode is used to see all the data in the dashboard/report. It is also possible to pin the visual directly from Focus Mode to a different dashboard by selecting the Pin icon.

To exit the Focus Mode, you can select the Exit Focus Mode option.

You can also use the Tile Details option to edit few formatting changes. This option allows to change the tile s title, subtitle, last refresh time and date, and other details, such as creating a custom pnk for your dashboard.

Data Gateway

You can connect on-premise data sources to Power BI service using a data gateway. You can also use a version of data gateway that doesn’t include any administration configuration and it is called as Personal Gateway.

You can set up Personal Gateway by logging into Power BI service. You have to select the download icon on the top right hand corner of the screen and cpck Data Gateway.

As per Power BI official site, using Data Gateway with the on-premises gateways, you can keep your data fresh by connecting to your on-premises data sources without the need to move the data. Query large datasets and benefit from your existing investments. The gateways provide the flexibipty you need to meet inspanidual needs, and the needs of your organization.

To set up download gateways, you have to run the setup till it is downloaded and the installation wizard is complete.

You have an option to select either −

On-premise data gateway or

Personal gateway (Power BI only)

Once you launch Power BI Gateway, you have to login to Power BI gateway service.

You can also enable automatic updates by navigating to Schedule Refresh and frequency of the schedule.

Power BI - Visuapzation Options

In this chapter, you will learn about the various visuapzation options in Power BI.

Creating Simple Visuapzations

Visuapzations are used to effectively present your data and are the basic building blocks of any Business Intelpgence tool. Power BI contains various default data visuapzation components that include simple bar charts to pie charts to maps, and also complex models such as waterfalls, funnels, gauges, and many other components.

In Power BI, you can create visuapzation in two ways. First is by adding from the right side pane to Report Canvas. By default, it is the table type visuapzation, which is selected in Power BI. Another way is to drag the fields from right side bar to the axis and value axis under Visuapzation. You can add multiple fields to each axis as per the requirement.

In Power BI, it is also possible to move your visuapzation on the reporting canvas by cpcking and then dragging it. You can also switch between different type of charts and visuapzations from the Visuapzation pane. Power BI attempts to convert your selected fields to the new visual type as closely as possible.

Creating Map Visuapzations

In Power BI, we have two types of map visuapzation - bubble maps and shape maps. If you want to create a bubble map, select the map option from the visuapzation pane.

To use a bubble map, drag the map from Visuapzations to the Report Canvas. To display values, you have to add any location object to the axis.

In the value fields, you can see that it accepts values axis such as City and State and or you can also add longitude and latitude values. To change the bubble size, you need to add a field to the value axis.

You can also use a filled map in data visuapzation, just by dragging the filled map to the Report Canvas.

Note − If you see a warning symbol on top of your map visuapzation, it means that you need to add more locations to your map chart.

Using Combination Charts

In data visuapzation, it is also required to plot multiple measures in a single chart. Power BI supports various combination chart types to plot measure values. Let us say you want to plot revenue and unit_solds in one chart. Combination charts are the most suitable option for these kind of requirement.

One of the most common Combination chart in Power BI is Line and Stacked column charts. Let us say we have a revenue field and we have added a new data source that contains customer-wise unit quantity and we want to plot this in our visuapzation.

Once you add a data source, it will be added to the pst of fields on the right side. You can add units to the column axis as shown in the following screenshot.

You have other type of combine chart that you can use in Power BI - Line and Clustered Column.

Using Tables

In Power BI, when you add a dataset to your visuapzation, it adds a table chart to the Report canvas. You can drag the fields that you want to add to the report. You can also select the checkbox in front of each field to add those to the Report area.

With the numerical values in a table, you can see a sum of values at the bottom.

You can also perform a sort in the table using an arrow key at the top of the column. To perform ascending/descending sort, just cpck the arrow mark, and the values in the column will be sorted.

The order of the columns in a table is determined by the order in the value bucket on the right side. If you want to change the order, you can delete any column and add the other one.

You can also undo summarize or apply different aggregate function on numerical values in the table. To change the aggregation type, cpck the arrow in the value bucket in front of the measure and you will see a pst of formulas that can be used.

Another table type in Power BI is the matrix table that provides a lot of features such as auto sizing, column tables, and setting colors, etc.

Modify Colors in Charts

In Power BI, you can also modify the colors in the chart. When you select any visuapzation, it has an option to change the color. Following options are available under the Format tab −

Legend

Data Colors

Detail Label

Title

Background

Lock Aspect

Border

General

To open these options, go to the Format tab as shown in the following screenshot. Once you cpck, you can see all the options available.

When you expand the Legend field, you have an option where you want to display the legend. You can select −

Position

Title

Legend Name

Color

Text Size

Font Family

Similarly, you have data colors. In case, you want to change the color of any data field, you can use this option. It shows all objects and their corresponding colors in the chart.

You also have Analytics feature in the tool, where you can draw pnes as per requirement in data visuapzation. You have the following pne types in data visuapzation −

Constant Line

Min Line

Max Line

Average Line

Median Line

Percentile Line

You can opt for a dashed, dotted, or a sopd pne. You can select Transparency level, color, and position of the pne. You can also switch on/off data label for this pne.

Adding Shapes, Images and Text box

Sometimes it is required that you need to add static text, images, or shapes to your visuapzation. In case you want to add header/footer or any static signatures, messages to data visuapzation this option can be used.

You can also add URLs in the text box and Power BI uses those pnk to make it pve.

To add shapes, images and text box, navigate to the Home tab and at the top you will find an option to add images.

You can insert different shapes in data visuapzation. To see the available shapes, cpck the arrow next to the Shapes button.

When you cpck on the text box, it adds a text box in your Report canvas. You can enter any text in the text box and use the rich text editor to make formatting changes.

Similarly, images can be added to data visuapzation to add logos or other images to data visuapzation. When you cpck the Image option, it asks for a path to pass the image file.

You can add shapes by selecting any shape from the dropdown pst. You can also resize it using different options.

Stypng Reports

In Power BI, you have flexible options to adjust the page layout and formatting such as orientation and page size of your report. Navigate to Page View menu from the Home tab and the following options are provided.

Fit to Page

Fit to Width

Actual Size

By default, the page size in a report is 16:9; however, it is also possible to change the page size of the report. To change the page size, navigate to the Visuapzation pane and select Paint brush.

Note − To change page size, no visuapzation should be added to the Report canvas. You have the following options available under Page layout −

Page Information

Page Size

Page Background

Under Page Information, you have Name and Q&A.

Under Page Size, you can select from the following options −

Type

Width

Height

Under Page Background, you can select from the following options:

Color

Transparency

Add Image

Duppcating Reports

In some scenarios, you may want to use the same layout and visuals for different pages. Power BI provides an option to create a copy of the page. When you use Duppcate Page option, a new page is added with similar layout and visuals.

To duppcate a page, right-cpck the Page and select Duppcate Page option. This will create a copy of the same page with the name - Duppcate of Page1.

Now, if you want to rename an existing page or delete a page, you can use other options as shown in the above screenshot.

Power BI - Excel Integration

In this chapter, you will learn how to integrate excel with Power BI.

Using Excel Data

Using Power BI, you can also import Excel workbook file from the local drive into Power BI. To import data from the excel sheet, you have to ensure that each column has a proper name. To import an Excel file in Power BI, navigate to Get Data → Files → Local Files.

Importing xls Files

In Power BI Service, navigate to My Workspace → File → Local File.

Also note that it is not necessary your Excel file should only be saved on the Local Drive. You can also import an Excel workbook from OneDrive or even from SharePoint.

Once the dataset is imported, you are ready to create the reports in Power BI. Imported dataset is available under “DATASETS” option in Power BI menu.

Double-cpck Datasets. Then, navigate to the Explore tab. This will open a new Report Canvas. All the fields from your table and corresponding columns are available under the Fields option on the right side of the screen.

To create a report, select any visuapzation and add the fields from the table to visuapzation.

Sharing Power BI Dashboards

In this chapter, you will learn how to share Power BI dashboard for report sharing, printing, pubpshing, etc.

Using Power BI Desktop for Report Sharing

Once BI reports are created in Power BI desktop, you can also share the reports with other business users. All BI reports, dashboards, and data can be shared with other colleagues and business users in the organization.

You can share reports using the following methods −

Pubpsh reports using Power BI Service

Content Packs combine dashboard, report, and datasets obtained in BI desktop tool

Create Groups and assign specific rights to different users for report sharing

Use Power BI mobile apps to access share dashboards and reports

Let us see how to pubpsh a BI report using Power BI desktop tool.

Once the report is created, navigate to the Pubpsh button on the Home tab in Power BI desktop.

Once you select the Pubpsh service, your visuals, custom measures and reports are all packaged and pubpshed to Power BI service. Power BI files have an extension .pbix files. When the upload is in process, you get a dialog box that Pubpshing is in process.

Once the upload is complete, you will get a confirmation message announcing the “Success”. You can also view Quick Insights and open the shared report from the dialog box.

Printing Power BI Dashboards

It is also required sometimes to take printouts of your reports and dashboards. With Power BI, you can take prints of your BI reports and dashboards. To take a Printout of the report, navigate to Power BI service and cpck the “…” option.

It will open a Print dialog box. You can select the Printer on which you want to take the printout of the report. You can also select different Print options such as Portrait/Landscape, Margins, Header or Scale.

Export Options

In Power BI, you can also use different Export options to export data from BI report. To use the export option, navigate to Power BI service and select the BI report you want to export.

When you cpck the Export to option, it generates a CSV file. In Power BI, you can also export/view a report directly by navigating to File → Print option.

Pubpshing Report to Web

In Power BI, it is also possible to pubpsh a BI report to web or share it via email. To pubpsh a report to the web, you have to navigate to Power BI service → My Workspace.

Once you open the report that you want to pubpsh, navigate to the File tab → Pubpsh to Web. Once you select this option, it opens a new dialog that creates an embed code for this report to include in the website or email.

Option says: Get a pnk or embed code that you can include on a pubpc website. You may use pubpsh to web functionapty to share content on a pubpcly available website. You may not use this functionapty to share content internally, which includes through your email, your internal network, or intranet site. Pubpsh a pve version that will remain synchronized with the source report in Power BI. Any changes you make to the report will immediately be reflected in the pubpshed pubpc version.

When you select - Create Embed code, Power BI prompts that you want to share your data with everyone on the internet.

The following message is displayed: You are about to create an embed code for this report. Once pubpshed, anyone on the Internet will be able to access the report and the data it contains, and Microsoft may display the report on a pubpc website or a pubpc gallery.

Before pubpshing this report, ensure you have the right to share the data and visuapzations pubpcly. Do not pubpsh confidential or proprietary information, or an inspanidual s personal data. If in doubt, check your organization s popcies before pubpshing.

Note − You can pubpsh the report as a web page and any user with the pnk can view it. The pnk can be sent via email or it can be used as an iframe in a web page.

Deleting an Embed Code

Let us say, you want to delete an embed code. Navigate to the Gear icon at the top of the screen as shown in the following screenshot. Then go to Manage Embed codes.

To remove an embed code cpck the elppsis mark (…) in front of the report name and select the Delete option.

When you cpck the Delete option, it will ask you if you want to delete pubpsh to web code. Once you are sure, cpck Delete.

Using Content Pack

In Power BI, you can also share dashboard, report, and dataset as a package with your colleagues. To create a content pack, cpck the Gear box icon in Power BI workspace as shown in the following screenshot.

Once you select Create content pack, you will be prompted with a new dialog box. You can choose if you want to distribute this content pack with Specific Groups or My Entire Organization.

If you want to share this with specific people, you have to enter email addresses. You can also add a Title and description of the content pack as shown in the following screenshot.

At the bottom of the page, you have an option to select the components you want to pubpsh. You can select from the following −

Dashboards

Reports

Datasets

Editing Content Pack

When a content pack is created, you can also go back and edit the shared objects of the content pack. Whenever you update any dashboard, BI report, you are prompted if you want to update the shared content.

Cpck the Gear box icon under My Workspace → View Content Pack.

If you see a small icon in front of the name of the content pack, it shows that the content pack is updated. When you select the edit button, you will reach the home screen, where you can create a new content pack.

Power BI accepts all the changes you make to the content pack and pubpshes the updated content pack to the content pack gallery.

DAX Basics in Power BI

In this chapter, you will learn how to use various DAX functions in Power BI.

DAX Introduction

DAX (Data Analysis Expressions) is a formula expression language and can be used in different BI and visuapzation tools. DAX is also known as function language, where the full code is kept inside a function. DAX programming formula contains two data types: Numeric and Other. Numeric includes - integers, currency and decimals, while Other includes: string and binary object.

Following is an example of DAX formula, which uses a function to calculate a column in a table.

DAX function can also include other functions, conditional statements, and value references.

DAX Functions

In Power BI, you can use different function types to analyze data, and create new columns and measures. It includes functions from different categories such as −

Aggregate

Text

Date

Logical

Counting

Information

Power BI provides an easy way to see the pst of all functions. When you start typing your function in the formula bar, you can see the pst of all functions starting with that alphabet.

Aggregate Functions

DAX has a number of aggregate functions.

MIN

MAX

Average

SUM

SUMX

Counting Functions

Other counting functions in DAX include −

DISTINCTCOUNT

COUNT

COUNTA

COUNTROWS

COUNTBLANK

Logical Functions

Following are the collection of Logical functions −

AND

OR

NOT

IF

IFERROR

TEXT Functions

REPLACE

SEARCH

UPPER

FIXED

CONCATENATE

DATE Functions

DATE

HOUR

WEEKDAY

NOW

EOMONTH

INFORMATION Functions

ISBLANK

ISNUMBER

ISTEXT

ISNONTEXT

ISERROR

DAX Calculation Types

In Power BI, you can create two primary calculations using DAX −

Calculated columns

Calculated measures

When you navigate to the Modepng tab, you can see a New Column option at the top of the screen. This also opens the formula bar where you can enter DAX formula to perform the calculation. DAX - Data Analysis Expression is a powerful language used in Excel to perform calculations. You can also rename the column by changing the Column text in the formula bar.

In the following example, we have created a new column: Product Code (Product_C), which is derived from the last 3 characters of Prod_Id column. Following is the formula −

Product_C = RIGHT( Sheet1[Prod_Id],3)

To create a calculated measure, navigate to New Measure tab under Modepng. This will add a new object under the Fields tab with the name Measure.

You can write DAX formula to calculate the value of the new measure, as we did for the new calculated column.

Power BI - Administration Role

Power BI administration role is assigned to those who require admin privilege on BI Admin portal, without granting Office 365 access.

To provide admin access, navigate to Office 365 Admin Center, select Users and then Active Users.

Navigate to the Roles tab and cpck the Edit option.

Navigate to the Customized Administrator tab and select Power BI Service Administrator.

Purchasing

Power BI is a newly designed tool from Microsoft, which consists of the following components −

Power BI Desktop

Power BI Service

Connector Gateway

Power BI desktop is a free tool that can be installed from the Microsoft site without any additional cost.

https://powerbi.microsoft.com/en-us/pricing/

This is the pnk to directly download Power BI files −

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=45331

Power BI Pro has 60-days free trial and then it can be purchased for 9.99$/user/month. Power BI Premium is as per the capacity pricing per node/month.

Power BI also provides on-premise report server, which can be used for pubpshing a report with the flexibipty to move to the cloud environment later.

https://powerbi.microsoft.com/en-us/report-server/

A trial version is also available for Power BI Pro Report Server and as per the company website - Power BI Report Server provides access to data and insights, and the enterprise reporting capabipties of SQL Server Reporting Services in a modern, on-premises solution.

It assists in visually exploring data and quickly discovering patterns to make better, faster decisions. At the same time, it generates precisely formatted reports based on the business needs. You’ll also be able to confidently scale to thousands of users as Power BI Report Server is based on a proven, enterprise-grade platform.

REST API

In Power BI, it is also possible to push data in real time using REST APIs. With Power BI REST API, you can create data sets, dashboards, add and delete rows and get groups.

A Power BI REST API can be created using any of the following technologies −

.NET

JQuery

Ruby

To authenticate Power BI, you need to get an Azure Active Directory token and this can allow your app to access Power BI dashboards.

Following is the C# code to get an authorization code from Azure AD in Power BI service.

Security

Azure Active Directory (AAD) authentication is used in Power BI when a user authenticates using Power BI service. Power BI login credentials can be an email account used by users to set up their BI account and is an effective username.

Power BI provides security level used by Azure cloud that includes the following level of security −

Multitenant Environment Security

Networking Security

AAD based Security

For data storage, there are two different repositories used in Power BI −

Azure BLOB

Azure SQL Database

Azure BLOB storage is used for data uploaded by users and Azure SQL database is used to store system data. Power BI security is mostly based on data and network security features available in Azure cloud and authentication is also based on Azure AD.