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Data Connections in Power BI

4.2+
17 reviews
Beginner

Discover the different ways you can enhance your Power BI data importing skills.

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Course Description

Building Connections

Data connections are an essential part of Power BI. In this course, you will be introduced to the many different options for connecting to data.

Understand Power BI Desktop vs Service

You’ll learn the differences between Power BI Desktop and Power BI Service when it comes to data connections. You’ll also learn about the different ways that Power BI stores data when connecting to a source, and how you are able to amend connections after they have been made.

Utilize Parameters and M Language

Finally, you’ll learn how you can use parameters and M Language in Power BI Desktop to level up your handling of data import processes.
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In the following Tracks

Certification Available

Data Analyst in Power BI

Go To Track
  1. 1

    Data Connections in Power BI

    Free

    Whenever using Power BI, a data connection is required. In this chapter, you'll be introduced to commonly used data connections for Power BI. You'll also get an insight into the data connection features of Power BI Serice while finally having the chance to carry out your own database connection.

    Play Chapter Now
    Data connections in Power BI
    50 xp
    The data flow process
    100 xp
    Power BI Desktop connections
    50 xp
    Which connection?
    50 xp
    Welcome to Power BI Service
    50 xp
    Desktop vs. Service
    100 xp
    First connections
    100 xp
    Desktop or Service data connections?
    100 xp
    Add a database connection
    100 xp
  2. 2

    Databases and More

    It's time to take the next step in your data connections journey! Through hands-on exercises, you will interact with a new database connection and learn how different settings can be changed. You'll also learn about the different storage modes offered by Power BI and how you can use coding to alter the import process.

    Play Chapter Now
    Database connections
    50 xp
    Storage modes
    100 xp
    Exploring connections
    50 xp
    Power BI languages
    50 xp
    Controlling the import process
    100 xp
    Changing data source settings
    100 xp
  3. 3

    Data Source Settings

    In this chapter, you'll learn how to create parameters that can be used for incremental refreshes. You will also implement an incremental refresh on your data connection. Finally, you'll understand how M Language can be utilized to tackle issues with your data import processes.

    Play Chapter Now
    Data source settings
    50 xp
    Incremental refresh
    50 xp
    Parameters and incremental refresh
    50 xp
    Parameters: true or false?
    100 xp
    Query parameters
    100 xp
    Discovering M Language
    50 xp
    M Language examined
    50 xp
    Using M Language on connections
    100 xp
    Congratulations
    50 xp
For Business

Training 2 or more people?

Get your team access to the full DataCamp platform, including all the features.

In the following Tracks

Certification Available

Data Analyst in Power BI

Go To Track

datasets

Exercises and Datasets

collaborators

Collaborator's avatar
Maarten Van den Broeck
Collaborator's avatar
Carl Rosseel

prerequisites

Introduction to Power BI
Iason Prassides HeadshotIason Prassides

Content Developer at DataCamp

Iason holds a Master’s degree in Chemistry from UCL and is now a Curriculum Manager at DataCamp. He is also a certified Power BI data analyst. Prior to working at DataCamp, Iason held a number of analytics roles within a range of industries across different countries. Having a passion for education, data, and storytelling, he has found a great place at DataCamp to develop engaging content for learning. As an avid sports fan, he has a keen interest in sports statistics.
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Don’t just take our word for it

*4.2
from 17 reviews
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  • Deyanira L.
    1 day

    Great and easy to understand

  • M. Z.
    about 1 month

    Very interactive, helpful, good explanation

  • Edmundo M.
    3 months

    The course gives a good view of Power BI versatility to connect with a broad of data sources. The exercises let you to be clear on the concepts of importing data versus query’s connections to databases (aka SQL), as well as the pros and cons of each one.

  • Nicolas F.
    5 months

    A critical course to understand how to use Power BI. A must have!

  • 遠忻 周.
    6 months

    I really enjoy the course

"Great and easy to understand"

Deyanira L.

"Very interactive, helpful, good explanation"

M. Z.

"The course gives a good view of Power BI versatility to connect with a broad of data sources. The exercises let you to be clear on the concepts of importing data versus query’s connections to databases (aka SQL), as well as the pros and cons of each one."

Edmundo M.

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