The Power Query Formula Language (PQFL) is a functional language that drives the Power BI transformations, and allows you to create mashup queries from scratch. In this article, Rob Sheldon demonstrates how to use it in Power BI Desktop to extract data from its source, filter rows, specify the columns, clean the data, and create visualisations.
2015-10-05
2,714 reads
Relational databases go out of their way to execute SQL, however bad the crimes against Codd and relational theory within the query might be. The 'conditional join' can be executed, but at great cost. As always, it is much better to sit back and restate the problem in a set-based way - Dwain Camps explains.
2015-10-02
7,474 reads
In this fourth installment, Arshad Ali demonstrates creating filters, publishing dashboards to the Datazen server and creating drill-through dashboards.
2015-10-01
3,983 reads
One of the new features of SQL Server 2016 is the introduction of a Web Installer for the client tools. In this article, Daniel Farina goes through the entire process of downloading and installing the client tools even on machines without internet access.
2015-09-30
3,123 reads
2015-09-29
3,932 reads
Glenn Berry explains how you can do some simple analysis to help decide the exact processor to should choose for a new database server, taking into consideration workload and budget constraints.
2015-09-28
2,452 reads
Inserting and updating table contents with data from other tables and/or views within the same database need not be a nail-biting ordeal. Rob Gravelle shares some common Insert and Update tasks to help avoid any problems.
2015-09-25
2,820 reads
OpenStack holds a great deal of promise as a cloud platform built on open standards, and has support from the major players in cloud services. It has the potential for allowing organisations to set up their own private cloud services that are designed to inter-operate. Is it ready yet for companies that want the convenience of cloud solutions, but with more control, and without the large subscription fees? Robert Sheldon finds out.
2015-09-24
4,857 reads
Koen Verbeeck shows how to easily extract metadata from files in your directories with Power Query.
2015-09-23
3,175 reads
Redgate’s Database Lifecycle Management solution ensures database changes made in development environments are always tested and reviewed before being deployed, and adds automation to the process. Find out how by joining Steve Jones, MVP and editor of SQLServerCentral, as he demonstrates the solution and shows why such an approach is essential if you want to release changes frequently.
2015-09-22 (first published: 2015-08-11)
8,420 reads
By Brian Kelley
During COVID, I attended training on software/enterprise architecture given by Mark Richards. One of...
For me, the objective is straightforward: have a backup strategy that is reliable, understandable,...
By DesertDBA
Note: This post is the invitation for T-SQL Tuesday #204 on November 3rd, 2026....
Comments posted to this topic are about the item The ##MS_DatabaseConnector## User
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Planning for Change
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Importing Excel files into SQL...
On SQL Server 2025, I run this code as a sysadmin:
CREATE LOGIN Demo WITH PASSWORD = 'Demo1234567' GO ALTER SERVER ROLE ##MS_DatabaseConnector## ADD MEMBER Demo GOI then login as Demo and run this:
USE sandbox go SELECT CURRENT_USERWhat is returned? See possible answers