Power BI

Article

Power BI DirectQuery can quietly overwhelm your SQL Server. Unlike Import mode, DirectQuery sends live T-SQL for every visual interaction, multiplying queries and placing heavy analytical load on the database. This article explains how to identify the worst offending DirectQuery queries, why the generated SQL is often inefficient, and what you can do from the database side, including indexing, Query Store, and reporting views, to improve performance. It also outlines practical changes on the Power BI side and when DirectQuery is simply the wrong architectural choice.

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2026-04-20

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Real-time On-prem SQL Server Data in Excel – Over the Internet

by Cláudio Tereso

SQLServerCentral

Article

Learn how you can combine Power BI and Excel to share data from your local SQL Server across the Internet to Excel on a client machine.

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2026-02-23

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Level 28: DAX Text Functions: The DAX Extract & Modify Functions: LEFT(), RIGHT(), MID(), REPLACE(), SUBSTITUTE()

by Bill Pearson

SQLServerCentral

DAX
Power BI

Stairway Step

Business Intelligence Architect, Data Analyst, CPA, and author Bill Pearson introduces a subseries surrounding the DAX Text Functions, including LEFT(), RIGHT(), MID(), REPLACE(), and SUBSTITUTE() and breaks out the operational groups of functions involved. Next, he introduces the “Extract and Modify” group of text functions as the focus of this Level. Finally, he identifies and examines each functional member of the “Extract and Modify

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2026-02-04

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Power BI Quick Reference Guide

by Additional Articles

MSSQLTips.com

Power BI

Article

I need a structured reference guide to help me get started or expand on Power BI knowledge. I want to be able to bookmark a resource and then use it daily when needed as I build my data sets, reports, and dashboards. Can you please enumerate some common and helpful resources as a Power BI Quick Reference guide?

2026-01-28

Building a Real-Time Analytics Pipeline with Azure Stream Analytics and SQL Server

by SQL Expert

SQLServerCentral

Article

Learn how a real time analytics solution for ETL and reporting can be built with SQL Server, Power BI, and Stream Analytics.

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2026-01-26

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Power BI – Download, Install and Create Your First Report

by Additional Articles

MSSQLTips.com

Power BI

Article

Power BI Desktop is Microsoft’s platform for analytics and visualization. The product has been around for over ten years, making it a mature feature-rich choice for business intelligence reporting and actionable insights. How do you get started downloading, installing, and configuring Power BI desktop?

2026-01-14

Power BI TMDL View: Benefits, Security Risks & Best Practices

by Additional Articles

SimpleTalk

Power BI

Article

The Tabular Model Definition Language (TMDL) provides a simpler way of defining Power BI Semantic Models. Unlike the JSON-based Tabular Model Scripting Language (TMSL), TMDL uses a more accessible tab-based format for specifying DAX measures, relationships, and Power Query code.

2025-11-05

Building a Dynamic Countdown Timer in Power BI

by Additional Articles

MSSQLTips.com

Power BI

Article

A countdown timer can be a powerful visual tool in many Business Intelligence reporting scenarios. This could be for marketing campaigns, contract expiries, and business deals with clients. Real-time countdown visuals are not natively supported in Power BI. Although, there is the Count Down Timer custom visual, which is not dynamic in its configuration.

2025-09-29