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danb's avatar
danb
Icon for Resolver I rankResolver I
8 years ago
Solved

Convert Column from Text to Number in Direct Query

Hi Experts! 

I am running into an issue around trying to convert a column that is connected via direct query from a database from "Text" to "Number" type. I know that the proper way to do this is to make the adjustment in the database itself however I was wondering if there was an alternate way to do this in the query editor without having to switch everything to an Import? 

 

Thanks

 

Dan 

Need Help
  • zoloturu's avatar
    zoloturu
    8 years ago

    Hi danb,

     

    What if while connecting to a database using DirectQuery you will use NativeQuery, where you can do whatever you want?

    See example with CAST(CONVERT) below:

     

    DQ cast

    Regards,
    Ruslan
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  • zoloturu's avatar
    zoloturu
    8 years ago

    danb,

     

    it acts as a SQL batch (syntax is unlimited). So if you enter a query as I mentioned then it will be send to the database (calculations done on db side) and a result will be returned to Power BI. Use just SELECT statement and you will be safe. 

     

    Regards,
    Ruslan
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8 Replies

  • zoloturu's avatar
    zoloturu
    Icon for Memorable Member rankMemorable Member
    8 years ago

    Hi danb,

     

    What if while connecting to a database using DirectQuery you will use NativeQuery, where you can do whatever you want?

    See example with CAST(CONVERT) below:

     

    DQ cast

    Regards,
    Ruslan
    -------------------------------------------------------------------
    Did I answer your question? Mark my post as a solution!

    • danb's avatar
      danb
      Icon for Resolver I rankResolver I
      8 years ago

      zoloturu

      Thank you for your reply. So with the Cast/Convert, does that make changes to the actual database or just modify the the data as it is queried into Power BI?

       

      Dan 

      • zoloturu's avatar
        zoloturu
        Icon for Memorable Member rankMemorable Member
        8 years ago

        danb,

         

        it acts as a SQL batch (syntax is unlimited). So if you enter a query as I mentioned then it will be send to the database (calculations done on db side) and a result will be returned to Power BI. Use just SELECT statement and you will be safe. 

         

        Regards,
        Ruslan
        -------------------------------------------------------------------
        Did I answer your question? Mark my post as a solution!

  • Anonymous's avatar
    Anonymous
    Not applicable
    3 years ago

    Hello there,

     

    I have the same exact problem with the dataverse tables not with SQL. So is there a solution for dataverse too? I would like to change the data type from text to whole number or decimal, does not matter at all. the thing is i do not want to loose the direct query from db. 

     

    thank you

  • v-piga-msft's avatar
    v-piga-msft
    Icon for Resident Rockstar rankResident Rockstar
    8 years ago

    Hi danb,

     

    By my tests, the solution from zoloturu could solve your problem.

     

    If you have solved your problem, please always accept the replies making sense as solution to your question so that people who may have the same question can get the solution directly.

     

    Best  Regards,

    Cherry