Forum Discussion
Data modelling best practices
Hi Anonymous
I do all my data prep in Power Query and Dataflows, it gives me the ability to use one ( M ) language to manipulate all data no matter where it comes from, and I find it a lot easier and faster than using SQL for instance.
but I guess it always will a question of what project I'm working on, what's an easier option or simply personal preference.
Best Regards,
Mariusz
If this post helps, then please consider Accepting it as the solution.
I recommend doing as much as you can in the query. While power BI has all of the manipulation capabilities you would need it can be incredibly tedious. It is easier to build relationships and create calculations if the manipulation is done before it gets to Power BI. The concept is Crap in Crap out. If your data is like crap it takes a long time to clean it up and make it work. If it is clean and uniform it makes the whole process much simpler. It also allows Power BI to autodetect relationships and suggest visuals and techniques as you work if you enable those features.
It does depend on your personal preference, the data, the datasource, etc. But I find it significantly beneficial in the majority of cases to do the work on the front end instead of the back end.