Difference between Measure, Power Query, and R Script

[tk0501]

Hello PBI Community,

I am having a blast in diving into PBI and creating my first project.

I working with a complicated multi-level & -parents data table that requires me to filter up and down the relationship.

I am hoping to understand when to use measure, power query, and R script to approach the work sensibly.

In short, what are some key differences and what are the right applications for each?

1. Power Query
2. Measure
3. R Script

Thank you!

[v-lili6-msft · Accepted solution]

hi, @tk0501 

PowerQuery(M) mainly used for data transformation

Measure(DAX) provides a specialized syntax for querying Analysis Services tabular model.

R Script is a procedural programming language

Here are some articles for you refer to:

https://radacad.com/m-or-dax-that-is-the-question

https://bigdata-madesimple.com/r-may-better-option-m-power-bi/

https://powerpivotpro.com/2017/08/power-bi-dax-m-vs-r-summer-perspective/

Please understand that this link is provided “AS IS” with no warranties or guarantees of content changes, and confers no rights.

Best Regards,

Lin

[tk0501]

Thank you  Lin @v-lili6-msft 

Could you recommend articles on measure vs calculated columns?

What other basic fundamental topics should I understand in order to become a good PBI user?

[v-lili6-msft]

hi, @tk0501 

Could you please tell me if you have other problem? If not, could you please mark the helpful replies as Answered. 

Best Regards,

Lin

[v-lili6-msft]

hi, @tk0501 

For power bi, The best documents are:

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/power-bi-creator-landing

I also learned through this document.

For measure vs calculated columns,

1. Calculation column/table not support dynamic changed based on filter or slicer.
2. measure can be affected by filter/slicer, so you can use it to get dynamic summary result.
here is reference:
https://www.sqlbi.com/articles/calculated-columns-and-measures-in-dax/

Best Regards,

Lin