How can I show the metadata of the Power Query tables

[PAPutzback2]

I am loading a handful of tables in of a database to show example data and would like to have a page in the report with a matrix to show each table and its columns. Is there a way to write this in code, or will I have to make a reference to each table and pivot the columns into rows?
Ultimately I am trying to create data dictionary for the enduser to be able to see every table and the columns that they have in order for them to make report requests.
Thanks.

[amitchandak · Accepted solution]

@PAPutzback2 ,

You can copy a table and remove data and transpose and get all column name

Transpose : https://yodalearning.com/tutorials/power-query-helps-transposing-data/

If you install and use DAX studio , You can try running this query

Select * from $System.DBSCHEMA_TABLES WHERE TABLE_TYPE='SYSTEM TABLE'

And you can try to use result of this Table .

[PAPutzback2 · Accepted solution]

I will go with the copy table and transpose method so everything can stay within the model.
Thanks!

[v-lionel-msft]

Hi @PAPutzback2 ,

I suggest you use sql query instead of M query.

You can create a view containing table names and field names in the database and import this view into Power BI, or write SQL queries directly in the connector.

In doing so, you don't need to transform the data tables.

--SQL Server

Best regards,
Lionel Chen

If this post helps, then please consider Accept it as the solution to help the other members find it more quickly.

[PAPutzback2]

The data is not in SQL. It was pulled from an API straight into the model

[amitchandak · Accepted solution]

@PAPutzback2 ,

You can copy a table and remove data and transpose and get all column name

Transpose : https://yodalearning.com/tutorials/power-query-helps-transposing-data/

If you install and use DAX studio , You can try running this query

Select * from $System.DBSCHEMA_TABLES WHERE TABLE_TYPE='SYSTEM TABLE'

And you can try to use result of this Table .

[PAPutzback2 · Accepted solution]

I will go with the copy table and transpose method so everything can stay within the model.
Thanks!

[abpgupta · Accepted solution]

You can use Power Query function Table.Columnnames to get all column names.