M language in Query Editor

[Anonymous]

hi

So i've just discovered that if you want to add a new column to a dataset, this opens the powerquery editor. This uses the power query 'M' language and not DAX.

Is there a way to add columns using DAX instead? Is there a way to avoid 'M' entirely and only use DAX in PowerBI?

I can't believe there's two different languages in the same program it seems crazy. Unless I'm misunderstanding something, why on earth do you think Microsoft made this decision?

thanks

[Greg_Deckler · Accepted solution]

Yes, you can add a column using DAX when you are not in the Query Editor window and choose Modeling | New Column. This uses DAX. When you are in the Query Editor and add a column that is M.

M is a functional ETL language. It is used for ingest from data sources

DAX is for use in querying a tabular data model. 

See my blog post here (there are actually lots of languages in Power BI, not just 2:

https://community.powerbi.com/t5/Community-Blog/The-Languages-of-Power-BI/ba-p/69104

[Anonymous]

Fantastic thank you for the quick reply. You've answered my question