benefits of direct query

[powerbiexpert22]

what are some benefits of direct query mode?

[danextian]

Hi @powerbiexpert22 

The primary advantage of direct query is handling large datasets and an almost real-time data (assuming that the source isn't just  a static database.) Direct query poses several limitations - some functions are not supported, the speed of query depends on how fast the server responds, querying a database can be expensive and of course, no data to show if the server goes offline.

[rohit1991 · Accepted solution]

Hi @powerbiexpert22

DirectQuery mode in Power BI offers several advantages, particularly for handling large datasets and enabling real-time analytics. Since data remains in the source system and is queried on demand, users always access the most up-to-date information without requiring manual refreshes. This approach is ideal for working with massive datasets, as it avoids memory limitations associated with importing data into Power BI.

Additionally, DirectQuery enhances data governance by maintaining security and access controls at the database level, ensuring that users only see the data they are authorized to view. It also reduces data duplication and storage costs, making it a more efficient solution for enterprise reporting scenarios. However, performance depends on the underlying data source, so optimizing queries and indexing is crucial for a smooth experience.

[WishAskedSooner]

Very little unless your data updates frequently (more than once per day), you have low latency, and your users demand the most up-to-date data. Otherwise, you may end up with a report that is unresponsive.

Power BI is very much about leveraging the VertiPaq Storage Engine. You may reasonably ask, "What does that get me?" And, the answer is quite a bit of proprietary technology that makes DAX fairly powerful at slicing even big data. If you are not slicing big data, then it is questionable if Power BI is even the right reporting tool because its reporting features are very behind the competition.

One consideration is data duplication because Native Mode makes a copy of your data in the SE. However, if storage is a constraint, you will probably run into latency issues for sure. At any rate, you should always look at pruning your data. SELECT * is rarely a best practice, but these are all data modeling considerations that rarely are part of a Power BI developer's tool kit. Understanding Query Plans is actually a very technical skill best left to DBAs versus the non-practicioner.

With all that said, there is a new mode available in Fabric that apparently overcomes these challenges and marries both Native Mode and Direct Query, but someone else will have to comment on whether or not it is vaporware.