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ammartino44's avatar
ammartino44
Helper III
9 years ago
Solved

direct query vs. import

When querying a database, what's the difference between direct query and import? Thanks. 
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  • Anonymous's avatar
    Anonymous
    9 years ago

    ammartino44This page will help. But essentially here are the basics

    Import - extracts the data from your database and pulls it into the Power BI Desktop

    Direct Query - leaves the data in the database and sends queries to pull the information needed.

     

    Other things to note:

    Import -

    Gives you the full suite of transformation and data manipulation in the Desktop

    There is a 1 GB limit to the Desktop if you plan on publishing to the PBI Service

    Consumes and pushes the data into the Power BI Azure backend (Azure DB/Blob Storage) (In the Service)

    Can only be refreshed up to 8x a day by setting up a scheduled refresh (In the Service)

     

    Direct Query -

    Limits your ability to manipulate data in the Desktop (removes the Data section)

    Leaves the data in the SQL database

    Is "live", no need to schedule a refresh (In the Service)

     

    Both methods require a gateway to be installed, unless you are talking about Azure SQL.

Anmolgan's avatar
Anmolgan
Post Prodigy
8 years ago

I dont understand the points that re pointed out here, can you give me brief details on some major differences b/w import and direct query???