DAX syntax highlighting in Notepad++

[skasper]

Hi,

ever since my DAX statements got more advanced, I found the code window in Power BI Desktop too small and wanted to use Notepad++ for it. Alas, there is no pre-defined syntax highlighting for DAX. So I went ahead and created my own. I share instruction on how to do that and also the already prepared XML file for easy import into Notepad++ over here: www.sascha-kasper.com/dax-syntax-highlighting-for-notepad/

You can have DAX syntax highlighing inside Notepad++ within 1 minute after reading this.

I hope it helps you as it helps me.

[skasper · Accepted solution]

Thank you. I am glad you find it useful.

I am currently working on auto-complete, but this seems a bit buggy.

[skasper · Accepted solution]

Hi again,

I updated the DAX.xml file for Notepad++. It now also offers AutoComplete.

Just download it again and replace the old one.

Make sure you use the latest version (2.05) by checking the comment inside the file.

Let me know, if it works.

[j1s]

So @skasper - just checking: we need to pay you for these, and give you email addresses right? 

[Anonymous]

Hi @skasper ,

Thanks for the xml and blog - realy hepful!

I'm new to Notepad++ sorry, but I was wondering how to parse/format the code so that it steps/indents nicely. Is that possible?

Cheers,

Craig

[diegomsg]

Just downloaded version 4.00. Great improvementes for dark mode. Now I don't need to tweak it anymore. Great job.

[Rygaard]

Thank you !

[skasper]

Hi,

updated the file again with new functions (see change log on the web site).

Also, I did the same exercise for M (Power Query). You can find that here.

I hope they help you.

[zenton]

Hi I am getting a Failed to Import Error for the DAX.xml

Thanks Rodney

[skasper]

Hi Rodney,

I fixed the import file (had forgotten to close a tag). It is working now as it should. Sorry for the inconvenicence. Please find the udpdated file online at the link provided in my post.

[ctrip77]

Hi, Im trying the DAX highlihting file, works perfect, but I cant make the autocomplete work, is there something to do to enable this functionality?

thanks @skasper !

[skasper]

Updated the xml file for Notepad++ with the latest DAX functions, giving you syntax highlighting and auto complete.

Find the file and instructions here. 

ISINSCOPE
COMBINEVALUES
UTCNOW
UTCTODAY
NORM.DIST
NORM.INV
NORM.S.DIST
NORM.S.INV
T.DIST
T.DIST.2T
T.DIST.RT
T.INV
T.INV.2T

[skasper · Accepted solution]

Updated the file (now version 3.01) to include

• Parameters
• Return Value
• Description

See the screenshots in the updated post for details.

I did only preliminary testing, so if you find any issues, please let me know.

[zapppsr]

I tried the step by step screenshots, but I guess it skips to a part where you should have loaded the XML file and doesn't show how to do it. Only at the end of the post it says how to import.

Somehow, I imported but the functions don't appear in the supposed box.

What am I doing wrong?

I'm using Notepad++ 7.5.6 64-bits

[skasper]

Hi @zapppsr,

thank you for pointing this out. I just updated the blog post to include a screenshot showing the 3 clicks for importing the XML file (I am using the same Notepad++ version as you).

I also double-checked the file and after importing it, highlighting and auto-complete work as they should. If you keep experiencing issues, please check the Notepad++ Wiki (http://docs.notepad-plus-plus.org/index.php/Main_Page).

[skasper · Accepted solution]

Hi again,

I updated the DAX.xml file for Notepad++. It now also offers AutoComplete.

Just download it again and replace the old one.

Make sure you use the latest version (2.05) by checking the comment inside the file.

Let me know, if it works.

[Greg_Deckler]

This is great. The only issue that I had is that every time I click on Styler in the 64-bit version of Notepad++ it errors out, but that's not your issue! Thanks for putting this together!! The import worked awesome, that's definitely the way to go!!

[skasper]

Thank you @Greg_Deckler. Much appreciated. Glad it helps.

[zapppsr]

Hi @skasper,

Thanks for replying and updating the post so quickly.

Maybe because I'm new to Notepad++ I missed the step where I should select the DAX language after Importing it.

Your new screen is good, but I would highlight for noobs like me that I have to select the language after importing...

Other than that, thanks a lot for providing this!

[skasper]

true. I added a sentence or two to explain this, too. Enjoy!

[zapppsr]

Thanks!

[skasper · Accepted solution]

Thank you. I am glad you find it useful.

I am currently working on auto-complete, but this seems a bit buggy.