Push Datsets using Power BI REST API

[bhavana_dfz]

I want to use rest api to create a dataset definition in using REST API ( REF : Push Datasets - Datasets PostDataset - REST API (Power BI Power BI REST APIs) | Microsoft Learn). But the datasets i created using this method are readonly and do not refresh. I want to 

• Create a dataset that supports incremental refresh 

• Data source is Azure SQL Database.

• I want to be able to manually trigger a refresh from the Power BI Service or API when the database updates in my source.

The API mentions something about DataSources but its vauge, has anybody tried this method to create a Push Dataset? 

[bhavana_dfz]

Hi @v-venuppu,

Thank you for the detailed explanation.

I understand now that Push Datasets are not suitable for scenarios requiring incremental refresh or scheduled updates, and that they lack support for external data source bindings like Azure SQL.

Just to clarify my original intent:
I was exploring the Push Dataset API as a way to create a refreshable the data source definition in Power BI during a report migration from another BI tools. My goal was to streamline the migration by programmatically creating and updating datasets.

Given this, is there a recommended approach or toolset (such as XMLA, Tabular Editor, or other APIs) for programmatically creating and updating datasets that are connected to an external source like Azure SQL—while still supporting refresh and incremental loading?

Appreciate your guidance, and thanks again for your support.

Best regards,

[v-venuppu]

Hi @bhavana_dfz ,

I want to check if you had the opportunity to review the information provided and resolve the issue.If the response has addressed your query, please accept it as a solution and give a 'Kudos' so other members can easily find it.

Thank you.

[v-venuppu]

Hi @bhavana_dfz ,

Thank you for reaching out to Microsoft Fabric Community.

Yes, the Push Datasets API (PostDataset) is typically used for real-time scenarios and does not support features like scheduled or incremental refresh, as those rely on a connected data source. Push datasets are "streaming" in nature, so once data is pushed, it stays in Power BI and isn't reloaded from the original source.

In order to meet your requirement:

1.A dataset connected to Azure SQL Database

2.Support for Incremental Refresh

3.The ability to trigger refresh manually via API or Power BI Service

You should not use Push Datasets. Instead you can try below recommended steps:

a.Create the dataset in Power BI Desktop:

Connect to Azure SQL Database

Enable Incremental Refresh via parameters and filters in Power BI Desktop

Publish this dataset to the Power BI Service

b.Schedule or Manually Trigger Refresh:

Use the Power BI REST API: Datasets - Refresh Dataset - REST API (Power BI Power BI REST APIs) | Microsoft Learn

Or use the Power BI UI to refresh the dataset

• The REST API (PostDataset) you're referencing creates datasets without data source bindings, so they can't access external data sources like Azure SQL or support refresh/incremental logic.
• If you're looking to automate dataset creation with external sources, consider using XMLA endpoints, Power BI Deployment Pipelines, or Tabular Editor with TOM scripting.

If this post helps, then please consider Accepting as solution to help the other members find it more quickly, don't forget to give a "Kudos" – I’d truly appreciate it! 

Thank you.