Gen2 DataFlows

[Brjt1]

I recently created a data flow and connected it to the lakhouse. As I create more reports I am having to put additional tables in my data flow. I am now noticing that my data flow is taking a while to upload. Just a question on best practices. What is the maximum number of tables to put in a dataflow. How many dataflows can I have under the premium license and am I supposed to just create other dataflows and place destination at the same lakehouse then do the data modeling in the lakehouse to connect data points. I'm new so your advise will be helpful.

[uzuntasgokberk]

Hello @Brjt1 ,

Single dataflow has a limit of 50 tables.
Reference: Power Query Online Limits

Best Practices for Managing Multiple Tables in Dataflows

If you have a large number of tables, I recommend implementing staging tables for optimal performance.

• If your data source is SQL and some steps support query folding, you can create an initial dataflow to take advantage of folding.
• After that, you can link this dataflow to a new one for additional transformations that do not support query folding.

Note: Fully query-folded operations significantly improve performance.
More details on query folding:
Boosting Power BI Performance with Query Folding Techniques

Fast Copy in Dataflow Gen2

The Fast Copy feature in Gen2 Dataflows enhances performance. However, please note that Cloud Gateway does not support Fast Copy.

More details on Fast Copy:
Accelerating Data Loads with Fast Copy in Fabric Dataflows

Kind Regards,
Gökberk Uzuntaş

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[ToddChitt · Accepted solution]

I think there is a maximum of 50 tables per Data Flow. If you have that many and are worried about performance, I suggest you break up the transformations into a second step, like in a stored procedure that moves data from the lakehouse to a warehouse. This frees up the Data Flow to be a straight-foward 'move data as fast as you can' operation. 

Look into the 'medallion architecture' philosphy.