Is there a "decent" power query editor?

[EricMametOutloo]

I am beginning with power query and a bit baffled by the tiny window available in Power BI Desktop.

Is there a better way to edit power query code?

I saw Visual Studio Code has extensions for power query but I have to cut & paste my code back and forth between Power BI Desktop and Visual Studio, which is not ideal.

Am I missing something? Or is it really THAT basic?

Also is there a simpler environment for testing simple M code outside Power BI Desktop?

[lbendlin · Accepted solution]

If you need a larger editor than what is provided in Power Query (including the Advanced Editor window) then your M code may be too complex. 

Testing M code is relatively simple as you are shown the result of each step by default.  (In DAX you need to use EVALUATEANDLOG for that, for example)

Code maintenance and versioning is a valid concern but this is becoming a bit easier with TMDL and Git integration.  

[EricMametOutloo]

A quick look on TMDL showed me PBI-Tools and it is very interesting indeed.
I am quite keen on source control in general.

Thanks

[ronrsnfld · Accepted solution]

Tiny window? I can make my power query editor full screen (or even spread it across two screens with my dual monitor computer). How big a window do you need? Or maybe you have not selected the Advanced Editor?

[EricMametOutloo]

Ok, I wondered if I missed something but looks like I don't.
It's not perfect to switch back and forth to advanced editor but that will do

[lbendlin · Accepted solution]

If you need a larger editor than what is provided in Power Query (including the Advanced Editor window) then your M code may be too complex. 

Testing M code is relatively simple as you are shown the result of each step by default.  (In DAX you need to use EVALUATEANDLOG for that, for example)

Code maintenance and versioning is a valid concern but this is becoming a bit easier with TMDL and Git integration.