Forum Discussion
id column type text convert to number (query folding)
I have pulled in a table from a database which makes the id column a text data type automatically. This makes my data load slower than my other tables that have a number as their id column. What would anyone suggest I do leave it as it is, break my query folding as the last step in power query and change the data type to a number or is there anything else I can do?
FYI: My queries are also using query folding.
Hi akhaliq7 ,
Did you use Power BI Desktop to connect data? Try to select 'Detect column types and headers for unstructured sources according to each file's setting' in the options.
Best Regards,
Stephen Tao
If this post helps, then please consider Accept it as the solution to help the other members find it more quickly.
7 Replies
Hi BA_Pete
Could you please explain why we shouldn't change it to a Whole Number type ?
ThanksBecause Int64.Type isn't recognised by SQL Server for query folding unless you use the [UnsafeTypeConversions = true] argument. As this suggests, it's potentially unsafe and, therefore, not a recommendation I'd generally make to users on here.
If it's something you really want/need to do, then I'd suggest reading Chris Webb's methods here, and understand the risks:
Pete
When i convert my text column to a decimal number it still breaks my query folding
When i right click on the changed type step the view native query is greyed out
I tried this and it still breaks the query folding.
Hi akhaliq7 ,
Did you use Power BI Desktop to connect data? Try to select 'Detect column types and headers for unstructured sources according to each file's setting' in the options.
Best Regards,
Stephen Tao
If this post helps, then please consider Accept it as the solution to help the other members find it more quickly.
