Using Parameters for Server & Database

[cyclist007]

Hi I am trying to use parameters for server name & database name as can be seen below:



But in the service it tells me there are no parameters available for the dataset:



Is there something I am not doing correct?

Also once these parameters work - is it possible to pass the values via URL and allow the URL to be programmatically set the server name & database name based on underlying environment name?

[cyclist007 · Accepted solution]

@v-eachen-msft @GilbertQ 
So I figured it out, it was because I am using Direct Query mode. As per (https://www.designmind.com/business-intelligence/power-bi-parameters-how-to-use-parameters/) editing parameters in Power BI online/service is possible in import mode (not direct query mode). Dont know exactly why this restriction is there?

I would urge all to vote for this idea, if it affects you: https://ideas.powerbi.com/forums/265200-power-bi-ideas/suggestions/35609599-change-parameter-values-...

[GilbertQ]

Hi there

Thanks for letting us know about those details and yes vote for the idea

[v-eachen-msft]

Hi @cyclist007 ,

You could check if you are using these parameters. If you only created it but don't use it, you will have such a problem.

Here is the document for your reference.

https://powerbi.microsoft.com/en-us/blog/deep-dive-into-query-parameters-and-power-bi-templates/

[cyclist007]

@v-eachen-msft Yes i did got through that webpage instructions and followed it (i believe)

Here is a screenshot showing that, I am using the parameters (please let me know if you meant something else).

Please let me know if there is anything else to check (probably missing out on some small step). Does anything else need to be enabled in settings/options in power bi desktop/server? This is frustrating as i am not being able to use parameters. 

[GilbertQ]

Hi there

What happens if you try and change it from a list to a single text value?

With regards to your second question you can only change it in the first picture you provided. Currently there is no way to change it via a URL.

[cyclist007]

Changed it to a single value (Any value) but still does not show up in the dataset parameter in list in power bi service/online. So is there anything else i can try/change?

Also I thought we could pass parameters in URL for power bi reports? Is that incorrect?

[GilbertQ]

Hi there

Can you confirm it is NOT using a LIST of values?

And you can pass filters in the URL not parameters unfortunately.

[cyclist007]

@GilbertQ  Yes i am not using List of values.

The other option is "Any Value" OR "Query", so i started using "Any value".