Using Python in Power BI without Personal Gateway

[IlikePBI]

Hello

I need to know if :

1) we use a data source from Cloud (Snowflake, Azure SQL...), can we use Python in Power BI without using the Personal Gateway?

2) Is it possible to use python in power bi with the Enterprise gateway (without the personal one)?

Thank you so much for your help,

[ibarrau]

Hi IlikePBI. Yes you can connect cloud sources and use Python for transformations. You will need a VM with a Personal Gateway. The Enterprise gateway won't work with python.
I wouldn't recommend doing that at all. You would be download cloud source data process the python and the upload it again. It's a complete waist of dataflow. I don't think you have transformations that can't be solve with power query:

https://blog.ladataweb.com.ar/post/616019888350314496/power-query-pandas-and-sql-to-m

If you really need to use python you can even create an azure function to transform data from the source and the connect that to PowerBi to keep everything in the cloud.

I hope that helps,

[IlikePBI]

Thank you ibarrau for your answer.

We want to use Python for visual matters and not data transformations. We need to replicate some "Data Science" related visuals that are not available in PBI.

Is there a way to use Python visuals without needing the Personal Gateway?

Thanks in advance,

[ibarrau · Accepted solution]

Yes! Python as a visual doesn't need a Personal Gateway. That's only for transformations.

Just be sure to read the limitations for building visuals at the cloud. You can only use the libraries listed at this doc: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/connect-data/service-python-packages-support

I hope that helps,