Why are there so many types of dataflow?

[BenBlackswan]

so let me clarify there are four types of dataflow?

1. Dataflow gen 1, now called Fabric Dataflow, previously known as Power BI dataflow
2. Dataflow gen 2, requires Fabric Capacity
3. Power Platform Dataflow, seems to work the same as dataflow gen 1
4. Power BI dataflow legacy
5. Power Platform dataflow Standard.
6. Power Platform dataflow Analytical

Since I don't have Fabric and Power Apps at work, I have three dataflow types when I try to get connect to it, so which one should I use?

And where is microsoft going with this? Are we gonna get more types of DF or there is going to me consolidated into fewer types in the future?

[anmolmalviya05]

Hi @BenBlackswan, Hope you are doing good!

There are few differences between the mentioned Dataflow.

Regarding Dataflow Gen1 and Dataflow Gen2 

Dataflow Gen 1 works with Power BI Pro, PPU and premium licenses, while Dataflow Gen 2 only works in a Fabric capacity. 
Check Details here

Regarding DataFlow (Legacy)

The Legacy connector enumerates only Power BI workspaces and their dataflows, while the newer "Dataflows" connector also lists PowerApps environments and their dataflows, this is just a way to differentiate the older and narrower connector.

Did I answer your question? Mark my post as a solution! Appreciate your Kudos !

[TomMartens · Accepted solution]

Hey @BenBlackswan ,

I assume (but please be aware that I'm not a MSFT employee) that

• Power BI dataflow (legacy) will go away at some point in the future

Nevertheless, it's important to understand that there two phases

1. Creating a data flow and 
2. Connecting to a dataflow, using the dataflow as a data source for your semantic model

I think that there will be more applications that are able to create dataflows. From the Power BI / Fabric service there are two possibilities to create a data flow

• Dataflow Gen1
• Dataflow Gen2, this requires a Fabric license

There are many more applications that allow you to create dataflows, e.g. Power Apps.

When connecting to a dataflow from inside Power BI Desktop and you search for dataflow as you did, three items surface, this is because you can access dataflows from three different sub categories.

Nevertheless, there are only two different types of connectors:

• Dataflows and
• Power BI dataflows (legacy)

You will see the difference when you are connecting to the same dataflow and inspect the connector using the Advanced Editor in Power Query.

My recommendation, connect to dataflows using the "Dataflows" connector type.

Hopefully this helps a little.

Regards,

Tom

[BenBlackswan]

Thank you for the detailed explanation. 

So may I ask what is the difference between the Dataflow that is under microsoft Fabric

and the Dataflow that is under Power Platform?

[TomMartens]

There is no difference!