How can we take a query from one solution and use it in a different solution altogether to save on time and effort in Power BI ? Power BI interview questions and answers 352

 How can we take a query from one solution and use it in a different solution altogether to save on time and effort in Power BI ?

There are several ways to take a query from one Power BI solution and use it in another to save time and effort:

1. Copy M code:

• Open the solution containing the desired query in Power Query Editor.

• Right-click the query name and select "Copy M".

• Navigate to the new solution in Power Query Editor.

• Use the "Home" tab > "New Query" > "Blank Query".

• Paste the copied M code in the formula bar.

• Edit the query as needed to adjust for the new data source or desired output.

2. Render as template:

• Open the solution containing the desired query in Power Query Editor.

• Right-click the query name and select "Template".

• Give the template a descriptive name and choose the relevant parameters (optional).

• In the new solution, use the "Home" tab > "New Query" > "From Template".

• Select the created template and adjust the parameter values (if any) based on your need.

3. Data Flows:

• If both solutions are within the same workspace, you can create a data flow with the common query.

• This allows you to share the query logic across various reports and datasets within the workspace.

• Create the query in the Power Query Editor of the new solution.

• Publish the query as a data flow by right-clicking and selecting "Publish to data flow".

• In other reports or datasets, connect to the data flow and select the published query for use.

4. Parameterize queries:

• If the queries share similar structures but utilize different values, parameterize the common elements.

• This involves replacing hardcoded values with parameters in the original query.

• In the new solution, call the parameterized query and provide the specific values for the parameters.

Additional tips:

• For frequently used queries, consider creating custom functions in the M language.

• Document your queries clearly to aid future reuse and understandability.

• Use comments within the M code to explain specific steps in the query.

By utilizing these methods, you can significantly reduce your workload and maximize efficiency when building Power BI solutions. Remember to adapt the approach based on the complexity and specific differences between your queries.

I hope this helps!