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Bharti Goel
- December 20, 2021
Today, we are going to burst the Power BI SQL Myths. A lot of people ask us various questions about these 2 tools. They have very common misconceptions about these two. We will be covering some specific queries too in this blog.
So, let’s understand Power BI.
Power BI is a cloud-based business analytics tool by Microsoft that enables anyone to visualize and analyze data faster and understand efficiency. It is a powerful and flexible tool for linking and analyzing various data sources. In addition to the various visualization benefits that Power BI offers, there are unique, ready-to-use connectivity features such as easy integration with the database. This provides additional functional benefits and helps data scientists accustomed to working with SQL.
Power BI provides a live connector optimized for SQL Server, so you can easily create graphs, reports, and dashboards by working directly with a large amount of data. It also offers the potential to analyze and explore data on the site and in the cloud. Moreover, Power BI enables a super-easy and secure way of sharing custom dashboards and interactive reports for colleagues and organizations.
Retrieving SQL Database
You can get the full SQL Server table or view it in Power BI Desktop. Power BI Desktop maintains its structure and identifies its relationships wherever possible.
Power BI SQL Misconceptions
Some users believe that they can run a SQL Query in Power BI after importing an SQL Database from the SQL Server to alter or modify the database tables and their relationships. Some learners also believe that they need to learn SQL first to learn Power BI. But the case is different. What relevance does SQL have in Power BI? Let’s have a look here:
- In Power BI, a user can import the database from the SQL server, and then various data transformations can be performed on the same using Power Query Editor. Power Query Editor is an ETL tool that provides the user interface to do so. The user can’t write any SQL queries in the Power BI environment.
- After transforming the base data or master data, a user can use visualisation tools to visualise data, create reports and dashboards and gain insights from that data.
- The SQL server remains connected to the Power BI application. Whenever changes are made in the database in the SQL server, those changes are reflected in Power BI tables & reports automatically on a refresh.
There is no other relevance of SQL in Power BI. These are just Power BI SQL Myths.
Importing SQL data into Power BI
1. Setting up the connection
Open the Power BI desktop and go to the Start screen. Now, in the Get Data tab area, you have many choices about the data sources that you can connect to Power BI Desktop. Connect to SQL Server. Clicking the SQL Server option opens a new screen asking which server to connect Power BI Desktop to. Enter the details, and you’re connected.
2. Import
The import technique imports the chosen tables into Power BI Desktop. Power BI then uses these imported records for visualization & report creation.
3. Direct Query
If the Direct Query option is used, no records are imported or copied into Power BI Desktop. This means there is no second copy of data in Power BI & we are dealing with the original copy of data. This way, you end up saving a lot of memory space. When we create visuals, Power BI Desktop queries the main data source through the query.
Conclusion about Power BI SQL Myths
We have been getting queries from different customers and fellow developers about writing SQL Queries in Power BI. It is now clear that a user cannot write SQL queries in Power BI to manipulate data in the database. We can only use the Query Editor, which has a User Interface to manipulate Table Data inside Power BI. Also, Power BI & SQL can be learned independently, and there is no prerequisite to learn any of these skills.
This was all about Power BI SQL myths. You should also refer to SQL Interview Questions and Answers Guide. This will certainly help in your SQL knowledge.
FAQs on Power BI with SQL
1. Can Power BI really work without SQL knowledge?
Yes, absolutely. You can use Power BI without knowing SQL. It has a built-in feature called Power Query Editor where you can clean, transform, and combine data through a user-friendly interface. SQL knowledge helps you understand databases better, but it’s not a must-have.
2. Does Power BI use SQL in the background?
In a way, yes. When you connect Power BI to an SQL database and create visuals, Power BI automatically generates SQL-like queries in the backend to pull data. You don’t see or write them manually, but they run behind the scenes.
3. What’s the real connection between the two?
Power BI can connect directly to SQL databases to fetch data for reports and dashboards. SQL stores and structures the data, while Power BI helps you visualize and interpret it. Together, they form a complete analytics system, one handles data, the other brings it to life.
4. If I change something in SQL, will it update in Power BI too?
Yes, as long as you refresh your Power BI report. When Power BI is linked to SQL Server, any update or new entry in the SQL database gets reflected in your Power BI visuals after a refresh. It’s like your dashboard getting a live pulse from SQL.
5. Is it better to use Import or Direct Query when connecting Power BI with SQL?
It depends on your use case. Import mode copies the data from SQL to Power BI and is faster for analysis. Direct Query doesn’t copy anything, it just connects to the live database. Direct Query is best for real-time reporting, while Import mode works better for speed and offline access.
6. Can I modify or delete SQL data from Power BI?
No, Power BI doesn’t allow you to edit or delete SQL data. It’s designed for analysis and visualisation, not for database management. Any modification must be done directly inside SQL Server or your database management system.
7. Why do people confuse Power BI and Structured Query Language?
Mostly because both deal with data. SQL handles how data is stored and retrieved, while Power BI handles how it’s visualized and shared. Think of SQL as the kitchen where the food is prepared and Power BI as the dining area where the dish is beautifully served.
8. Do I need SQL if I already know Power Query in Power BI?
Not necessarily. Power Query covers most data cleaning and transformation needs visually. But knowing SQL gives you an edge when dealing with complex queries or when working directly with database administrators.
9. Can I use Power BI to test or write my SQL scripts?
This is a very common Power BI SQL Myth. Power BI is not meant for testing or writing SQL code. You can paste a predefined SQL query while connecting to a database, but Power BI won’t run random SQL scripts like a database tool. For that, use SQL Server Management Studio or a similar platform.
10. Where can I learn Power BI and SQL together to build real-world skills?
You can check out professional training programs by Edu4Sure, which cover both Power BI and SQL from the ground up. Their trainers focus on practical, project-based learning so you understand how these two tools work together in real business scenarios. You can also start/ enrol any one of Power BI & SQL first and then move to the other.
Do you need professional training on SQL/ Power BI? You can contact us via partner@edu4sure.com or WhatsApp at +91-9555115533.
