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Get Data in Power BI

? Get Data in Power BI

✨ Quick Overview

The Get Data feature is the entry point of Power BI. The selected connection mode decides performance, refresh behavior, and data storage.

? Key Concepts

  • Import stores data inside Power BI
  • Direct Query fetches data live from source
  • Connection mode impacts DAX, refresh, and speed

? Syntax / Theory

When connecting to a data source, Power BI internally decides whether data will be cached in memory or queried live. This decision affects how visuals respond to user interactions.

? View Mode Logic 
// Import vs Direct Query logical behavior
IF(mode="Import","Data stored in Power BI",
IF(mode="Direct","Live query to database","Choose Mode"))

1️⃣ Import Query (Stored Data)

Import Query loads data into Power BI memory. All visuals work on stored data, making reports extremely fast.

? View Excel Sample 
// Example of imported Excel data
Date	Product	Amount
2024-01-01	Mobile	15000
2024-01-02	Laptop	45000
2024-01-03	Tablet	20000

2️⃣ Direct Query (Live Data)

Direct Query does not store data. Each interaction sends a live query to the database.

? View SQL Query 
// Live SQL query executed by Power BI
SELECT Product, SUM(Amount) AS TotalSales
FROM Sales
GROUP BY Product;

⚖️ Comparison Summary

  • Import → Fast & flexible
  • Direct Query → Live & scalable

? Use Cases

  • Import: Sales dashboards, finance reports
  • Direct Query: Live monitoring, operational systems

⚡ Connection Mode Simulator

Experience the speed difference between modes.

Ready
[ Dashboard Visual ]
 

✅ Tips & Best Practices

  • Use Import for most reports.
  • Use Direct Query only when real-time is required.
  • Optimize source systems for Direct Query.
  • Prefer Import for full DAX support.

? Try It Yourself

  1. Connect Excel using Import mode.
  2. Connect SQL using Direct Query.
  3. Compare slicer response time.