Database Based Reports

Instead of importing spreadsheets, many Power BI reports connect directly to a database such as SQL Server, MySQL, or PostgreSQL for a single source of truth.

Connecting to a Database

Get Data -> Database -> choose engine -> enter server and database name -> Import or DirectQuery -> Load

Import vs DirectQuery Recap

• Import - copies data into Power BI's in-memory engine; fastest performance, needs scheduled refresh.
• DirectQuery - queries the live database on every interaction; always current, but limited by the source's speed.

Native Queries

Advanced users can write a custom SQL statement directly in the connection dialog to pull a pre-shaped result set instead of an entire table.

Refresh and Security

• Scheduled refresh - keeps imported data up to date on a set schedule once published to the Power BI Service.
• Row-Level Security (RLS) - restricts which rows a given user can see, enforced consistently whether the report uses Import or DirectQuery.