When getting started with a new tool, it can be hard to know where to start. Here is a collection of free resources to get started on your Power BI journey:
- Dax and Power Query/M
- Data Modeling
- Ongoing Learning
- Community and Practice
Let’s get started!
DAX and Power Query/M
When I first started with Power BI, one of my biggest obstacles was understanding the differences between DAX and M and calculated columns vs. measures. In short, power query is the engine you use to load and format your data into Power BI. M is the language behind power query – you can write out functions using M, or you can use power query by pointing and clicking. DAX is kind of like the Power BI version of what you put in the formula bar in Excel (that is a super oversimplification so please don’t come back and yell at me once you get more familiar). Here is a more thorough overview of the differences.
1. SQBLI to Learn DAX: Data Analysis Expressions (DAX) is something you will become intimately familiar with as you work more in Power BI. You are also not likely to get very far in your Power BI journey without running into Marco Russo and Alberto Ferrari who are the brains behind SQLBI and a wealth of Power BI resources – lots of free and some paid.
2. DAX Guide (also from SQLBI): a reference guide for DAX formulas. When using a new formula, this guide gives you the required arguments along with examples for how to use it appropriately. This is a good one to bookmark and refer back to regularly!
3. DAX Patterns (also from, you guessed it, SQLBI!): super helpful walk-throughs of some common DAX patterns like time intelligence calculations. As you start using DAX more you’ll see that it can get complicated quickly. Walking through some of these example patterns helps gain an intuitive understanding of how to work with complex problems efficiently in DAX.
Data Modeling
4. Understanding Star Schema: This resource is from Microsoft so you can hear it straight from the horse’s mouth! Star schema is the basis of data modeling in Power BI. This overview will be especially useful for those less familiar with modeling. Wondering about the difference between a fact and dimension table? Find your answers here! (Short article)
5. Flat File to Data Model (from Guy in a Cube YouTube): This will be helpful for those who are used to working with a single Excel file. Guy in a Cube gives step-by-step how to build a data model from a single file! (10 min video)
Ongoing Learning
Here are some resources you can access on an ongoing basis to learn about more nuanced Power BI concepts. Here are two great YouTube channels that are constantly churning out new, amazing content:
6. Guy in a Cube: Patrick and Adam do an amazing job at making Power BI feel easily accessible. There is content for every level of experience!
- Mondays: information round up
- Tuesdays and Wednesdays: technical video
7. Curbal: While there is entry-level content as well, Ruth generally has more advanced, technical content. She also has a lot of information on power query and M that can sometimes be harder to find.
- Mondays: Power Query
- Wednesdays: Power BI
- Fridays: DAX.
Community and Practice
Having a supportive community and the opportunity to practice can make all the difference in whether or not you adopt a new skill. Power BI is no different. Luckily, the Power BI and larger data viz community have been growing exponentially and so there are more resources and more people to turn to every day. Here are some places to start:
8. Workout Wednesday (WoW): This is a new Power BI community challenge in 2021. WoW has a popular weekly challenge for Tableau and it is so exciting to see something similar now being offered for Power BI!
9. Power BI Community: Here is where to go when you need help on a specific problem. Before posting something new, always try searching first to see if someone already answered a similar question. Follow this guide when posting to get your questions answered faster.
10. DAX.do: This is another amazing tool offered for free from SQLBI. This is a new tool that allows you to easily test and share DAX all within your browser! Incredible!
BONUS
Twitter: I was never a big fan of Twitter but the data viz community (#datafam) there is AMAZING. Some hashtags to start with: #powerbi, #dax, #powerquery, and #Dataviz. There is tons of content there for inspiration and a community ready to support and encourage you.
What have been the most helpful resources you have found when learning Power BI? How do you keep your Power BI knowledge and skills up-to-date?
Keep knocking your head against the wall – it gets so much better!
Jenna EaglesonMy background is in Industrial-Organizational Psychology and I have found my home in People Analytics. Data viz is what makes my work come to life. I mostly use Power Bi but I occasionally foray into Tableau and other tools. I would love to hear more about your journey! Reach me by commenting here or on Linkedin or Twitter.
