If you're new to Power BI, you've probably come across the DAX (Data Analysis Expressions) language and considered learning it because of its sophisticated capabilities. You're probably wondering if it's worth your time learning DAX.
Many applications in Power BI and Power Pivot can benefit from DAX, but these may not be the ideal solutions for you. Depending on your goals for studying DAX, you may find that you enjoy your acquired knowledge or that it is a complete waste of time. Continue reading to understand why learning DAX is worthwhile for some people and why it may not be for others.
Why Should You Learn DAX?
1. Functions that are versatile and dynamic
The DAX is worthwhile to master because it allows you to be more flexible in your work. When you need to undertake a higher degree of data analysis, knowing DAX might come in helpful when you're trying to come up with bespoke columns and computations.
You may check out our DAX webinar here:
2. Language That Is Commonly Used Across Microsoft Platforms
The use of the DAX language across a handful of Microsoft's apps is part of what makes studying DAX so worthwhile. Users of Power BI, Analysis Services, and Power Pivot in Excel frequently use DAX. Let's have a look at some DAX examples in these three platforms.
DAX in Analysis Services
DAX in Power BI
DAX in Excel Power Pivot
DAX in Analysis Services
DAX is commonly utilized in analysis services through various extensions to other analysis services available. Thus, it's not just for Power BI. DAX is currently supported by SQL Server Analysis Services and Azure Analysis Services.
Azure Analysis Services
Microsoft Azure's Azure Analysis Services platform hosts DAX. Many of you may not be familiar with this because it is primarily utilized in company-level analytics rather than individual-level analytics. If you're unfamiliar with Azure Analysis Services, it's a Microsoft analytics engine that can store data models and generate visuals for you.
When it comes to Azure Analysis Services, where does DAX fit in? The DAX query viewer in Azure Analysis Services allows analysts more flexibility in their calculations.
SQL Server Analysis Services
A DAX editor can be added as a Visual Studio extension to SQL Server Analysis Services to provide DAX functionality such as functions, operators, and values for doing complex calculations on data in tables and columns.
DAX in Power BI
DAX is often used in Power BI because of its additional capacity when it comes to Business Intelligence. You'll find that the flexibility of DAX itself provides the majority of Power BI's use!
DAX in Excel Power Pivot
From Excel 2013 forward, the DAX language is now available in Power Pivot. If you're a frequent Excel user, you'll be familiar with the formula, which is quite similar to the DAX formula language used by Power Pivot in Excel. Excel's Power Pivot is a data transformation tool that uses formulas to calculate tabular data.
In Power Pivot, DAX formulas are written in one of two ways:
Calculated Columns
Calculated Fields
I'm sure you're thinking, "Isn't using Excel formulas the same as using DAX formulas?" That isn't entirely true because DAX calculations use tables and columns as references rather than cells, as in Excel. When working with data in Excel, this makes DAX more powerful.
3. Common Requirements for BI Professions
Numerous organizations that use Power BI include DAX as a skill requirement for many job roles. A high level of Power BI knowledge is typically required for mid-career BI employment, as is a solid understanding of DAX.
4. DAX can help create more sophisticated and insightful data models
By using DAX, you can create complex formulas and calculations that can be applied to your data models. This can help you uncover insights and patterns that might not be immediately obvious from looking at the raw data. For example, you can use DAX to create calculated columns that derive new information from your data or to create measures that summarize and analyze your data in different ways. By learning how to use DAX effectively, you can create more sophisticated and insightful data models that can help you make better decisions and improve your understanding of your data.
When Does It Not Make Practical to Learn DAX?
Learning DAX might not be the best option for you in some circumstances. Let's look at some of the scenarios where learning DAX isn't worth it.
1. When Power BI isn't used frequently
Sometimes a corporation is still hesitant to use Power BI or is undecided about which BI product they should use. These businesses may still be experimenting with Tableau or Power BI. If you work for one of these companies, you'll have to wait for proof that Power BI is being installed across all of the company's systems.
2. When only the most basic features are required
In some cases, basic formulas and functions are sufficient, and Power BI's full capabilities are not required. DAX may not be very useful in solving the business challenge. In such circumstances, studying DAX may not be the best option for learning at the time. Instead of focusing on DAX, I would recommend learning all of the basics of Power BI.
However, due to the additional functions it gives, I would not dismiss the idea of learning DAX. Having that extra information to expand on the analysis can add value to a business problem.
Conclusion
With all of its additional capabilities, DAX is a powerful formula language that can significantly impact your analysis! Once you begin your DAX learning adventure, you'll be pleasantly amazed by how much it has to offer. As a result, I believe that learning DAX is worthwhile because the benefits of doing so are numerous, including the capacity to do more complex duties and improved career chances. After all, it is a sought-after work skill in BI positions.
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