DAX (Data Analysis Expression)
In Power BI, computations are expressed using the DAX formula language. It is based on Microsoft Excel formulas, but unlike the latter, it is not exportable to other programmers and can only be utilized within Power BI. Based on the available data source, the DAX syntax enables you to define measurements, calculated columns, and fields.
Columns with Measures and Calculations
In the syntax, formulae that return values are enclosed in brackets (). In order for Power BI to properly understand logic or nested constructs like IF statements, THEN/ELSE IF/ELSE constructs, DO loops, or WHILE loop constructions when evaluating your expressions, you must enclose them in parenthesis. In Power BI, measurements and calculated columns are also created using DAX. We’ll demonstrate how to use DAX to add a new column to the Employee table. Select “Modeling -> New Column” from the Data View menu.
“New Column” menu item. The name of the default column is displayed in the formula bar. The DAX queries can be run in this formula bar. shown in the below picture.
Example for DAX
Power BI – Differences between the M Language and DAX
Power BI supports both M Language and DAX as expression languages. Both are more comparable to the formulas in Microsoft Excel than they are to any programming language. However, M and DAX are distinct from one another and are applied in various ways when creating Power BI models. As we get to know Microsoft’s new Power BI, we understand there’s more going on behind the scenes. Besides the fact that it considers straightforward and simple admittance to every one of the information sources in your association, it additionally empowers you to control the information in manners that were unthinkable previously.
Both DAX and M languages are included in the most recent edition of Power BI. By applying computations to the incoming data or by connecting to additional data sources and running queries against them, both are utilized to alter the data. You will learn all there is to know about DAX and M language in this post, including how they interact and how they can increase the value of your data. The new Power BI programming language M combines the readability of Excel with the flexibility of SQL. It is made to be easy to understand, read, and utilize.