Seamlessly Switch Between Databases in Power BI

Tired of Downloading PBIX Files for Every Data Source Change?

Are you frequently switching between development and production environments in your Power BI reports? Or perhaps you need to dynamically adjust your data source based on specific requirements? This newsletter will show you a straightforward method to effortlessly switch between databases in both Power BI Desktop and Power BI Service.

Key Benefit:

• Eliminate Manual Effort: Avoid the tedious process of downloading and re-uploading PBIX files.

Prerequisites:

• Consistent Schema: Ensure that the target databases have the same table structure. Data differences are acceptable.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Connect to SQL Server:

• In Power BI Desktop, navigate to the 'Get Data' section and select 'SQL Server.'
• Provide the server name and database details.
• Enter your credentials.
• In the Navigator window, select the required tables and choose 'Transform Data.'

2. Create Parameters:

• In Power Query Editor, go to 'Manage Parameters' and create new parameters for 'Server Name' and 'Database Name.'
• Define a list of values for each parameter, including development and production database details.

3. Dynamic Source Strings:

• In the Advanced Editor, replace the hardcoded server and database names in the M script with the corresponding parameter names.

4. Switch Databases in Power BI Desktop:

• Go to 'Transform Data' and select 'Edit Parameters.'
• Choose the desired server and database from the dropdown lists.
• Power BI Desktop will automatically update the data source.

5. Switch Databases in Power BI Service:

• Navigate to Dataset Settings and the 'Parameters' section.
• Manually enter the new connection strings for the desired database.

By following these steps, you can streamline your Power BI workflow and efficiently adapt to changing data sources.