Ramu Kodemala on 26 Feb 2015 00:47:50
PowerView does not take input parameters at run time. In order to change the data being presented at runtime the user must use a filter or the query author must use a non-deterministic function in the query (e.g. MyDate = GETUTCDATE () ). Neither approach allows a user to create an optimal request that brings down just the data he/she wants to see. My understanding is that filtering in Power View requires the superset of data to be retrieved before the filter is applied. Nondeterministic functions do not provide the flexibility of parameters. This will be an important feature when dealing with datasets large enough to cause performance and/or stability issues.
Administrator on 07 May 2016 05:00:12
It is now possible to define Parameters in Power BI Desktop, annotating them with metadata (name, description, expected data type and allowed values), reference these parameters from your queries, data model and report elements (labels, etc.). We'll continue making incremental improvements on top of the existing Parameters feature - so if there are specific items that you would like us to do based on this feature, please cast your votes. : )
- Comments (33)
RE: Allow runtime parameters in Power View and/or Power Query
Hi Miguel,
I have a model where part of the data is accessed via ODBC, and a few items via Excel.
I would like to use parameters to define the path to the data, which can vary depending on the fiscal year.
I have been able to 'parametrise' the path to the Excel file seamlessly. However, the ODBC connection dialog box does not show any way to include the parameter reference.
I am using a DSN-less connection string and am trying to insert the path in a form similar to:
driver = {Advantage StreamlineSQL ODBC};datadirectory={PathDatos};server=NotTheServer;defaulttype=Visual FoxPro;rows=False;language=ANSI;advantagelocking=ON;locking=Record;memoblocksize=64;maxtableclosecache=5;servertypes=1;trimtrailingspaces=False;encryptiontype=RC4;fips=False
where 'PathDatos' is the name of the parameter.
Is there a way to do this even if it means editing the Odbc.Query part of the M script?
Many thanks,
Rafael
RE: Allow runtime parameters in Power View and/or Power Query
So, are there run time parameters or not?
RE: Allow runtime parameters in Power View and/or Power Query
I would say that the current feature is NOT "runtime" parameters. We can include parameters in the query which is data load or data refresh parameters. Runtime would be something a user could select when they actual RUN the report.
RE: Allow runtime parameters in Power View and/or Power Query
This is a complete Lie. Stop Lying Microsoft. There is no possible way, no instructions and no step by step on how to filter by using a parameter!!!
RE: Allow runtime parameters in Power View and/or Power Query
Microsoft , Show me 1 article, where it outlines step by step on using a parameter to filter data? Its not available. STOP lying to the public!!!
RE: Allow runtime parameters in Power View and/or Power Query
Regarding my previous comment (RE: parameters for DirectQuery reports):
In my view, if Power BI allow for slicers to go across pages of a report, I could create the first page of my report to be a "parameters" page, where users would select the firsts that would go across the entire report-viewing session: https://ideas.powerbi.com/forums/265200-power-bi-ideas/suggestions/9861216-allows-slicers-to-apply-to-all-pages-of-a-report
For instance the first page of the report could have slicers for users to select the period (year, month, etc) customers, country/region, etc. Then since the slicers would go across the entire report, the other pages would show the data based on those "parameter slicers".
RE: Allow runtime parameters in Power View and/or Power Query
This is nice but all I see is parameters for queries when bringing data into a Power BI model.
What about parameters for when viewing Power BI reports that are based on DirectQuery? That is, when connected to an on-premise dataset.
RE: Allow runtime parameters in Power View and/or Power Query
I completely agree with Adam's comment below and have create a new posting here:
https://ideas.powerbi.com/forums/265200-power-bi-ideas/suggestions/13820190-power-bi-online-query-parameters
RE: Allow runtime parameters in Power View and/or Power Query
Miguel Llopis, this does not fully satisfy the request! We need powerbi online end users to be able to input parameters which will allow us to show them small parts of massive datasets. I can do everything the new "parameter" feature does in SQL
RE: Allow runtime parameters in Power View and/or Power Query
Superb. Please provide some more insight, ie a hyperlink to documentation.