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The Definitive Guide to Power Query (M): Mastering complex data transformation with Power Query
Author(s): Gregory Deckler (Author), Rick de Groot (Author), Melissa de Korte (Author)
- Publisher: Packt Publishing
- Publication Date: 29 Mar. 2024
- Language: English
- Print length: 758 pages
- ISBN-10: 1835089720
- ISBN-13: 9781835089729
Book Description
Learn how to use the Power Query M formula language and its functions effectively for better data modeling and impactful business intelligence reports.
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Key Features
- Get comprehensive coverage of fundamental and advanced Power Query concepts
- Gain hands-on experience with practical examples based on real-world problems
- Delve into the intricacies of Power Query M language for enhanced data manipulation
Book Description
Data transformation is a critical step in building data models and business intelligence reports. Power Query is an invaluable tool for anyone who wants to master data transformation, and this book will equip you with the knowledge and skills to make the most of it.
The Definitive Guide to Power Query (M) will help you build a solid foundation in the Power Query M language. As you progress through the chapters, you’ll learn how to use that knowledge to implement advanced concepts and data transformations. This will set the stage for an uncompromisingly thorough exploration of the Power Query M Language.
You’ll also get to grips with optimizing performance, handling errors, and implementing efficient data processing techniques. As this is a hands-on guide, the practical examples in the chapters will help you gain the skills to apply Power Query to real-world problems and improve your data analysis capabilities.
By the end of this book, you will be able to leverage all of Power Query’s remarkable capabilities for data transformation.
What you will learn
- Gain a strong understanding of Power Query fundamentals
- Master various functions within Power Query to perform complex data operations
- Acquire knowledge about values, types, and control structures in Power Query
- Develop proficiency in error handling techniques
- Learn performance optimization strategies for Power Query
- Apply what you’ve learned to real-world scenarios, including common troublesome patterns
Who this book is for
This book is for business analysts, business intelligence professionals, and power business users working with data who want to add Power Query mastery to their resume. This book will be beneficial for anyone who wants to automate their process of data cleaning and save huge amount of time. Having some basic experience in Power Query is recommended.
Table of Contents
- Introducing M
- Working with Power Query/M
- Accessing and Combining Data
- Understanding Values and Expressions
- Understanding Data Types
- Structured Values
- Conceptualizing M
- Working with Nested Structures
- Parameters and Custom Functions
- Dealing with Dates, Times, and Durations
- Comparers, Replacers, Combiners, and Splitters
- Handling Errors and Debugging
- Iteration and Recursion
- Troublesome Data Patterns
- Optimizing Performance
- Enabling Extensions
Editorial Reviews
Review
“A very small percentage of Excel and Power BI users can effectively leverage the immense power and flexibility of the M language. The authors of this book are among the most experienced M experts, and they did a brilliant job guiding the reader from the fundamental concepts through the most advanced functions and applications of M. A careful study of this book will be rewarded with deep understanding and increased abilities in data cleaning, transformation, modeling, automation, and analysis.”
Brian Julius
Power BI Expert
“Congratulations, Melissa de Korte, Rick de Groot, and Greg Deckler, for your new book, The Definitive Guide to Power Query (M). This book provides a nice mix of theory and practical examples, and I love the way it takes you from the user interface to complex solutions. Mastering M is fundamental, as you can optimize processes using Power Query and put your time on what really matters: the analysis. I love having this book by my side, so that I can make use of M on a different level.”
Alejandra Horvath
CPA CGA
Certified Microsoft Excel Expert
“The Definitive Guide to Power Query (M) by Greg Deckler, Rick de Groot, and Melissa de Korte is an outstanding resource for both beginners and experienced users of Power Query and the M language. The book covers a wide range of topics, real-world examples and step-by-step tutorials, which are particularly valuable, allowing readers to apply what they’ve learned immediately. This book is an indispensable tool for anyone serious about leveraging the full potential of Power Query.”
Federico Pastor, Tech Lead at Hiberus, Dataviz Developer
“I can’t recommend this book enough. It offers the right mix of theory and practical examples, on an easy-to-consume technical language level, and it covers basically everything about the M Language.”
Celia Alves, Excel MVP
“In one sentence, The Definitive Guide to Power Query (M) is an amazing book with much in-depth technical content that takes a while to digest. I was excited to learn new things and more in-depth concepts of Power Query. I believe it will be referenced for years to come. […] This book by itself covers much more than some other books authored on the topic, and it should be like that.”
Soheil Bakhshi Microsoft Data Platform MVP, Principal Consultant at Theta (NZ)
About the Author
Greg Deckler is a 7-time Microsoft MVP for Data Platform and an active blogger and Power BI community member, having written over 6,000 solutions to community questions. Greg has authored many books on Power BI, including Learn Power BI 1st and 2nd Editions, DAX Cookbook, Power BI Cookbook 2nd Edition and Mastering Power BI 2nd Edition. Greg has also created several external tools for Power BI and regularly posts video content to his YouTube channels, Microsoft Hates Greg and DAX For Humans.
Rick de Groot was born in the Netherlands and has been working in BI for more than 14 years. He went freelance in 2016 and now works as an independent Power BI consultant. On his mission to make Power BI more accessible, he started two blogs: BI Gorilla and PowerQuery. how, and a YouTube channel sharing Power Query and Power BI content. His commitment to offering free content through multiple platforms has led him to earning the Microsoft Data Platform MVP award for two consecutive years.
Melissa de Korte’s approach to facing challenges is fueled by relentless curiosity. She is a dedicated community member and content creator. Her portfolio includes blogs, tutorials, courses, and webinars, that make Power Query M more accessible and useful for all. Behind her professional persona lies a genuine dedication to empowering others through education and knowledge sharing, and a desire to encourage professionals to embrace the potential of Power Query, M.
