Optimizing dataflows
A Power BI dataflow is a type of artifact contained within a Power BI workspace. A dataflow contains Power Query data transformation logic, which is also defined in the M query language that we introduced earlier. The dataflow contains the definition of one or more tables produced by those data transformations. Once it has been successfully refreshed, a Gen1 dataflow also contains a copy of the transformed data stored in Azure Data Lake. Gen2 adds the ability to write the output to four areas as shown in Figure 8.23.
Figure 8.23 – Gen2 dataflow destination options
A dataflow might seem very similar to the query objects you define in Power BI Desktop, and this is true. However, there are some important differences, as noted in the following points:
- A data flow can only be created online through the Power BI web application via Power Query Online.
- A dataflow is a standalone artifact that can exist independently. It...
