Microsoft Power BI is a suite of business analytics tools designed to analyze data and provide actionable insights. It offers tight integration with the broader Microsoft ecosystem making data more comprehensible to comprehend and easier to share with others.
Basics of a Parameter in Power BI
In context to Power BI, parameters are a type of input that the user can provide, which could be factored into calculations for results. You could potentially alter graphs, charts, and visualizations based on the parameters that you input. A typical example of parameter utilization might be a date range to limit the data shown in visualizations.
Changing Parameter Value
Changing the value in a parameter can directly impact the displayed information. For example, if you have a sales dashboard and have parameters for the date range, changing these parameters will cumulatively update all visuals on the dashboard to reflect the selected date range.
Let’s go through a step-by-step process of changing a parameter value.
- Creating a Parameter:
To start off, we need to first establish a parameter. In Power BI, this can be done by navigating to the ‘Modeling’ tab and selecting ‘New Parameter’.
- Input Parameter Values:
The ‘New Parameter’ box will appear. Here, you can input your Parameter Name, Data type (Whole number, Decimal number, Fixed decimal number, or Text), and the values.
- Implementation:
Once the parameter is created, you can use it within a measure. For instance, let’s consider a simple measure:
Sales Ratio = SUM(Sales[SalesAmount])/[Parameter Value]In this measure, ‘Sales Ratio’ will change as the parameter value is adjusted.
- Changing Parameter Values:
Changing a parameter value is straightforward. Identify the parameter within the ‘Fields’ pane where the parameter value can be directly modified by clicking on the current value and inputting the new value.
Remember that since a parameter operates at the model-level, modifying its value will impact all measures that utilize it.
Conclusion
Having the ability to change the value in a parameter in Power BI is a considerable asset in a dynamic business environment. It becomes significant in the PL-300 Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst exam context, as mastery of parameters allows one to build more flexible models and visualizations.
While this article provides a basic understanding of changing parameter values and their impact, it is suggested to delve deeper into the topic and practice building parameters within Power BI to fully grasp their potential capability. The more you use parameters, the more you will appreciate the flexibility and control they offer in your data analysis.
Practice Test
T/F: The Change Parameter Value enables you to alter the default setting of a parameter.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: The Change Parameter Value is a feature that allows you to modify the default setting of a parameter to suit your data analysis needs.
T/F: You cannot use DAX formulas to change the parameter value dynamically.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: Using DAX formulas, you can change the parameter value dynamically in Power BI.
T/F: You can’t update the value in a parameter via Power Automate.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: Power Automate allows users to update values in parameters used in Power BI reports or dashboards.
T/F: Changing a value in a parameter will also adjust the outputs of any calculations or measures that use that parameter.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: Since the calculations and measures are based on the parameter, adjusting the parameter’s value will alter the output.
Which of the following are ways to change parameter values? (Multiple Select)
- a) Direct input
- b) Using a query
- c) Using a DAX formula
- d) Contacting Microsoft customer service
Answer: a, b, & c
Explanation: You can change parameters within Power BI using direct input, a SQL query, or DAX formulas. Contacting customer service isn’t a valid method for this action.
T/F: The Change Parameter Value feature can be accessed through the dataflow settings.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: The Change Parameter Value feature can be accessed through the Query Editor or Report builders, not dataflow settings.
What are the key benefits of changing the value in the parameter in Power BI? (Multiple Select)
- a) Flexibility in data exploration and analysis
- b) Changes in overall dataflow settings
- c) Ability to modify data without altering the source
- d) Personalizing visualizations
Answer: a, c & d
Explanation: Changing the parameter value offers flexibility in data analysis, allows for data alterations without source changes, and helps customize visualizations. It doesn’t affect dataflow settings.
T/F: Changing the value in a parameter is a reversible process.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: Yes, you can revert back to the original value or any other preferred value in Power BI.
Which one needs to be refreshed in order to reflect the changes of a changed parameter value?
- a) The data source
- b) The dataflow
- c) The report
- d) The workspace
Answer: c) The report
Explanation: After changing a parameter value, the report needs to be refreshed to reflect the changes.
T/F: Power BI maintains a history of all changes made to a parameter value.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: Power BI does not keep a history of parameter value changes. You can only see the current and default values.
Interview Questions
How can you change the value in a parameter in Power Query?
To change the value in a parameter in Power Query, navigate to the Home tab, Parameters Option, followed by Manage Parameters. Here, select the parameter you want to change and edit the Current Value.
Can we update the parameter value programmatically in Power BI?
Yes, Power BI parameters can be updated programmatically using Power BI REST API.
How are parameter values changed in Power Query while working on an M query?
Parameters in an M query can be changed in the ‘Manage Parameters’ option in Power Query Editor. It allows the user to change the current value of the parameter.
What happens when the value inside a defined parameter is changed?
When the value of a parameter is changed, it affects all the instances where the parameter is being used in the Power BI report. The change is reflected immediately in the report.
What should be done to use the same set of values for multiple reports in Power BI?
A common parameter should be defined. This parameter can be shared across multiple reports. Whenever you need to change the shared value, you can just change the parameter.
How can we change the values in parameters based on a user’s login?
That can be achieved by using the USERNAME() or USERPRINCIPALNAME() function in DAX to create dynamic Power BI reports. These functions return the domain name and username of the user viewing the report.
How does the USERELATIONSHIP function change value in a parameter?
The USERELATIONSHIP function doesn’t change the value inside a parameter. It is used in DAX to change the active relationship between two tables in the data model.
How do you refresh parameters after changing the value inside them?
After updating the parameter value, if you want the changes to take effect you must refresh the queries where the parameter is being used.
Can we add a dynamic parameter whose value changes as per the user input or selection?
In Power BI, we can use ‘What if’ feature to create interactive parameters where value changes according to user input or selection.
What are the roles of Parameter Tables and How-To Parameters in changing parameter values in Power BI?
Parameter Tables are used to change the parameter values dynamically. How-To Parameters allows users to see how changes in one factor might affect another factor in their reports and dashboards.
Can we change the parameter values during the runtime in Power BI?
Yes, Power BI provides several features, like Sliders and ‘What if’ parameters, which change the parameter value during the runtime.
Can we change the value in the duration parameter effectively?
Yes, Power BI allows users to effectively change the values in duration parameters using either Power Query Parameter or DAX measures.
Is it possible to change parameter values based on slicer selection?
No, slicers cannot control parameters directly. However, correct modeling or implementing ‘what if’ parameters can facilitate interactivity similar to slicers.
Why are parameters in Power BI known as globally scoped variables?
Parameters in Power BI are referred to as globally scoped variables because their value stays the same across the entire report once defined, unless programmatically altered.
How can we share a common set of parameter values among different reports?
To achieve this, the parameter needs to be defined in the Power BI service, and then it can be shared among different reports.
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