The Definitive Guide to DAX is an authoritative resource for mastering the DAX language, which is pivotal for creating measures for semantic models in Microsoft Power BI, Fabric, Analysis Services, and Excel.

With years of experience since the inception of Power Pivot, Alberto Ferrari and Marco Russo offer a comprehensive reference that navigates through the unique and complex concepts of DAX, making it an essential tool for BI professionals. This third edition updates you with the latest features and provides a framework for writing efficient DAX code, enhancing your ability to customize calculations in data models. You will gain the skills necessary to understand and apply advanced DAX concepts, structure code in user-defined functions, and leverage new calendars for time intelligence calculations.

By reading this book, you will:

  • Understand the foundational concepts of DAX and its unique language structure
  • Master the use of evaluation contexts to enhance data analysis
  • Utilize CALCULATE and CALCULATETABLE functions effectively
  • Implement variables to simplify complex DAX expressions
  • Leverage classic and new calendar based time intelligence functions
  • Work with iterators to perform advanced calculations
  • Apply visual calculations to improve report interactivity
  • Create and manage calculation groups for dynamic reporting
  • Handle complex hierarchies and relationships in data models
  • Author DAX queries for testing and troubleshooting

About This Book

  • For BI professionals and Excel power users eager to deepen their understanding of DAX and enhance their data modeling capabilities with advanced techniques
  • For data analysts and IT specialists seeking to optimize their use of Microsoft Power BI, Fabric, Analysis Services, and Excel for more efficient and insightful data analysis

Book content

  1. Introduction to learning DAX
  2. Introducing DAX
  3. Introducing the filter context and CALCULATE
  4. Manipulating the filter context
  5. Introducing the row context and the context transition
  6. Understanding basic table functions
  7. Understanding variables
  8. Understanding the evaluation context
  9. Working with the filter context
  10. Understanding user-defined functions in DAX
  11. Working with tables
  12. Understanding windows functions in DAX
  13. Time intelligence calculations
  14. Understanding visual calculations
  15. Understanding calculation groups
  16. Inspecting the filter context and manipulating hierarchies
  17. Authoring queries
  18. Advanced DAX concepts
  19. Practicing DAX with advanced examples

FAQ – Choosing the best digital format

The layout of the book has been designed for a printed version. Different digital formats vary and we wanted to give guidance to choose among them.

Which format offers the best experience?

The PDF edition. It preserves the full layout of the printed book and provides the most reliable experience, especially for technical readers.

Why is the PDF recommended?

Because:

  1. Code snippets are real text, not images.
  2. You can copy and paste code.
  3. Layout, fonts, and spacing match the printed book exactly.

What is the issue with the Kindle version?

In the Kindle format, all code snippets are converted into images during the ePub-to-Kindle conversion process.
As a result, code cannot be copied or pasted.

Is the ePub version usable?

Yes. The ePub is generally clear and readable and allows font and layout adjustments.
However, formatting control is more limited than in the PDF, and code presentation is less consistent.

What if I already bought the Kindle version?

Amazon allows returns within seven days of purchase if the experience is not acceptable. You can request a refund directly from your Amazon account.

Bottom line: which format should I choose?

Choose the PDF edition if you care about copying code, accurate formatting, and a layout identical to the printed book.

ISBN

Paperback: 9780138244729
Kindle: B0FRMTL1R8 (ASIN)
ePub + PDF: 9780138244804

Resources

Companion content
Errata corrige

Reviews

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