SQLBI Newsletter #297

NEW ARTICLE

Understanding how DAX evaluates IF statements

In this article, we examine the details of executing DAX code, with a focus on how the IF function is implemented in various scenarios.
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SQLBI REPLAY

Using scatterplots to find details in reports

This article describes how you can use a scatterplot visual to make more effective Power BI reports.
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#297 · Jun 2025

LEARNING

Course calendar

DATA MODELING - 3 DAYS

	Jun 24-26 - Amsterdam

Mastering DAX - 3 DAYS

	Jul 9-11 - Seattle
	Aug 19-21 - Toronto
	Oct 1-3 - London
	Oct 28-30 - Lugano
	Nov 4-6 - Amsterdam
	Nov 12-14 - Chicago
	Dec 8-10 - Austin

video courses

	Introducing DAX
	Mastering DAX
	Optimizing DAX
	Intro to Data Modeling
	Data Modeling for Power BI
	Mastering Tabular
	DAX Tools Video Course
	DAX Patterns
	Power BI Dashboard Design

BI-WEEKLY NEWS DIGEST

Latest news

	• DAX Studio v3.3.0 released We have a fresh new version of DAX Studio (3.3.0) with so many fixes and nice new features! For example, DSCMD (the command-line version) can "run a query on a PBIX file that is not open". Plus 41 other items in the release note. Immediate upgrade, no brainer! Jun 13, 2025 · Darren Gosbell
	• Power BI June Updates Parameter picker for visual calculations, sparklines GA in preview (4 years in the making!!!), Power Query editing on the web. But no, the real big news is that External tools are now fully supported for any change to the semantic model (see separate link). A mandatory update for Tabular Editor users. Jun 9, 2025 · Microsoft
	• Open and edit any semantic model with Power BI tools This feature was called "Power BI Desktop hardening" and after many years we can finally edit anything on Power BI Desktop from an external tool. There were several limitations in the past and workarounds to make sure that certain changes were applied correctly - like close and open Power BI Desktop under certain conditions. Those days are over! Jun 12, 2025 · Microsoft
	• Natural language interaction isn’t magic—It’s semantic modeling done right It's happening. You have been developing a technology for 25 years that all of a sudden explodes because of a new market trend. Like GPUs suddenly being used for AI. And here we are, now. A semantic model is the spark for burning your data with AI and producing something useful. Jun 3, 2025 · Marc Lelijveld
	• Requiring selections on the Date dimension in Power BI Copilot AI instructions This article explains how to customize a semantic model with "Prep data for AI". You need to specify additional AI instructions to better control Copilot output. You can find many more examples in a 28-minute video from Kurt Buhler. However, the underlying message is clear: you need a (good) semantic model. Jun 8, 2025 · Chris Webb
	• What’s new in SQL Server 2025 Analysis Services Microsoft announced the features included in Microsoft Analysis Service 2025. This new on-premises version still makes sense in a number of scenarios, but... it will not have DAX user-defined functions, which could be a huge technical debt if you start a new large semantic model project soon. Jun 9, 2025 · Microsoft

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