Excel power query m language tutorial. Any such data mashup is expressed using the power query m formula language. For many m looks like a scary language. Power query works with analysis services excel and power bi workbooks. But it is different if you want to learn m as a language.
The book youve mentioned is very good in my eyes. A core capability of power query is to filter and combine that is to mash up data from one or more of a rich collection of supported data sources. M code comes with a very large library of predefined functions available and you can also create your own. Power query m formula language.
M code is the language behind the scenes of power query. Select the desired text file and click on import. Not mentioning any functions. In this post i like to explain a bit of basics of m.
Microsoft power query provides a powerful data import experience that encompasses many features. Each step is defined by a step variable name. Power query m language basic principles. So if you dont have a strong it background this is the best start in my eyes.
An m variable can included spaces by using the character as step name. Create a series of query formula steps that start with the let statement. Power query lets you perform a series of steps to transform your excel data. Where can you write power query m code.
When you create a data transformation in the power query editor ui excel is writing the corresponding m code for the query. Follow the steps to import a text file using power query. This article describes basic rules for working with m which is a language for queries in power query get and transform as well as in power bi. It is best suited for the excel user and espacially at the beginning tries to do as much as possible with the ui.
This is possible with power querys programming language which is m. A dialog box is opened which shows a preview of the data contained. Any transformation you apply will be written in m language. M is the powerful language behind the scene of power query.
To create an m query in the query editor you follow this basic process. Honestly it is not necessary to know this language because most of workflow steps can be done in standard gui and m is used in background only. To start off we will do a simple example of merging the first name and second name into a new column. M is a functional language which means it is primarily written with functions that are called to evaluate and return results.
A formula step can be a custom formula.