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A Power BI developer is working on a report that uses a SQL Server database as its data source. To improve query performance and reduce the load on the source database, the developer wants to configure Power BI to cache the data locally. Which storage mode should the developer use for the dataset?
- ADirectQuery
- BDual
- CImport
- DLive Connection
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Import
The Import storage mode brings a copy of the data into the Power BI model, caching it locally. This allows for fast query performance within Power BI and reduces the load on the source database.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. DirectQuery does not cache data locally; it queries the source database directly for every interaction.
- B. Dual mode is a composite model feature that uses both Import and DirectQuery for different tables, but 'Import' is the specific mode for full local caching.
- D. Live Connection is used for models like Azure Analysis Services and does not cache data locally within Power BI.
Power BI Import Storage Mode
Import storage mode in Power BI copies data from the source into the Power BI dataset, caching it locally for faster query performance and reduced source database load.
- Data cached locally
- Fast query performance
- Reduces source database load
Memory trick: Import the data into Power BI's fast lane.