What is DAX ?
DAX is an analytical expression language for slicing and dicing data for extracting bite sized insights.
Where is DAX Used ?
DAX Formulas can be used with Power BI, Power Pivot, SQL Server Analytical Service (SSAS) Tabular Mode and Azure Analysis Services.
What are its Strength ?
- Aggregation — DAX is optimised for working with columns and aggregating millions of values into single result.
- Filtering — DAX has capabilities to work with tables for applying, overriding and de-applying filters.
What are its Limitations ?
DAX isn’t meant for Operational Reporting, working with Wide Tables and Tables with Many to Many Relationships.
Challenges of DAX Learning Curve ?
Learning DAX needs a different way of thinking. You have to think about data column and table wise instead of row or cell wise.
The DAX Learning Curve starts with Scalar functions where it’s almost similar as Excel formulas.
Then with Calculated columns, Measures, Filtering and Evaluation Context the learning curve goes stiff.
And again the curve will be somewhat smoother with Time Intelligence and applying multiple concepts together to utilise full power of DAX Formulas.
