In this writing, I'll share my experience handling a Power BI report connected live to a semantic model within a workspace integrated with Git.
Let me walk you through a practical example: Imagine I have a task to tweak the color of a column in a visualization.
The catch? I only want to alter the visualization's appearance, not the underlying semantic model.
In certain scenarios, I have one PBIX file solely containing the semantic model, while another PBIX file houses the report, live-connected to that semantic model. This setup on my local computer streamlines the process. Why? Because I can make color adjustments directly within the live-connected PBIX file without importing unnecessary data from the semantic model PBIX file. This approach proves highly efficient, especially when dealing with extensive semantic models. Let's dive into the details.
Two pbix files in the local computer folder
pbix file: semantic model file
pbix file: report file
Within the workspace, the two items appear as follows.
Yet, upon configuring Git Integration for the workspace and cloning the main branch from the Azure DevOps repository to my local computer, I encounter a snag: while I can open the definition.pbir file, it loses its live connection. Consequently, I must refresh the data within the definition.pbir file to ensure it's up-to-date, allowing me to properly view visualizations and make color adjustments to the visualization. This process becomes time-consuming, especially when all I want to do is tweak the color in a report connected to a large semantic model.
Despite solely intending to adjust the visualization's color, I find myself needing to refresh it, ensure the data is in the definition.pbir file, and then proceed with the color change.
The documentation (Overview of Fabric Git integration - Microsoft Fabric | Microsoft Learn) outlines that live connection isn't currently supported for Power BI Git Integration.
However, to avoid wasting time refreshing the hefty semantic model, I've been experimenting with altering the connection path of the definition.pbir file.
My aim? To avoid a local connection and instead maintain a temporary live connection.
I urge readers: if you have any insights on alternative methods, please do share your knowledge.
The initial step involves identifying and obtaining the connection path of the live-connected file. To do this, download the report file from the workspace and save it as a .pbip file.
Saving the file as a .pbip results in the creation of a .Report folder. Navigate to this folder and follow these steps: Open the Report folder and then proceed to copy the Live Connection Path displayed when opened in Notepad.
By using VS Code, paste this Live Connection Path into the definition.pbir file located within the local repository folder, which was cloned from Azure DevOps.
With the file's connection modified, there's no need for further refreshing.
I can effortlessly adjust the visualization's color without refreshing the semantic model, thanks to its live connection.
After successfully changing the color, it's now time to revert the connection path of the definition.pbir file back to the local connection.
The alterations are clearly visible below, with no modifications made to the definition.pbir file. Proceed to commit these changes to Azure DevOps.
Review the commits in the main branch of Azure DevOps and synchronize the updates with the workspace.
The column chart's color has been successfully updated in the workspace, all without the need to refresh the definition.pbir file.
In summary, managing live connection reports in Power BI with Git Integration presents unique challenges and opportunities. While live connection isn't currently supported in this context, there are workarounds to maintain efficiency. By altering the connection path of the definition.pbir file, developers can temporarily establish a live connection, facilitating direct changes to visualizations without the need to refresh the semantic model. Once adjustments are made, reverting to a local connection restores the file's original state. Through this process, users can seamlessly update reports while minimizing disruptions to their workflow.
Key Takeaways:
1. Live connection isn't supported for Power BI Git Integration, posing challenges for direct report edits.
2. Altering the definition.pbir file's connection path allows temporary establishment of a live connection for efficient visualization adjustments.
3. Reverting to a local connection restores the file's original state after changes are made.
4. This process enables users to streamline report updates while minimizing disruptions caused by data refreshes.
I hope this helps readers having fun in playing with live connected Power BI reports within a Git-integrated workspace.
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