dataMinds News Round up –
February 2025

Author: Zoe Douglas

Zoe Douglas introduces an update to Microsoft Fabric Copilot, enhancing its ability to write DAX queries in Power BI. The update allows Copilot to utilize semantic model descriptions, synonyms, and sample values from columns, improving the efficiency and accuracy of DAX query generation. This advancement aims to streamline the process for users working with complex data models. Read more to explore how this feature can enhance your Power BI experience.

Author: Paul Turley

Paul Turley outlines best practices for integrating SQL data sources into Power BI projects, emphasizing data modeling techniques and performance optimization strategies. This article serves as a comprehensive guide for data professionals aiming to enhance their Power BI implementations. Explore these strategies to improve your data integration processes.

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Author: Marco Russo

Marco Russo discusses the introduction of SQL databases within Microsoft Fabric, highlighting how this integration addresses long-standing gaps in Power BI by providing a full-featured Azure SQL Database experience without the complexities of traditional setups. He emphasizes the potential for streamlined data processes and the importance of this development for data professionals. Learn how this integration can benefit your data workflows.

Author: Chris Webb

Chris Webb explores the performance implications of using Direct Lake storage mode in Power BI when querying large SQL-based datasets. He provides practical insights into optimizing query performance and storage efficiency. Discover how to enhance your Power BI reports with these techniques.

Author: Gerhard Brueckl

Gerhard Brückl introduces a Python function to visualize Spark execution plans, aiding in the optimization of SQL queries within Databricks environments. This tool provides a visual representation of query execution, helping developers identify performance bottlenecks. Implement this approach to streamline your Databricks workflows.

Author: Glenn Alan Berry

Glenn Berry presents his updated SQL Server Diagnostic Information Queries for February 2025. These queries offer a comprehensive view of your SQL Server instance’s configuration and performance, aiding in efficient diagnostics and troubleshooting. Regularly updated, they reflect the latest insights and best practices for SQL Server management. Explore these queries to enhance your server monitoring and optimization efforts.

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Author: Brent Ozar

Brent Ozar shares the latest SQL ConstantCare® Population Report for Winter 2025, providing insights into SQL Server version adoption rates. The report highlights a significant increase in SQL Server 2022 adoption, now at 21%, up from 13% last quarter, while SQL Server 2019 remains dominant with 44% market share. These trends offer valuable information for organizations planning upgrades or migrations. Dive into the report to understand the current landscape of SQL Server usage.

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