- Automatic dataset refresh upon failure.
- Immediate refresh of the dataset after successfully refreshing related dataflows.
- Creation of a deployment pipeline.
- Embedding Power BI reports or dashboards into web applications.
- Automation of documentation for Power BI service objects.
- Sending data rows to a streaming dataset in the Power BI service.
- Extracting usage information of Power BI objects by users.
Power BI API call.
A Power BI API call refers to the action of developers accessing and interacting with the Power BI platform using the Power BI REST API protocol. An API, or Application Programming Interface, serves as a software interface that facilitates communication between two applications, allowing them to exchange information and perform actions.
A Power BI API call is a specific request made by a developer to the Power BI REST API to perform a particular action or retrieve specific data from the Power BI platform. These API calls can be made using various programming languages, tools, and frameworks, and they allow developers to programmatically interact with and control Power BI resources such as datasets, reports, dashboards, workspaces, and more. By making API calls, developers can automate tasks, integrate Power BI functionality into their applications, and retrieve or manipulate data within the Power BI environment.
How to Connect Power BI to Rest API?
Connecting Power BI to a REST API involves a few steps, but it’s relatively straightforward. Let’s walk through the process:
1. Identify the REST API Endpoint:
-
- First, you need to know the REST API endpoint you want to connect to. This is the URL where the API resides. It typically provides access to specific data or functionality.
- The endpoint might look something like
https://api.example.com/v1/data
.
2. Configure Authentication:
-
- Depending on the API, you might need to configure authentication. Common authentication methods include OAuth, API keys, or basic authentication.
- In Power BI, go to the Home tab and select Get Data. Choose the Web option.
- Enter the REST API endpoint and configure any required authentication settings. For example, if the API requires an API key, you’ll provide it here.
3. Transform and Shape the Data:
-
- Once you’ve connected to the API, Power Query Editor allows you to transform and shape the data.
- You can filter, merge, pivot, and perform other data transformations to prepare it for visualization.
4. Create Visualizations:
-
- After shaping the data, create visualizations using Power BI’s user-friendly interface.
- Build charts, tables, maps, and other visuals to represent the data.
5. Set Up Data Refresh:
-
- If you want your Power BI report to stay up-to-date, set up automatic data refresh. This ensures that your visualizations reflect the latest data from the REST API.
Remember that the specific steps may vary based on the API you’re connecting to, but this general process should guide you. Happy data exploration!
How to Power BI Get Data from API with Token?
To retrieve data from a REST API in Power BI using an access token, follow these steps:
1. Generate an Access Token:
-
- First, obtain an access token from the API. You can do this using tools like Postman or by making a direct API call.
- In Postman, create an API request to the authentication endpoint (e.g.,
https://<URL>/api/tokens/authenticate
). Use the appropriate headers (e.g.,Content-Type: application/json
andAuthorization: token <TOKEN>
). - Copy the generated access token.
2. Connect to the API in Power BI:
-
- Open Power BI Desktop.
- Click on Get Data and select Web.
- Click Connect.
- In the Advanced section, paste the API URL from where you want to retrieve data.
- In the Headers section, add the following:
- Name:
Authorization
- Value:
Bearer <TOKEN>
(replace<TOKEN>
with the actual access token)
- Name:
3. Load Data and Transform:
-
- Power BI will connect to the API using the provided token.
- You can now transform the data using Power Query Editor.
- Filter, merge, and shape the data as needed.
4. Create Visualizations:
-
- Once the data is loaded, create visualizations (charts, tables, etc.) in your report.
5. Set Up Data Refresh:
-
- If you want your report to stay up-to-date, configure data refresh settings.
- Specify how often Power BI should fetch new data from the API.
Remember to replace <URL>
and <TOKEN>
with the actual values relevant to your API. Happy data exploration!