📄Data Analysis Expressions (DAX)

Data Analysis Expressions (DAX) is a formula and query language specifically designed to work with tabular data models. It`s primarily used in Microsoft tools like Power BI, Power Pivot for Excel, and SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS) to simplify data analysis and calculations.



Here`s a breakdown of DAX:

Functionality:

- Create complex calculations and custom metrics.
- Perform advanced data manipulations beyond what Excel offers.
- Build formulas and expressions to analyze data.

Components:

DAX functions: Predefined formulas for various calculations using arguments (values or references). These functions cover diverse areas like date & time, statistical analysis, text manipulation, and more. While some resemble Excel functions, they are specifically designed for DAX`s data structures.
Operators: Symbols that perform operations like addition, comparison, and logical evaluation (AND, OR) on data and expressions.
Constants: Fixed values like numbers or text used in calculations.

Applications:

- Define calculated columns to add new data points based on existing ones.
- Create measures, which are custom calculations summarizing data for deeper insights.
- Build calculated tables derived from existing data using DAX expressions.
- Develop filter expressions for role-based security within data models.

DAX isn`t a general programming language but a formula and query language focused on data manipulation within these Microsoft BI tools.