Chapter 38: Introducing Power Query
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Action Purpose
Merge Queries Create a new query that merges the current table with another query in
the workbook by matching specified columns.
Append Queries Create a new query that appends the results of another query in the work-
book to the current table.Note that all the table-level actions available in Power Query are also available in the Power Query Editor Ribbon. So,
you can either opt for the convenience of right-clicking to select an action quickly or choose to utilize the more visual
Ribbon menu.
Getting Data from External Sources
Microsoft has invested a great deal of time and resources in ensuring that Power Query has
the ability to connect to a wide array of data sources. Whether you need to pull data from
an external website, a text file, a database system, Facebook, or a web service, Power Query
can accommodate most, if not all, data sources.You can see all the available connection types by clicking the Get Data drop-down on the
Data tab in the Excel Ribbon. As Figure 38.16 illustrates, Power Query offers the ability to
pull from a wide array of data sources.From File Pulls data from a specified Excel file, text file, CSV file, XML file, JSON file, or
folder.
From Azure Pulls data from Microsoft’s Azure Cloud service.
From Database Pulls data from databases like Microsoft Access, SQL Server, or SQL Server
Analysis Services.
From Online Services Pulls data from cloud application services such as Facebook,
Salesforce, and Microsoft Dynamics online.
From Other Sources Pulls data from a wide array of Internet, cloud, and other ODBC data
sources. Here, you will also find the Blank Query option. Selecting Blank Query will acti-
vate the Power Query Editor in the Advanced Editor view. This is handy when you want to
copy and paste M code directly into the Power Query Editor.