First of all, it is important to give you more context. Hence, we'll explore in detail the three main types of data connections available in Power BI:
This table provides a high-level comparison of the three types of Power BI connectors. Each type has its own strengths and is suitable for different scenarios depending on the user's technical skills, data source requirements, and project needs. In thsi guide, the objective is to understand when you should be using the no-code connectors
| Feature | Native Connectors | Custom Connectors | No-code Connectors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Provider | Microsoft | Third-party or in-house | Third-party companies (e.g., Supermetrics, Windsor.ai) |
| Ease of Use | High | Low | High |
| Technical Skills Required | Minimal | Advanced (M language or .NET) | Minimal |
| Customization | Limited | High | Moderate |
| Development Time | N/A | Time-consuming | Quick setup |
| Maintenance | Automatic updates by Microsoft | Regular updates may be needed | Updates handled by provider |
| Data Source Coverage | Wide range of popular sources | Any source with accessible API | Wide range of online platforms and services |
| Example Types | File-based, Database, Cloud Service, Big Data | Proprietary or unique data sources | Marketing platforms, Analytics tools |
| Key Features | User-friendly interface, Optimized performance | Highly customizable, Complex data transformation | Visual interface, Authentication management, Data transformation, Scheduling |
| Security | Built-in features | Depends on implementation | Secure credential storage |
| Cost | Included with Power BI | Development and maintenance costs | May have usage limits or additional costs |
| Scalability | Limited to available connectors | Highly scalable | Depends on provider's offerings |
| Advantages | Easy to use, Automatic updates | Flexible, Suits specific needs | No coding required, Quick setup |
| Limitations | May not cover all sources, Limited customization | Requires programming skills, Time-consuming to develop | Less customizable, Dependence on third-party |
Native connectors are built-in connection options provided by Microsoft within Power BI. They're designed to work seamlessly with a wide array of popular data sources, offering a straightforward way to import data into your Power BI projects.
Key Characteristics:
Types of Native Connectors:
a) File-based Connectors: