| Source Categories |
| File Sources |
Excel, CSV, JSON, XML, and folder connectors for files |
| Database Sources |
SQL Server, Oracle, MySQL, and other relational engines |
| Online Services |
SharePoint, Dynamics, Salesforce, Google Analytics, and web APIs |
| Power Query |
ETL engine inside Power BI for retrieving and transforming data |
| Connection Modes |
| Connection Modes |
Data residency choices that affect refresh and performance |
| Import Mode |
Loading a snapshot into the in-memory model for fast queries |
| DirectQuery Mode |
Sending queries back to the source on every visual interaction |
| Live Connection |
Connecting directly to Analysis Services without importing |