How to Import Data From SQL Server to Excel Using Power Query Easily
In today’s data-driven world, SQL Server stands tall as the go-to database warehouse for organizations, housing their vast business data. Simultaneously, Excel remains that versatile data analysis spreadsheet application widely adopted across various organizational departments and levels.
However, getting data between these two applications can take time and effort. So, we’ll show you how to import data seamlessly from SQL Server to Excel using Power Query.
What Is Power Query?
Microsoft Power Query is a data transformation and cleaning engine available in Microsoft Excel, Power BI, and Azure Data Factory. Power Query works similarly in all these applications.
With Power Query, you can load data to the app from multiple sources and clean it using M code or its prebuilt transformation features. These features include removing columns, changing a data type,combining multiple datasets in Microsoft Excel, or performing a sentiment analysis on your data.
Though Power Query is an exciting tool, new users must ensure they’re comfortable with Excel before starting to use Power Query. If you aren’t confident with your Excel skills, visit thesefree training sites and courses to become an Excel master.
Exploring SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS)
SQL Server Management Studio, or SSMS as it is called, is a SQL Server platform. It is referred to as a platform because it comprises various components like Database Engine, Analysis Services, Integration Services, and Reporting Services. With these services, you could have a go-to-platform for all kinds of SQL-related work, from creating a table and writing queries to administrative and troubleshooting activities.
Today, we will explore its Database Engine and use a simple data table in the database.
Importing SQL Data Directly Into Excel Using Power Query
Power Query lets you import data from just about anywhere. It is one of theten Excel Add-Ins that enables you to process, analyze, and visualize datalike a pro.
To import data from SSMS, follow the steps outlined below.
You can get your server and database name by right-clicking on the SSMS table and selecting properties.
Always pickTransform Data.It is best practice to look at your data in Power Query before loading it into Excel. For example, you might need to change a data type before loading it. Inspecting your data before loading it can save you time and effort.
Do More With Power Query
With Excel’s Get Data features in Power Query, you could import data from various sources, not just SQL servers. For example, you can extract data from Microsoft Dynamic, Sharepoint, Salesforce, Azure, databases like Oracle, JSON, the web, and Social media platforms.
Also, regardless of how dirty and messy the data comes, Power Query is available for all your data cleaning and transformation needs.
Microsoft Power Query for Excel is a new tool that gives you more control over your spreadsheets than ever before.
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