Tabular Editor 3 September 2023 Release

Written by Morten Lønskov | Sep 25, 2023 7:00:00 AM

Key takeaways

  • Create Direct Lake datasets from scratch in TE3: Pick "Fabric OneLake (DirectLake)" in the Import Tables wizard, build a Direct Lake model on your Lakehouse, and deploy it to the service.
  • The DAX editor keeps up with new functions: Support for the new MINX/MAXX parameters, plus MATCHBY suggestions.
  • Databricks import supports native queries: As long as you've set a default catalog on the connection.
  • TMDL preview and a steadier DAX Debugger: The latest TMDL preview is in, and several DAX Debugger issues are fixed thanks to your feedback.

Introduction

We are pleased to say that we have a new version of Tabular Editor 3 ready for you. This month, we have expanded our support for DirectLake datasets so that it is now possible to create them from scratch. Moreover, the latest DAX and TMDL features are now supported.

If you just can’t wait, do head on over to downloads to get the release.

New features

The standout addition this release is the ability to create Fabric Direct Lake datasets.

Create Fabric DirectLake datasets

We have expanded our support for Fabric DirectLake datasets so that you can now create them from scratch inside Tabular Editor 3, using your Fabric Lakehouse as the data source. This gives you more flexibility and control over your data model design, and allows you to deploy your dataset to the Power BI service with just a few clicks.

To get started simply right click in the TOM Explorer and select Import Tables, choose “Fabric OneLake (DirectLake)” as your data source and create your DirectLake datasets with ease and speed. Check out the below video for a quick introduction or read our DirectLake blogpost to get a step by step guide.

Demo Video: Creating Direct Lake dataset

WARNING

Currently, there is a limitation in that DirectLake datasets created or modified through the XMLA endpoint, can no longer be opened in the Web Modelling feature of Fabric.

Improvements

We’ve made a few minor improvements as well in the September release.

DAX functions updates

The newest Power BI release includes new parameters for the MINX/MAXX functions. We have naturally ensured that our DAX editor supports these along with providing proper suggestions for the MATCHBY function.

Databricks Native Query Support

The import table wizard for Databricks now supports using native queries. The prerequisite for enabling native queries is that a default catalog has been specified when configuring the Databricks connection.

TMDL Preview

With the latest version of AMO/TOM the newest TMDL preview is now also applied in Tabular Editor 3.

Bug Fixes

We have made multiple bug fixes in 3.11.0; please see our release notes for full details.

DAX Debugger

We have improved the DAX Debugger experience. Thanks to your feedback, we have fixed several issues that prevented the DAX Debugger from working in some scenarios. Now you can use the DAX Debugger to inspect and troubleshoot your DAX expressions more easily and reliably.

If you have any feedback or experience any bugs please reach out in our community forum. We look forward to hearing from you!

For further reading

In conclusion

That's the September 2023 release: the big one is creating Direct Lake datasets from scratch in Tabular Editor, plus DAX function updates, Databricks native queries, the latest TMDL preview, and a steadier DAX Debugger. Grab 3.11.0, and as always, let us know what you think.