OData and REST API connections in Power BI - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is OData in the context of Power BI?

OData is a web protocol that allows Power BI to connect and fetch data from online sources using a standard URL format. It makes data access easy and consistent.

beginner

What does REST API stand for and how is it used in Power BI?

REST API stands for Representational State Transfer Application Programming Interface. Power BI uses it to get data from web services by sending requests and receiving data in formats like JSON.

beginner

How do you connect to an OData feed in Power BI?

In Power BI Desktop, go to 'Get Data', choose 'OData Feed', then enter the OData URL. Power BI will connect and show available tables to load.

beginner

What is a common data format returned by REST APIs for Power BI?

JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) is the most common data format returned by REST APIs, which Power BI can parse and convert into tables.

intermediate

Why is authentication important when connecting to REST APIs in Power BI?

Authentication ensures only authorized users can access the data. Power BI supports methods like API keys or OAuth to securely connect to REST APIs.

Which protocol does Power BI use to connect to an OData feed?

A HTTP/HTTPS

B FTP

C SMTP

D SSH

OData feeds use HTTP or HTTPS protocols to transfer data over the web.

What data format does a REST API commonly return for Power BI to consume?

A XML

B CSV

C JSON

D TXT

REST APIs commonly return data in JSON format, which Power BI can easily parse.

Which Power BI feature allows you to connect directly to a REST API?

A Get Data > Excel

B Get Data > Web

C Get Data > Folder

D Get Data > SQL Server

The 'Web' connector in Power BI lets you connect to REST APIs by entering the API URL.

What is the main purpose of authentication when connecting to REST APIs?

A To secure data access

B To speed up data transfer

C To format data

D To compress data

Authentication ensures that only authorized users can access the API data.

Which of these is NOT a typical step when connecting to an OData feed in Power BI?

A Entering the OData URL

B Authenticating if required

C Selecting tables to load

D Writing SQL queries

You do not write SQL queries when connecting to OData feeds; you select tables from the feed.

Explain how Power BI connects to data using OData feeds and what makes OData useful.

Think about how you open a website and see data organized in tables.

Describe the process and key considerations when connecting Power BI to a REST API.

Imagine ordering data from a web service and needing permission to get it.