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As discussed earlier, DAX is a formula language comprising of operators, values, functions, and formulas. In this chapter, you will learn about DAX Syntax.
DAX Syntax can be categorized as −
- Syntax for DAX Formulas
- DAX Naming Requirements
- DAX Special Values
- DAX Functions
- DAX Operators
- DAX Data Types
Before you proceed to learning DAX Syntax, you have to understand the difference between Excel formulas and DAX formulas.
Differences between Excel Formulas and DAX Formulas
DAX formulas are similar to the Excel formulas and you can type them in the formula bar. However, there are some vital differences between the two.
| Excel Formula | DAX Formula |
|---|---|
|
Excel formulas are typed in the formula bar in the Excel window. |
DAX formulas are typed in the formula bar in the Power Pivot window. |
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In Excel formulas, you can reference individual cells or arrays for data. |
In DAX formulas, you can reference only complete tables or columns of data, i.e. references can be only to tables and fields in the tables. However, if at all you have to perform a calculation only on a part of the column data, you can do so with the DAX functions that filter and provide the required unique data values for calculation. |
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Excel formulas support certain data types. |
DAX provides more data types than Excel does. Hence, DAX formulas can use the additional data types also. |
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Excel does not support any implicit data conversions. |
DAX performs implicit data type conversions during calculations. |
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