Managing Power BI Reports with Source Controlling: A Game Changer for Collaborative Development

Introduction

Power BI has evolved significantly, offering developers tools like .pbip files and Workspace Git integration for better source control and collaboration. These features bring a fresh approach to managing and versioning Power BI projects. Let’s explore how to use them effectively.

Understanding .pbip Files

Power BI Project Files (.pbip) were introduced as a structured way to manage Power BI files. Unlike .pbix files, .pbip files are designed to support easier collaboration and integration with source control systems.

In Power BI project we are welcomed with 2 folders and 1 file looks like below.

• .Report file contains the report objects like visuals charts and pages
• .Model file contains the semantic model object of the report. As you know, Power BI is using SSAS model underneath. These files inside are TMDL format files which are developer friendly. Read more about TMDL from here
• .pbip file this file is the shortcut file which combine .Model and .Report folders together into one single report.

Key Benefits of .pbip Files:

• They store project metadata in separate, readable JSON files, allowing for meaningful versioning and tracking in Git.
• Changes to the report, dataset, or model are easier to identify and manage.
• They enable modular development, promoting better teamwork.

Workspace Git Integration

Power BI Workspace Git integration simplifies the process of syncing your Power BI development environment with a Git repository. Here’s how it works:

Git repo strategy can be divided into two architectures those are as follows

1. Mono Repo
2. Multi Repo

a monorepo stores all code for multiple projects in a single repository, while a multi-repo approach uses separate repositories for each project or component. The following diagram will help you to understand the difference.

Here are some advantages and disadvantages of each architecture.

Which Approach to Choose?

Following questions will help you to determine what is the suitable pattern.

1. Project Size and Complexity: Large, complex projects may favour multi-repo for manageability.
2. Team Structure and Size: Smaller teams working closely might benefit more from monorepo.
3. Dependency Management Needs: If you share dependencies frequently, monorepo could simplify things.
4. Scalability Goals: Multi-repo might work better for anticipated large-scale growth.
5. Collaboration Style: If teams need autonomy, multi-repo provides greater independence.

Steps to Enable Workspace Git Integration:

In this example, I'm going to use a Mono repo architecture for a Workspace. Which means multiple Power BI workspaces in a single repository.

Assume that you have a workspace called "DevelopmentRnD" and the repo looks like below. This workspace has a Power BI project called "Contoso Sales Report"

Step 1

Setting up the workspace, Since we are using github here, click on workspace settings and pick git integration. Then pick GitHub and click on Add account. Configure the authentication as below screenshots.

Step 2

In my scenario, "DevelopmentRnD" workspace is my development workspace. Because of that, I'm picking all the configurations as below. This will reflect my git repo structure.

Note:

You may or may not get below dialogue box but if you get act accordingly. I picked Sync content from git into this workspace.

You are good to go.

Combining .pbix Files with Source Control

For git to work, we need to save all pbix files as pbip files. For this, you have to use Power BI desktop

Best Practices

• Automate Backups: Configure automated backups to your Git repository to safeguard your project files.
• Use Metadata Files: Focus on tracking metadata files (JSON files) for more granular control over changes.
• Collaborate Effectively: Conduct regular code reviews and use Git’s branching strategy to streamline teamwork.

Conclusion

Integrating .pbip files and Workspace Git into your Power BI workflow enhances traceability, collaboration, and efficiency. By leveraging these tools and following best practices, you can create a robust development environment that empowers your team and safeguards your projects.

Sample repo link