SQL vs. Power Query – What You Should Use for Python in Excel in 2024!

Using SQL or Power Query is the best way to get high-quality data for your Python in Excel analyses. However, choosing which is best isn't straightforward. In this video, I discuss choosing between SQL or Power Query based on your situation.

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VIDEO CHAPTERS
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00:00 Intro
01:03 Power Query Introduction
06:09 SQL Introduction
11:00 Power Query Pros & Cons
14:22 SQL Pros & Cons
18:15 Which You Should Use

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MY FAVORITE POWER QUERY BOOK
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MY SQL FOR EXCEL USERS TUTORIAL SERIES
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#pythoninexcel #pythonexcel #pythonforexcel

[michaelt]

It is funny how many people even know about Power Query. Really powerful when they find out about it. Another advantage of Power Query is that it is what PBI uses to clean data.

And another great video. So glad I found your channel.

[ninjakaplumbag]

In my opinion, the problem with M and power query is that if you know python/sql and have access to these tools then power query becomes obsolete. You can do whatever you want to do in sql/python

[Ugk]

I tried to explain the difference of SQL and Excel (Power Query) to my boss today. He can’t understand that why the two technologies have different methods of extracting data. He has good motivation but He wants SQL to behave like Excel. 😂

[aleksandrm.]

David, thanks! Great comparison of the tools, but IMHO the topic wouldn't be fully covered without mentioning about Query folding - a mechanism of translating M code into SQL. It passes data processing from a client machine to a server side

[alexification]

I like power queries, but i really wish it wasn't so hard to get direct access to the database at my job. I have made some really cool reports, however this involves me downloading an excel or csv file from our reporting system, uploading it to the correct SharePoint folders. Then running the queries to transform the data locally. With most most of my time being used just waiting for a csv file to download.

[crispindeleon]

I subbed. But for now and will be chasing after anything sql related. Thanks a bunch bro!

[shout-style]

Amazingly well explained. love your videos. You should have a lot more views!!!

[viktor]

Very good info. Thanks for your video.

[ankitjangid]

I have a humongous file which takes forever to transform in Power query. So my question is is Python faster than power query in data transformation? And how compatible is power query's code with Python's code?

[kevinsotorecabarren]

Great video and explanation! thanks 😁👍🏻

[goodyearspokane]

In Power Query I really miss the SQL CASE statement but Power Query is so much better than SQL if you have to pivot the data especially dynamic pivot

[jimmychangtiunnkunui]

Pure SQL skill might be limited to the various data sources.
However, mostly SQL users also know how to do ETL.

[MathCuriousity]

Any chance you may a do a playlist on learning python for beginners (and in the context of excel and sql or excel and power query)?

[jasongins]

I have access to the ERP database, but it is not an SQL database. Rather, it is a ProvideX database (Sage 100). Thus far, I've gotten by with exporting tables via ODBC connection to power query or MS Access. I am interested in learning SQL, is it possible to use MySQL or similar with a setup like this? I have been learning some Python as well ( with your series if course, ).

[JoseCastillo-ypfn]

Do you thing Python will be available inside Power Query for Excel anytime soon as seen in Power BI.

[markk]

I dont understand the title: SQL works with databases, PowerQuery is unique to MS's attempt to corner the market on data flow.

[christophernazareno]

If I may ask, is SQL faster in refresh rate than PowerQuery?