The M Language training takes you from Power Query graphical user to expert capable of writing and modifying directly the underlying M code. Over a full day, you discover M syntax, data types, key functions, custom function writing and query optimization. A rare and strategic skill for advanced data analysts in French speaking Switzerland.
Become a true Power Query expert by mastering the code that powers the tool
For advanced Power Query users, M language opens possibilities impossible via the graphical interface: complex conditional transformations, reusable custom functions, performance optimizations.
Fundamentals of the M language
Module 1: Introduction to Power Query and the M language
Module 2: Basic syntax and data types
Module 3: Handling lists and tables
Module 4: Essential built-in functions
Advanced techniques and practice
Module 5: Creating custom functions
Module 6: Parameterised queries and error handling
Module 7: Optimising performance
Module 8: Practical exercises
The Power Query graphical interface covers 80% of needs. But for the remaining 20% (complex conditional transformations, custom functions, performance optimization, advanced manipulations), you need to enter the M language. The M Language training delivers these keys in one intensive day.
The training starts with the fundamental M syntax. let / in structure, variable declaration, expressions, operators. You learn to read and understand M code automatically generated by the graphical interface.
The M language relies on three key structured types: table (Excel sheet equivalent), list (value list), record (row equivalent with named fields). The training details each type’s logic, associated functions and conversions between types.
The training reviews the most used M functions: Table.SelectRows, Table.Group, List.Transform, Record.Field, Text.Combine.
You then learn to write your own custom M functions, reusable across multiple queries.
Power Query queries can become slow on large volumes. The training ends with optimization techniques: step ordering, query folding, unnecessary load limitation, memory management.
The M Language training is designed for data analysts, expert management controllers, data engineers and any confirmed Power Query profile wanting to move to the next level.
At ITTA centers in Carouge and Le Flon, this M Language training runs over one intensive day with an expert instructor and a limited group.
What is the M language?
The M language is the underlying code of Power Query. Any query created graphically is in fact M code.
Do I need to know Power Query before this M Language training?
Yes, solid mastery of graphical Power Query is essential.
Is M language difficult to learn?
More complex than the graphical interface, but simpler than VBA or Python. A structured day allows acquiring the basics.
What can you do with M that’s not possible in the graphical interface?
Complex conditional transformations, reusable custom functions, performance optimizations, very targeted manipulations of complex structures.
Is this M Language training available in person?
Yes, at the ITTA center in Carouge in Geneva, at Le Flon in Lausanne and in a virtual classroom.
What time is needed to reach a good M level?
The basics are acquired in a structured day.
Does the M language replace VBA or Python?
No, M is specialized in data transformations. VBA remains useful to automate Excel broadly, Python for advanced statistical analyses.
Confirmed PowerQuery users wanting to surpass graphical interface and master M language for advanced transformations, custom functions and optimizations. In Geneva and Lausanne, the course welcomes participants from international organizations, banking, consulting and growing SMEs. No specific prerequisite is required other than a concrete willingness to progress on the subject.
You leave with an operational mastery of the fundamentals, reusable canvases on your concrete cases, a structured action plan for the weeks that follow. Many participants report a visible effect from the first week back, with sustainable anchoring over four to six weeks of regular practice. The course combines short theory inputs, practical exercises on your real situations and personalized trainer debrief.
A BI analyst creating reusable custom M functions. A functional developer optimizing complex M queries for performance gain. A consultant integrating dynamic parameters in transformations. The course adapts exercises to your context with personalized trainer feedback, and each participant leaves with an action plan calibrated to their own situation.
This training combines well with PowerQuery Fundamentals for bases, Power BI for result visualization, and Microsoft Data Analyst certifications to go further. Many participants enroll in one of these courses in the following trimester, according to their current priority and professional context.
M language is PowerQuery foundation, accessible to advanced users wanting to unlock use cases that graphical interface does not cover. Mastering M opens major possibilities: custom functions, dynamic parameterization, optimization, integration with other Microsoft tools.
Most participants report a noticeable effect from the first week of return, with deeper anchoring over four to six weeks of regular practice on real files. The course closes with a personalized practice plan calibrated on your professional context, including milestones and review prompts to ensure the techniques become permanent rather than fading after a few weeks.
At ITTA centers in Geneva and Lausanne, this course runs in a small group with an expert trainer and a format alternating concise theory, practical exercises and personalized debrief. Group confidentiality is explicit and held. Each participant arrives with a real case and leaves with an action plan calibrated to their context. The course integrates recent evolutions of the domain (digital tools, hybrid formats, 2025-2026 practices) without losing focus on fundamentals.
Need to be PowerQuery expert?
Yes, this course supposes mastery of PowerQuery graphical interface.
Does it cover performance optimization?
Yes, performance best practices (folding, types, parallelism) are treated.
Is M still relevant vs Python/SQL?
Yes, in Microsoft Excel/Power BI contexts where M is native.
Where do sessions take place?
ITTA has three centers in French speaking Switzerland: in Geneva (Carouge, Route des Jeunes 35), in Lausanne at the Flon (Rue des Cotes de Montbenon 16) and at Lausanne Mon-Repos (Avenue de Mon-repos 24). The training is also available in virtual classroom.
Monday to Friday
8:30 AM to 6:00 PM
Tel. 058 307 73 00
ITTA
Route des jeunes 35
1227 Carouge, Suisse
Monday to Friday, from 8:30 am to 06:00 pm.
