Training: Mastering the M language in Power Query

Ref. MLMPQ

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Duration:

1

day

Exam:

Not certifying

Level:

Advanced

Funding:

Temptraining

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M Language Training in Power Query

This intensive one-day training provides you with the essential tools to master the M language, the must-have tool for optimizing your data in Power Query, Excel, and Power BI. You will learn how to create advanced queries, efficiently manipulate your data, and automate complex processes. Through practical exercises, you will discover how to structure your scripts, optimize performance, and solve real-world challenges. Whether you are an analyst or a developer, this training will help you turn your skills into a true productivity driver.

Participant profiles

Data analysts
BI developers
Advanced users of Excel and Power BI
Professionals wishing to quickly deepen their Power Query skills

Objectives

Understand the syntax and structure of the M language
Write custom M queries in the advanced editor
Manipulate different types of data (lists, tables, records)
Create custom functions in M
Optimise queries for better performance

Prerequisites

Good command of Excel or Power BI
Basic knowledge of Power Query
Programming skills (an asset but not compulsory)

Course content

Fundamentals of the M language

Module 1: Introduction to Power Query and the M language

Presentation of Power Query and its role in ETL
Structure of an M query (let…in)

Module 2: Basic syntax and data types

Data types in M
Operators and expressions
Creating and manipulating variables

Module 3: Handling lists and tables

Essential functions for lists
Operations on tables (filtering, sorting, grouping)

Module 4: Essential built-in functions

Text functions
Date and time functions
Mathematical and statistical functions

Advanced techniques and practice

Module 5: Creating custom functions

Syntax of M functions
Function parameters and returns
Practical examples of custom functions

Module 6: Parameterised queries and error handling

Creating queries with parameters
Error handling techniques in M

Module 7: Optimising performance

Best practices for efficient queries
Techniques for optimising M code

Module 8: Practical exercises

Application of the concepts learned to real-life scenarios

Documentation

Detailed course material
Summary sheets of the main M functions
Practical exercises and corrections

Complementary courses

Temptraining funding

ITTA is a partner of Temptraining, the continuing education fund for temporary workers. This training fund can subsidize continuing education for anyone who works for an employer subject to the Collective Work Agreement (CCT) Rental of services.

Additional information

Become an expert in the M language for Power Query.

The M language is much more than just a data transformation tool. It represents an essential step for anyone using Power Query in Excel or Power BI. This language allows you to automate workflows, optimize queries, and interact with your data in advanced ways. Whether you are a beginner or experienced, mastering the M language is a valuable skill for effectively managing your data processing and analysis projects.

M language and Power Query: a powerful combination.

Specifically designed for Power Query, the M language is a flexible and efficient tool. With its clear syntax and advanced functionalities, it simplifies data cleaning, transformation, and modeling. For example, users can handle large tables, manage complex lists, or apply conditional transformations. This intuitive and modular approach makes it an ideal choice for analysts and developers.

From theory to practice: excel with real-world scenarios.

The best way to understand the M language is by applying it to real-life cases. For instance, learn to automate Excel reports, clean up databases in just a few clicks, or integrate parameterized queries into your Power BI projects. These practical exercises go beyond theory: they help you solve concrete problems and develop genuine expertise in data manipulation.

Optimize your queries with M language best practices.

Once familiar with the M language, optimizing your queries becomes essential. By adopting best practices, you can reduce data processing time and ensure reliable results. For instance, simplifying steps in your scripts or using direct references improves not only performance but also the readability of your code.

Frequently asked questions

What language does Power Query use?

Power Query uses the M language. This language, developed by Microsoft, is specifically designed for managing data transformation and manipulation. It is integrated into tools like Excel and Power BI.

What language is used in Power Query?

The primary language for writing queries in Power Query is the M language. It provides a simple and efficient syntax for handling complex data.

What is the preferred language in Power Query?

The M language is the preferred language for Power Query users. It enables automation of data flows and customization of transformations according to specific needs.

Which Excel version supports Power Query?

Power Query is natively integrated into Excel starting from the 2016 version. For earlier versions (2010 and 2013), it can be used by downloading a free add-in provided by Microsoft.