Before we detail the step-by-step process, let's take a brief journey into the world of MySQL and Power BI. These two tools have revolutionized the way we derive meaning from data. Let's understand the reasons why you might want to connect them.
Introduction to Power BI and MySQL
Want to know the advantages of connecting Power BI to MySQL? We've brought some reasons for you, come check it out!
In-depth Analysis: By connecting Power BI to MySQL, you can turn your raw data into valuable insights by visualizing them in ways that are more understandable and actionable.
Real-Time Updates: Once connected, you can set up Power BI to automatically update your reports and dashboards, ensuring you always have the latest information at your disposal.
Seamless Integration: Both tools are widely used and well-documented, making integration between them relatively simple and straightforward.
Flexibility: With Power BI, you can customize your reports and dashboards to meet your specific needs, while MySQL offers the flexibility to store and manage your data as you wish.
Security: Both Power BI and MySQL have robust security features. By connecting them, you can ensure that your data is transmitted and accessed securely.
Collaboration: With Power BI, it's easy to share reports and insights with colleagues, allowing for more collaborative and informed decision-making.
Now that we have a clear understanding of what each platform offers, let's go to the step-by-step!
Centralizing Data in MySQL with Kondado
3. Creating your first integration: Now that your data destination and data sources are registered, you can create your first integration by following the platform onboarding steps.
Connecting MySQL to Power BI
Open Power BI Desktop on your computer and on the Power BI home screen, click on “Get Data”.
In the window that opens, you can choose to go to the search section, on the upper left side, and look for “MySQL” or select “Database” and then “MySQL”. The first option is shown in the image.
Click on “Connect”.
Enter the connection details and then click on “OK”.
In the “Server” field, enter the MySQL server address. If you are using a specific port, enter it after the server address, separated by a comma (for example: 189.168.222.188,3306).
In the “Database” field, enter the name of the database you want to connect to.
In the authentication window, to establish the connection, you can choose between clicking on “Windows” and then on “Use alternative credentials” or clicking on “Database”, located below the “Windows” option.
Enter your MySQL username and password. After this, click on “Connect”.
The image above shows the first option.
Navigate and select the data. Once connected, you will see a list of all the tables available in the selected database.
Select the tables or views you want to import and click on “Load”.
Transform and model your data (if necessary).
Done! Your MySQL database is now integrated with Power BI, allowing you to explore, analyze, and visualize your data in a more efficient and intuitive way.
Connect MySQL to Power BI with Kondado
Centralize source data in MySQL using Kondado, then connect MySQL to Power BI to build interactive dashboards.
Register MySQL as a destination in Kondado
Log in to Kondado and add your MySQL database as a destination, providing host, port, credentials, and database name.
Create your data sources in Kondado
Configure the sources you want to extract from — ads platforms, CRM, e-commerce, ERPs — so Kondado can replicate them into MySQL at the frequency you choose.
Build your first pipeline into MySQL
Create a pipeline from each source to MySQL. Choose incremental or full replication based on what the source connector supports.
Install the MySQL Connector/NET
Download and install Oracle MySQL Connector/NET version 8.0.27 from the official MySQL website so Power BI Desktop can talk to MySQL.
Connect Power BI Desktop to MySQL
In Power BI, click Get Data > MySQL database, enter the server and database (append ,port if you don't use 3306), choose Windows or Database authentication, and load the tables you need.
Build and share your dashboards
Model the data, create the visuals you need, and publish the report to Power BI Service. Set scheduled refreshes so dashboards reflect the latest data Kondado has loaded into MySQL.
Frequently asked questions
189.168.222.188,3306). This is useful when your MySQL instance isn't on the default port 3306.