How to Connect ParadeDB to Power BI in PostgreSQL

Galaxy Glossary

How do I connect ParadeDB to Power BI?

Connect ParadeDB (PostgreSQL-compatible) to Microsoft Power BI using the built-in PostgreSQL connector or Npgsql.

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Description

Why connect ParadeDB to Power BI?

Power BI turns ParadeDB’s transactional data into interactive dashboards without data exports. DirectQuery keeps visuals live; Import boosts speed for static reports.

What prerequisites must be met?

• ParadeDB running and reachable on port 5432.
• A read-only PostgreSQL user.
• SSL certificate if remote.
• Latest Npgsql provider (≥5.0) installed on the workstation.

How do I enable connections in ParadeDB?

Edit postgresql.conf to set listen_addresses = '*'; update pg_hba.conf with:
hostssl all powerbi_user 0.0.0.0/0 md5. Restart ParadeDB: sudo systemctl restart paradedb.

How do I build the connection string?

Use Power BI’s “PostgreSQL database” connector or “ODBC” if Npgsql isn’t detected. Example string:

Server=parade-prod.acme.com;Database=ecommerce;Port=5432;User Id=powerbi_user;Password=$ecret;SSL Mode=Require;

How do I connect in Power BI Desktop?

1. Home → Get Data → Database → PostgreSQL.
2. Enter server & database; choose DirectQuery or Import.
3. Click “Advanced options” to paste custom SQL if desired.
4. Select authentication → Database; supply credentials; connect.

How do I verify with a sample query?

After connection, Navigator shows tables. Choose “Orders”. In the Power Query editor, open “Advanced Editor” and paste the example query below to confirm data retrieval.

What are best practices?

• Grant read-only roles.
• Use views to simplify complex joins.
• Index filter columns to accelerate DirectQuery.
• Schedule data-refresh windows during off-peak hours.

How do I troubleshoot connection errors?

• Error "provider not found" → install Npgsql.
• Error 28000 → verify pg_hba.conf order.
• Timeout → check firewall or VPN split-tunnel.

Can I limit what Power BI sees?

Create a schema bi, move approved views into it, and revoke usage on others:
REVOKE ALL ON SCHEMA public FROM powerbi_user;
GRANT USAGE ON SCHEMA bi TO powerbi_user;

Why How to Connect ParadeDB to Power BI in PostgreSQL is important

How to Connect ParadeDB to Power BI in PostgreSQL Example Usage


// Paste in Power BI ‘Advanced options > SQL statement’
SELECT p.name       AS product,
       SUM(oi.quantity) AS units_sold,
       SUM(oi.quantity * p.price) AS revenue
FROM   OrderItems oi
JOIN   Products p ON p.id = oi.product_id
GROUP  BY p.name
ORDER  BY revenue DESC
LIMIT  10;

How to Connect ParadeDB to Power BI in PostgreSQL Syntax


-- Basic ParadeDB connection syntax for Power BI
Server=<hostname or IP>;                -- parade-prod.acme.com
Database=<database_name>;               -- ecommerce
Port=<port>;                            -- usually 5432
User Id=<username>;                     -- powerbi_user
Password=<password>;                    -- strong password
SSL Mode=<Require|Disable>;             -- Require for TLS
Command Timeout=<seconds>;              -- optional, e.g., 300

-- Optional: use custom SQL for import
SELECT o.id,
       c.name AS customer_name,
       o.order_date,
       o.total_amount,
       SUM(oi.quantity) AS total_items
FROM   Orders o
JOIN   Customers c   ON c.id = o.customer_id
JOIN   OrderItems oi ON oi.order_id = o.id
GROUP  BY o.id, c.name, o.order_date, o.total_amount;

Common Mistakes

Using Windows authentication: ParadeDB only supports database authentication. Switch to Database auth in Power BI and supply the PostgreSQL username/password.
Leaving ‘Allow public schema’ permissions: Power BI can read all tables. Revoke public privileges and grant schema-level access to avoid data leaks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does ParadeDB work with Power BI Service?

Yes. Configure an On-Premises Data Gateway pointing to ParadeDB and replicate the same connection string used in Desktop.

Can I use DirectQuery?

DirectQuery works but performance depends on indexing and network latency. Consider Import for heavy aggregations.

Is SSL required?

Power BI defaults to SSL if the server supports it. Set SSL Mode=Require to enforce encrypted traffic.

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