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· 45 min watch
James Broome By James Broome Director of Engineering

In this session from SQLBits 2024, learn how to improve your data quality by implementing testing strategies for notebooks, data pipelines, and Power BI Reports.

About this talk

SQLBits 2024

In this comprehensive session, discover how to ensure accuracy and reliability in your data projects by implementing testing methodologies for notebooks, pipelines, and Power BI reports.

James Broome, Director of Engineering, explores real-world examples from dozens of endjin's data & analytics projects; teaching techniques like unit testing in Fabric Notebooks, snapshot testing for ETL processes in Synapse Pipelines, and user acceptance testing for Power BI models. Learn to avoid common pitfalls and enhance your data practices with effective testing strategies.

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction and Context
  • 00:16 The Importance of Accurate Data Reporting
  • 01:53 Challenges in Data Testing
  • 03:40 Common Excuses for Lack of Testing
  • 05:29 Levels of Software Testing
  • 08:23 Unit Testing with Fabric Notebooks
  • 11:28 Refactoring for Testability
  • 19:09 Integration Testing with Pipelines
  • 22:45 Testing Pipeline Behaviour with Valid and Invalid Data
  • 23:40 Running and Monitoring Pipeline Tests
  • 25:21 Snapshot Testing for Data Validation
  • 31:05 User Acceptance Testing in Power BI
  • 33:51 Creating Executable Specifications with Gherkin
  • 34:40 Building Dynamic DAX Queries for Testing
  • 37:18 Testing Power BI Reports Locally and in the Cloud
  • 43:17 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
About the presenter

James Broome

Director of Engineering

James Broome

James has spent 20+ years delivering high quality software solutions addressing global business problems, with teams and clients across 3 continents. As Director of Engineering at endjin, he leads the team in providing technology strategy, data insights and engineering support to organisations of all sizes - from disruptive B2C start-ups, to global financial institutions. He's responsible for the success of our customer-facing project delivery, as well as the capability and growth of our delivery team.