Tabular model creates two databases using visual studio

ChoudaryR-6454 120

Hello Experts,

When I use the visual studio to deploy my tabular model it creates two databases. It looks like both databases have the exact same copies. I am not sure which one to use. Can you give me some insights on this. Do we know why there two databases created and what is the use case with the two databases.
Thank you!

VasimTamboli 4,915 Reputation points

2023-06-02T15:25:29.8766667+00:00

When deploying a tabular model using Visual Studio to Azure Analysis Services, it is expected behavior to see two databases created. These databases serve different purposes and have distinct functionalities. Let me explain them to you:

Model Database: The first database is the "Model Database." This database contains the actual tabular model that you have developed. It includes all the data, tables, relationships, measures, calculations, and other model artifacts. This is the database you interact with when querying and analyzing your data using tools like Power BI or Excel connected to Azure Analysis Services. You can process this database to load and refresh data.

Semantic Database: The second database is the "Semantic Database." This database is automatically generated by Azure Analysis Services based on your tabular model in the Model Database. It is a simplified and optimized version of your model that is used to provide fast query performance and efficient storage. The Semantic Database serves as an intermediate layer between your queries and the underlying data in the Model Database, improving query response time.

The reason for having two databases is to provide a separation of concerns. The Model Database contains the complete model, including all the data and calculations, which may be larger and require more resources. On the other hand, the Semantic Database is optimized for query performance, making it more efficient for end-users to retrieve data.

To summarize, you should use the Model Database when working on your tabular model, making changes, and processing data. The Semantic Database is used behind the scenes by Azure Analysis Services to provide fast query performance to end-users.

I hope this clarifies the purpose of the two databases. If you have any further questions, feel free to ask!

Accepted answer

Bhargava-MSFT 31,011 Reputation points Microsoft Employee

2023-06-02T21:13:23.55+00:00

Hello ChoudaryR-6454,

Can you please confirm if you have selected the "workspace server" and provided the analysis service name during the creation of the visual studio project?

If this is the case, this is expected behavior when selecting the workspace server. This is because the workspace server option allows you to deploy the model database to a remote Analysis Services instance.

To avoid this database on the analysis services, please select Integrated Workspace.

A similar thread has been discussed below:

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/1290916/processing-aas-tabular-model-in-visual-studio-resu

I hope this helps. Please let me know if you have any further questions.
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1 person found this answer helpful.
Bhargava-MSFT 31,011 Reputation points Microsoft Employee

2023-06-05T16:21:25.73+00:00

Hello ChoudaryR-6454,

I am checking to see if the above answer is helpful. Let us know if you have any further questions.

If this answers your question, please consider accepting the answer by hitting the Accept answer and up-vote as it helps the community look for answers to similar questions.

ChoudaryR-6454 120 Reputation points

2023-06-07T19:21:37.3266667+00:00

Thank you.
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