Resources

PQM.guide wouldn't exist without the work of many people across the Power Query community. This page highlights tools, references, and learning materials that we think every M developer should know about.

Tools

PQLint.com

An automated linter for Power Query M code. Paste in your query and get instant feedback on best practices — from consolidating type changes to avoiding query-folding pitfalls. Many of the best-practice tips throughout PQM.guide were informed by PQLint's rule set.

TMDL VS Code Extension

Microsoft's official VS Code extension for working with Tabular Model Definition Language (TMDL) files. Includes M code syntax highlighting, autocomplete, diagnostics, hover info, and formatting for Power Query expressions embedded in TMDL documents — making VS Code a first-class editor for M code.

Learning

Power Query M Primer — Ben Gribaudo

A comprehensive multi-part blog series that walks through the M language from the ground up. Covers everything from simple expressions and let blocks to advanced topics like type system internals, metadata, and custom connectors. If you want to truly understand M rather than just copy-paste snippets, this is the place to start.

MQuery Game — Štěpán Rešl

An interactive browser-based game for learning the M language. Practice writing Power Query expressions through hands-on challenges that progressively build your skills — a fun alternative to reading documentation.

Official Power Query M Reference — Microsoft Learn

The official language specification and function reference from Microsoft. PQM.guide builds on top of this documentation by adding visual examples and community-sourced best practices, but the official docs remain the authoritative source for language semantics.

The BIccountant — Imke Feldmann

A long-running blog packed with advanced Power Query techniques, creative M solutions, and deep dives into real-world data transformation challenges. Imke's posts frequently explore lesser-known M patterns and push the boundaries of what's possible in Power Query.

Books

M Is for (Data) Monkey — Ken Puls & Miguel Escobar

A beginner-friendly guide to Power Query that introduces M through practical, hands-on examples. Covers the fundamentals of transforming and shaping data in Excel and Power BI, making it an excellent starting point for anyone new to the language.

The Definitive Guide to Power Query (M) — Greg Deckler, Rick de Groot & Melissa de Korte

A thorough reference covering M from foundational concepts through advanced patterns. Ideal for users who want to go beyond the UI and write M code directly, with in-depth coverage of functions, types, error handling, and query optimization.

YouTube Channels

Guy in a Cube — Adam Saxton & Patrick LeBlanc

Weekly Power BI videos covering everything from Power Query transformations and M code to DAX, report design, and the Power BI service. One of the longest-running and most-watched Power BI channels on YouTube, with deep dives and live Q&A sessions.

Goodly — Chandeep Chhabra

Clear, practical Power BI and Power Query tutorials aimed at analysts who want to level up quickly. Covers M code, data modeling, and DAX with an emphasis on real business use cases.

Blogs

Chris Webb's BI Blog

One of the most technically deep Power Query blogs in the community. Chris Webb has been writing about Power Query since its earliest days and covers query folding behavior, M language internals, performance gotchas, and advanced connector patterns in detail that you won't find anywhere else. An essential reference for understanding why things work the way they do in Power Query.

Gorilla.bi — Rick de Groot

A well-organized Power BI and Power Query blog with searchable function references, technique breakdowns, and practical tutorials. Rick's articles are detailed and consistently well-explained, making it a reliable reference whether you're debugging a formula or learning a new pattern.