A DAX function available only inside visual calculations. It fetches the value at the start of one axis of the visual's matrix, which makes it handy for comparing each point with the first; its opposite is LAST.
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In the Ultra Transcenders books
Each book explains FIRST in context, with comparison tables and the common traps.
Terms in this definition
- DAX
Short for Data Analysis Expressions, the formula language you write measures, calculated columns and row-level security rules in, within tabular semantic models in Power BI, Excel Power Pivot or Analysis Services.
- Matrix
Like a table, but able to lay values out in stepped form over several dimensions, total them automatically and drill down through hierarchies; a Power BI visual.
- LAST
Restricted to visual calculations, this DAX function reads a value from the final position along one of the visual's axes. Writing INDEX(-1) gives the same result.
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- ALLEXCEPT
Clears every context filter from a table except the ones placed on columns you list. In this DAX function, the first argument must be a base table and the rest must be columns belonging to it.
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