For a visual that requires real-time data, what type of data source is recommended in Power BI?

When a visual in Power BI requires real-time data, the recommended data source is a streaming dataset. Streaming datasets are designed to handle data that updates continuously, allowing you to visualize data as it arrives. This capability is crucial for scenarios where immediate insights are necessary, such as monitoring IoT device metrics, tracking social media trends, or keeping tabs on sales transactions in real time.

The nature of a streaming dataset supports continuous data input and is optimized for high-frequency updates, which is essential for maintaining an accurate and current visual representation. As new data flows in, it can be displayed instantly in your Power BI reports or dashboards, keeping viewers informed with the latest information without the delay that other dataset types might introduce.

In contrast, static datasets are fixed and do not update after creation, making them unsuitable for real-time applications. Historical datasets are used to analyze data over time but are based on past information rather than continuous updates. Aggregated datasets summarize data and may not capture the nuances of real-time changes, thus lacking the immediacy required for real-time scenarios.