What differentiates direct query from import mode in Power BI?

The distinction between direct query and import mode in Power BI primarily revolves around how data is accessed and updated during the reporting process. When using direct query, the connection to the data source is live, allowing users to interact with the data in real-time. This means that any changes made to the underlying data source are immediately reflected in the Power BI report, providing up-to-the-minute insights.

In contrast, import mode operates by taking a snapshot of the data from the source at a specific point in time. When data is imported, it is loaded into Power BI's in-memory storage, enabling fast query performance, but any updates to the original data source require the dataset to be refreshed in Power BI to reflect those changes. This results in potential delays in data visibility and is particularly relevant when working with data that changes frequently.

Therefore, the correct answer highlights the functional differences between how both modes manage data updates: direct query provides live access to data, while import mode captures a static snapshot until it is refreshed.