Power BI TMDL View: Benefits, Security Risks & Best Practices


 

The Tabular Model Definition Language (TMDL) provides a simpler way of defining Power BI Semantic Models. Unlike the JSON-based Tabular Model Scripting Language (TMSL), TMDL uses a more accessible tab-based format for specifying DAX measures, relationships, and Power Query code.

Figure 1 – Example of TMDL format Benefits of Using TMDL View

In January 2025, Microsoft introduced the TMDL View, which makes it easier for pro-code developers who use conventional programming languages with semantic models to share and reuse TMDL. With the click of the “Apply” button (see Figure 2), you can update the model. If you’ve ever had to