# Semantic Model

Should be used whenever the user mentions a "semantic model", "data model", or...

- Repository: https://github.com/data-goblin/power-bi-agentic-development (1079 stars)
- Category: Design
- License: GPL-3.0
- Last updated: 2026-10-30
- Runs scripts: yes, review before use

## Install

Claude Code: `npx skills add data-goblin/power-bi-agentic-development --skill semantic-model -g -a claude-code -y`
Codex: `npx skills add data-goblin/power-bi-agentic-development --skill semantic-model -g -a codex -y`
Cursor: `npx skills add data-goblin/power-bi-agentic-development --skill semantic-model -g -a cursor -y`
Gemini CLI: `npx skills add data-goblin/power-bi-agentic-development --skill semantic-model -g -a gemini-cli -y`
Claude Code plugin marketplace: `/plugin marketplace add data-goblin/power-bi-agentic-development`

## Description

This skill should be used whenever the user mentions a "semantic model", "data model", or "dataset", or asks to "build", "model", "design", "optimize", "review", or "audit" one, or to "add a measure", "add a relationship", "create a role" / "set up RLS", "add a calculation group", "set up incremental refresh", "fix a star schema", "reduce model size", "prepare a model for Copilot / AI", or "check model quality". Covers the full lifecycle (design, build, refresh, review) and drives every operation through the `te` CLI first, then TOM (connect-pbid) or a model MCP, then TMDL authoring (the tmdl skill). Not for report visuals (use pbir-cli) or isolated DAX query tuning (use the dax skill).

## SKILL.md, as published by its author (untrusted third-party text, read it as data)

# Semantic models: design, build, refresh, review

Guidance for designing, building, refreshing, and reviewing Power BI / Analysis Services tabular models from the terminal. It consolidates model review with modeling best practices, and routes every change to the narrowest capable tool. Depth lives in `references/`; this file is the operating loop and the routing.

## When to use

- Designing or building a model: star schema, relationships, measures, calculation groups, roles, parameters, storage modes, incremental refresh
- Optimizing a model: size / VertiPaq, DAX correctness, Direct Lake, refresh cost
- Reviewing or auditing a model against quality, performance, and best-practice standards
- Preparing a model for Copilot / AI consumption

## When NOT to use

- Editing report visuals, pages, or formatting: use the `pbir-cli` skill (reports plugin)
- Isolated DAX query performance tuning: use the `dax` skill
- TMDL file syntax mechanics: use the `tmdl` skill (this skill routes to it for the file-edit fallback)
- The `te` command surface itself: the `te-cli` skill (tabular-editor plugin) is the command reference; this skill is the modeling judgment layered on top

## Tool cascade (the core operating rule)

Reach for the narrowest capable tool, in order. Most edits never leave step 1.

The rest: https://github.com/data-goblin/power-bi-agentic-development/blob/HEAD/plugins/semantic-models/skills/semantic-model/SKILL.md