What does the 'Applied Steps' area in the Query Editor window record?

The 'Applied Steps' area in the Query Editor window records the sequence of steps applied to the data source. This feature is a vital part of the data preparation process in Power BI and allows users to see a chronological list of transformations and modifications they've made to the dataset.

Each step represents a specific action taken in the data import or transformation process, such as filtering rows, changing data types, or merging tables. This sequential log not only provides a clear path of how the data is shaped but also allows users to modify or remove individual steps without losing the entire context of their data transformation process. Being able to review and manage these steps is key for ensuring data integrity and enhancing troubleshooting capabilities.

In contrast, aspects such as only recording the final data result or changes to visualizations do not capture the transformation journey, while simply noting the number of rows in the table lacks relevance to the comprehensive transformation process that the 'Applied Steps' area provides.