What is the use of the "Select Related Table" option while importing data from SQL Server?

The "Select Related Table" option is designed to enhance the data import process by fetching tables that have a physical relationship with the table you are initially selecting. When you use this option, Power BI analyzes the underlying data model and relationships defined in the SQL Server database. By focusing on physically related tables, it allows for a more comprehensive data model, ensuring that all relevant data is collected based on established relationships such as foreign keys.

This capability is particularly useful because it helps users avoid having to manually identify and import each related table, which can be time-consuming and prone to error. Instead, by automatically importing related tables, users can build a more robust data model that reflects the interconnectedness of data entities, leading to more insightful analysis and reporting.

In contrast, other options do not accurately represent this feature's purpose. Importing tables with similar schemas doesn't guarantee relevance to the selected table, and while the option may limit excess imports, its primary function is the inclusion of related tables. Lastly, the selection does not specifically indicate that views associated with the selected tables will be included, as the focus is primarily on physical relationships defined within the database.