What does the "Data View" in Power BI Desktop allow you to do?

The "Data View" in Power BI Desktop is designed specifically for users to interact with the underlying data tables of their models. This view provides a grid-like interface where you can see the data in a tabular format, allowing for detailed analysis of the data itself. Users can manipulate the data by creating new calculated columns, measures, and even editing data types, which further enhances their ability to prepare the data for reporting.

This is crucial for ensuring that the data analysts or modelers have a comprehensive understanding of the dataset they are working with, making it easier to identify any issues or trends. It supports data exploration and refinement before it is presented visually in reports.

In contrast, the other options involve different functionalities within Power BI. Designing reports visually pertains to the "Report View," analyzing report performance involves tools available in the "Performance Analyzer," and publishing reports online is related to the deployment of reports, typically done via the Power BI service. Each of these functions serves a unique purpose and does not overlap with the specific capabilities that the Data View offers.