To become a Power BI developer, you’ll need a combination of software tools, resources, and platforms to design, develop, and maintain Power BI solutions. Here is a list of essential tools and resources you will need:

1. Power BI Desktop:
   • This is the primary development tool for Power BI. It allows you to create reports and dashboards, connect to data sources, and build data models.
2. Power BI Service:
   • The online service where you can publish, share, and collaborate on Power BI reports and dashboards with others. You’ll need a Microsoft account (such as a Microsoft 365 or Power BI Pro license) to use this service.
3. Data Sources:
   • Depending on your specific projects, you may need tools to access and manipulate various data sources, including databases (SQL Server, MySQL, Oracle), Excel, SharePoint, web services, and more.
4. Power Query:
   • This is a data transformation and cleansing tool within Power BI Desktop. It helps you extract, transform, and load (ETL) data from different sources.
5. DAX Studio:
   • DAX Studio is a third-party tool that assists with writing and debugging Data Analysis Expressions (DAX) formulas. It can be very helpful for complex calculations.
6. SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS):
   • If you work with SQL Server databases, SSMS is a valuable tool for managing databases, writing SQL queries, and designing database schemas.
7. Visual Studio Code (VS Code):
   • While not mandatory, some Power BI developers use VS Code with Power Query and DAX extensions for enhanced development and debugging.
8. Version Control System:
   • Implement version control for your Power BI projects using tools like Git or Azure DevOps. This helps you manage changes, collaborate with a team, and track revisions.
9. Microsoft Excel:
   • Excel can be useful for data preparation, analysis, and data modeling, especially if your data sources are Excel files.
10. Azure Data Services (optional):
    • Depending on your project requirements, you might need to work with Microsoft Azure services like Azure Data Factory, Azure Data Lake Storage, or Azure SQL Database.
11. Online Learning Resources:
    • Access online courses, tutorials, and documentation from Microsoft and other educational platforms to learn Power BI development.
12. Community Resources:
    • Join online communities, forums, and social media groups related to Power BI. These can provide valuable insights, support, and answers to your questions.
13. Microsoft Power BI Documentation:
    • The official documentation from Microsoft is an essential resource for learning and troubleshooting Power BI.
14. Power BI Community Forums:
    • Participate in the Power BI Community Forums to ask questions, share knowledge, and learn from other Power BI developers.
15. Certification Resources:
    • If you plan to pursue Power BI certifications, you’ll need access to exam guides, practice tests, and study materials.
16. Sample Data:
    • Utilize sample datasets to practice and develop your Power BI skills. Microsoft provides some sample datasets for this purpose.
17. Text Editor:
    • You’ll need a text editor or integrated development environment (IDE) to work with code, such as DAX formulas or M code in Power Query. VS Code is a popular choice, but other editors can also work.

Remember that the specific tools you need may vary depending on your projects and job requirements, so it’s a good idea to adapt your toolkit as you gain experience and encounter different scenarios in Power BI development.