Using MDX

Advanced users can use MDX to create customized structure filters, text filters and sorts. They can be used instead of the in-built functionality of the List Designer or can be combined with it. For example, you might use structure selection in the List Designer to structure a list, but use an MDX statement to sort it.

The MDX functions, EXCEPT, INTERSECT and UNION in the MDXType list are used to specify how custom MDX statements are combined with the List Designer. To use the List Designer or MDX exclusively, select Use list definition or Use custom MDX.

This example is based on the Best Practices sample database supplied with Application Studio, see Connecting to the sample database.

To use MDX:

Drag the Product dimension onto the worksheet to create a hyperblock.
Select the hyperblock to enable the List Designer.
In the Custom MDX field, of the Advanced pane, specify:="[Product].[All Tires].[Car Tires Winter]".
In the Filter pane of the List Designer, create this filter: Caption=Summer Tires.
In the MDXType list in the Advanced pane, select Use list definition.

In View mode the report displays only Summer Tires.
Select Use custom MDX.
In View mode the report displays only Winter Tires.
Select UNION.
In View mode the report displays Summer Tires and Winter Tires (the UNION function creates a logical OR relationship).
Select EXCEPT.
View Mode shows Summer Tires (the EXCEPT function subtracts the MDX selection from the List Designer selection).
Select INTERSECT.
View Mode is blank. (the INTERSECT function creates a logical AND relationship).