Accessing and querying data
This section describes data connections, database aliases, lists, slices, calculations, and custom hierarchies.
You can access data in relational or OLAP databases through data connections. Each application defines its own data connections. In Application Studio, the Database Structure pane displays data connections as database aliases.
In the Accessories pane, define custom hierarchies to create small data sets for reporting.
Different data types require different list types. OLAP data can be queried by using lists or slices.
These are definitions of lists and slices:
- A list is a query object that retrieves data from a single dimension. In the Database Structure pane, they are called Server Lists.
- A slice is a query object that defines a multidimensional view of a cube, including rows, columns, and filters.
- A custom list is a query object that retrieves data from custom hierarchies.
- A formula list is a query object that retrieves the content of variables.
- A relational list is a query object that retrieves relational data.
Using lists and slices in report objects
A hyperblock is a visual object that renders data in a report. A list requires one hyperblock, either for rows or for columns. A slice requires two hyperblocks: one for rows and one for columns. These hyperblocks overlap at a shared value cell.
Use lists in combo boxes, list boxes, and option buttons. For slices, use either the rows or columns axis. To do this, drag rows or columns from the Accessories pane to an object.