DAX Calculations and Queries - SQL Server Analysis Services 2012 Cube Development - page 390

Querying a Tabular Model
Two query languages are used with the Tabular implementation of SSAS Tabular. Any
client tool that generates MDX can connect to and browse a model because Tab-
ular exposes the same interface and metadata as a multidimensional SSAS data-
base. This is how Excel currently interfaces with a Tabular Model from a PivotTable
or PivotChart.
With handwritten queries, you also have the option to use the DAX query syntax. In
this section, I'll give you a brief tour of the fundamental constructs of a DAX query and
the most essential commands used to get results and navigate a model.
Getting ready
In the Deploying Tabular Models recipe in Chapter 9 , Using Tabular Models , using
Data tools, the deployment wizard, and the deployment utility, you configured the
SSDT project to create a database named SSAS Cookbook Chapter 9 .
To start with this recipe, please follow the given steps:
1. Follow the instructions in that recipe to return to the Project Property Pages
dialog and change the name of the database to SSAS Cookbook Chapter
10 .
2. Deploy and process that database.
3. We will use the SQL Server Management Studio ( SSMS ) to query the new
database.
4. If SSMS is still open from the last time you used it, use the Connect drop-
down button above Object Explorer on the left-hand side of the window. If
not, open SSMS and in the Connect to Server dialog, choose Analysis Ser-
vices .
5. Enter the server name (if your SSAS Tabular server uses a named instance,
enter the server and the instance name separated by a backslash such as
LocalHost\TABULAR ), and click on the Connect button.
You will see the server and the instance name in the Object Explorer with a
blue SSAS Tabular icon, similar to what is shown in the following screenshot: