Databases Reference
In-Depth Information
Aggregation
There is no need for complex calculation scripts in an ASO database. Now, you may
be wondering how the data gets aggregated without performing any calculated
aggregation? How fast will my data get retrieved? In an ASO database, the data gets
loaded only into the
level 0
(leaf node) cells. When the user attempts to retrieve data at
a level higher than the zero level, the data is dynamically aggregated. Also, remember
a good portion of this aggregated data is not physically stored in the database. As the
database size increases, the dynamic aggregation consumes more time. In order to
improve the database performance, you may need to pre-a
ggregate
the data.
MDX query language
So is now a good time to spring a new scripting language on you? Of course it is!
Okay, so it's not really a whole new language, it's just a piece of the MaxL scripting
language we haven't gone over with you yet.
You may recall how we've gone over the MaxL scripting language previously.
Well, the MaxL scripting language actually has two pieces. These MaxL pieces
are known as MaxL DDL for Data Definition Language, which is the piece you
are already familiar with and MaxL MDX for Multidimensional Expressions.
Why have we not explained something like MDX in-depth already? The reason
is that while the DDL piece of MaxL contains many powerful functions that are
written in relatively easy to understand syntax and it can easily replace the Essbase
Command scripting language (EssCmd) as your primary tool for automating database
maintenance and support processes, the MDX piece of MaxL is more of a data
querying language. Yes, MDX is very powerful as is DDL, but its usefulness can be
debated since there are several other methods of querying data in Essbase that are
just as effective and easier or more convenient to use. The Essbase Reports scripting
language with the aid of the Essbase Query Designer, is one example that comes to
mind as an effective data querying tool. MDX also supports the XML for Analysis
(XMLA) API.
MDX however, has its place and its place is where it is best suited. The place
for MDX is querying ASO Essbase databases.
