SQL Server Analysis Services Developer Reference

This section provides comprehensive reference documentation for developing with SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS). It covers the various languages, APIs, and object models used to build, deploy, and manage SSAS solutions.

MDX Language Reference

Multidimensional Expressions (MDX) is the query language for OLAP cubes in SQL Server Analysis Services. Explore its syntax, functions, and best practices for data retrieval and analysis.

Key Concepts:

• Members, Tuples, and Sets: Understanding the fundamental building blocks of MDX queries.
• Functions: A comprehensive list of built-in MDX functions for calculations, data manipulation, and navigation.
• Statements: Reference for MDX statements like SELECT, WITH, and CALCULATE.
• Performance Tuning: Tips for writing efficient MDX queries.

For detailed syntax and examples, refer to the MDX Function Reference and MDX Statement Syntax.

DAX Functions

Data Analysis Expressions (DAX) is the formula and query language used in Analysis Services tabular models, Power BI, and Power Pivot. Learn about its rich set of functions for data modeling and analysis.

Commonly Used Functions:

• Aggregation Functions: SUM, AVERAGE, COUNT, MIN, MAX.
• Time Intelligence Functions: TOTALYTD, SAMEPERIODLASTYEAR, DATEADD.
• Logical Functions: IF, SWITCH, &.
• Filter Functions: CALCULATE, FILTER, ALL.

Browse the full DAX Function Reference for detailed descriptions and usage examples.

XMLA Reference

The XML for Analysis (XMLA) protocol is a SOAP-based standard for accessing and manipulating data stored in multidimensional data sources, including SQL Server Analysis Services.

Key Operations:

• Discover Operations: Retrieving metadata and schema information.
• Execute Operations: Sending commands and queries (MDX, DAX) to SSAS.
• Standard XMLA Objects: Understanding the structure of XMLA requests and responses.

Refer to the XMLA Protocol Specification for detailed insights.

APIs and Objects

Interaction with SSAS can be programmatic through various APIs and object models.

Available APIs:

• AMO (Analysis Management Objects): A .NET library for programmatically administering and managing SSAS databases, objects, and security.
• ADOMD.NET: A .NET data provider for accessing data and metadata from SSAS.
• OLE DB for OLAP: The underlying standard interface for accessing OLAP data.

Key Object Models:

• Multidimensional Model Objects: Cubes, Dimensions, Measures, Hierarchies, Levels.
• Tabular Model Objects: Tables, Columns, Measures, Relationships.

Explore the AMO Object Model and ADOMD.NET Class Library.

Deployment

Learn how to deploy SSAS solutions, including best practices for development, testing, and production environments.

Deployment Strategies:

• Using Visual Studio: Deploying solutions directly from the development environment.
• Using XMLA Scripts: Automating deployments with XMLA commands.
• Using PowerShell: Scripting deployments and administrative tasks.

See Deploying Analysis Services Solutions for detailed guidance.

API Reference Examples

Here are some common API usage patterns:

AMO Example: Creating a Database

// C# Example using AMO
using Microsoft.AnalysisServices.Tabular;

Server server = new Server();
server.Connect("your_server_name");

Database db = new Database();
db.Name = "MyNewDatabase";
db.Model.Name = "MyModel";

server.Databases.Add(db);
db.Update(Microsoft.AnalysisServices.Tabular.UpdateOptions.Default);
server.Disconnect();
                

ADOMD.NET Example: Executing an MDX Query

// C# Example using ADOMD.NET
using Microsoft.AnalysisServices.AdomdClient;

using (AdomdConnection connection = new AdomdConnection("Provider=MSOLAP;Data Source=your_server_name;Initial Catalog=YourDatabase;"))
{
    connection.Open();
    using (AdomdCommand command = new AdomdCommand("SELECT [Measures].[Internet Sales Amount] ON COLUMNS FROM [Adventure Works]", connection))
    {
        AdomdDataReader reader = command.ExecuteReader();
        while (reader.Read())
        {
            // Process results
            Console.WriteLine(reader[0]);
        }
        reader.Close();
    }
}