This page provides an introduction to the XML-for-Analysis subset within SQL Analysis Services. It's a crucial component for describing database objects, including tables, views, and stored procedures, allowing for robust schema management and data exchange.
XML (Extensible Markup Language) is a lightweight markup language that uses tags to structure data. SQL Analysis Services uses XML for its detailed data description, offering benefits like schema management, data portability, and version control. It provides a standardized way to represent database objects – tables, views, stored procedures, etc. – in a structured format.
The XML-for-Analysis subset focuses on describing objects of type 1.3 in the SQL analysis services database. This subset helps improve data quality and provides a good way to provide a description of data objects.
Common XML elements include: Object Type, Object Name, Object Description, Object Attributes.
Each object is defined with an object type, allowing for easier querying and data filtering.
Schema details are represented through metadata elements, enabling easier data management. The XML-for-Analysis provides a critical element of data integrity and consistency.
A simplified example shows how a table object might be represented:
Further details, such as columns and data types, are defined within the
Simplified Data Representation: Improves data understanding and exchange.
Data Portability: Enables data migration and sharing across environments.
Schema Management: Supports better data model control.
Explore the SQL Analysis Services documentation for more detailed information.