Скачать или смотреть How to Effortlessly Access Data from a Cube using SQL Queries without Preloading it First

Discover how to retrieve data from a cube using DAX or MDX without needing to preload it, ideal for those with basic SQL Server access.
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Get Data from Cube to Use with SQL Queries without Loading it First

When working with large datasets, especially when those datasets are stored within data cubes, it can be challenging to access the information you need without preloading it. A common scenario arises when users want to run SQL queries against data stored in a SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS) cube but face restrictions due to size—like a staggering 30 million lines of data. If you find yourself in a similar situation, fear not! This guide will walk you through how to efficiently access your data while avoiding cumbersome loading processes.

Understanding the Challenge

Many organizations rely heavily on OLAP (Online Analytical Processing) cubes for efficient data storage and retrieval. However, when you only have basic user access to a SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS) environment, it can seem impossible to interact with this data without directly loading the entire cube. This approach is inefficient and impractical for large datasets.

Why SQL Alone Isn’t Enough

The core issue is that querying a cube typically requires specialized languages designed for multidimensional data, notably DAX (Data Analysis Expressions) or MDX (Multidimensional Expressions). Unfortunately, you cannot directly access cube data with standard SQL queries; instead, you'll rely on these other deep-dive query languages.

The Solution: Using DAX or MDX

Using DAX with Excel VBA

If you’re looking to extract data from a cube without preloading, you can leverage DAX through Excel VBA. Here’s a straightforward way to get data using an Excel pivot table, which interfaces seamlessly with the cube.

Step-by-Step Example

Set Up Your Environment:

Ensure you have a pivot table connected to your cube in Excel.

Select any cell within that pivot table to begin.

VBA Code Example:
Use the following code snippet to execute a simple DAX query. This code retrieves data and prints it out in the Debug window.

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Filtering Data in Power Query

Another efficient method is using Power Query in Excel to apply DAX or MDX queries directly to filter data from the cube. This process allows for more tailored queries without needing to preload the entire dataset. Here’s how you can do it:

Open Power Query Editor in Excel.

Connect to your SSAS cube.

Write your DAX/MDX query in the advanced editor, allowing you to specify the data you want.

Conclusion

In summary, while it may seem daunting to access and query data from a cube without preloading the entirety of it, solutions like DAX and MDX provide the means to effectively retrieve the necessary information. Using tools such as Excel and Power Query can simplify this process, even for those with basic access and knowledge of SQL Server.

By following the step-by-step examples provided, you’ll be well-equipped to extract specific data points from your SSAS cube effectively. As you delve deeper into DAX and MDX, you'll find that accessing your cube data becomes an invaluable skill in harnessing the power of large datasets.

Remember, while SQL is powerful, sometimes stepping into the world of DAX and MDX is necessary to unlock the full potential of your data cubes.