Module 3: Using MDX

Expressions

Contents
Overview 1
Using MDX Expressions 2
Lab A: Using Expressions from Constants 12
Displaying Member Information 17
Displaying Family Tree Relatives 29
Working with Member Properties 38
Lab B: Displaying Cube Metadata 46
Using Conditional Expressions 55
Lab C: Using Conditional Expressions 64
Review 68
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 Module 3: Using MDX Expressions iii

Instructor Notes
Presentation: In this module, students will learn how to create very simple multidimensional
100 Minutes expressions (MDX). These are expressions that use constant values or
expressions that display the names of members. Students will also learn how to
Labs: work with members in a dimension and how to use MDX member functions to
50 Minutes navigate from one member to another.
After completing this module, students will be able to:
! Create MDX expressions in calculated members and manipulate the
expressions by using numeric and string constants.
! Display information about a member—particularly the name of the member
and the name of the level of the member.
! Display information about the parent or other ancestor of a member.
! Display the member property associated with a member, and use the value
in an arithmetic expression.
! Create and use simple and complex conditional expressions.

Materials and Preparation

This section provides you with the required materials and preparation tasks that
are needed to teach this module.

Required Materials
To teach this module, you need the following materials:
! Microsoft® PowerPoint® file 2093A_03.ppt

Preparation Tasks
To prepare for this module, you should:
! Read all the materials for this module.
! Read the instructor notes and margin notes.
! Practice the lecture and group activities.
! Complete the labs.
! Review the Trainer Preparation materials on the Trainer Preparation
compact disc.

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iv Module 3: Using MDX Expressions

Instructor Setup for Group Activities and Labs

This section provides setup instructions that are required to prepare the
instructor computer or classroom configuration for group activities and labs.
All group activities and labs use the same database setup, which requires
restoring a database archive.

! To prepare for group activities and labs

In this procedure, you restore the Market database, which is a .cab file type.
1. Start Analysis Manager.
2. In the left pane, expand the Analysis Services folder.
3. Expand the Server icon and verify that the Market database does not exist.
4. Right-click the Server icon, and then click Restore Database.
5. Navigate to the C:\Moc\2093A\Batches folder.
6. Select Market.cab, click Open, and then click Restore.

If the Market database already exists from a previous group exercise or lab,
and cubes in the database contain extraneous information, you can return the
Market database and its cubes to a beginning position by either:
! Deleting any calculated members that were created in a specific cube and
then saving the cube.
- or -
! Repeating the previous restore database procedure.

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 Module 3: Using MDX Expressions v

Other Activities
Difficult Questions
Below are difficult questions that students may ask you during the delivery of
this module and answers to the questions. These materials delve into subjects
that are within the scope of the module but are not specifically addressed in the
content of the student notes.
1. Are calculated members stored in the cube or aggregated?
The values of a calculated member are not stored or aggregated. The
definition of the calculated member is executed each time a client
application establishes a connection to the cube that requests the
calculated member’s values.
2. Do calculated members execute for all of the members of the cube?
No. A calculated member is executed only when the value is actually
displayed on the browser grid. Unless a cell is displayed in the browser,
its formula is never calculated.
3. Is the Empty value (Null) a string or a number?
The Empty value is treated as a number—typically as the number zero.
4. What is the difference between the four Name functions—dimension,
hierarchy, level, and name?
There is only one Name function. It will return the name of whatever
object it is used with. The four entries in the Functions list simply put
different tokens in front of the function name.
5. How do I find the available Microsoft Excel or Microsoft Visual Basic® for
Applications (VBA) functions?
Run Books Online for Microsoft Analysis Services, and click the Index
page. Type function libraries and choose Excel or VBA. All functions
that do not have an asterisk are available for use from MDX.
6. To use an Excel function from MDX, does Excel have to be installed on the
client or on the server?
Under default conditions, an external library (including Excel or VBA)
must be available both on the client on the server. That is because the
expression may be evaluated either by PivotTable Services (on the
client) or the Analysis server. It is possible to create a connection in a
way that forces expressions to be evaluated exclusively on the client or
on the server as opposed to the default, which is that the expression
could be evaluated in either place, and an external library must be
available on both the client and the server.
7. Why does the CurrentMember function follow the dimension name in
COM object format, whereas the Ancestor function uses arguments?
Some MDX functions use property-style syntax, whereas others use
argument-list syntax. Only functions that require no arguments can use
the property-style syntax. The choice between the two styles often
appears arbitrary, and you simply look at the syntax example to see
which to use.

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vi Module 3: Using MDX Expressions

8. Is there a way for an MDX expression to find out what member properties
are available for a given level?
No. When using MDX, you must know the name of the member
property and the level at which it applies. You cannot refer to a
property by number, and you cannot request the count of the
properties. You can find this information out programmatically by
using Microsoft ActiveX® Data Objects (Multidimensional) (ADO MD),
but not by using an MDX expression.
9. When would you use a string value from an MDX expression in a practical
situation?
One example is to show the name of the best-selling product for any
given state.
10. Can an MDX expression return a date?
Typically, when you want to display a date, you are displaying the name
of a member on a Time dimension, which is a string. If you want to
display a true date or time value, it is really a formatted number.

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 Module 3: Using MDX Expressions vii

Module Strategy
Each major section of this module begins with a group activity followed by a
review lecture and then labs. The following guidelines are for delivering
materials in the context of group activities:
! Using group activities to introduce new content
You often introduce new concepts or functionality while delivering the
procedures in a group activity as a live demonstration. For example, you
may present a new MDX function by showing first its construction and then
its result set as an actual calculated member formula or within a query
statement.
Use the topic slides that follow the group activity as a review of the content,
for example, the syntax of a specific function.
! Interaction with students
A group activity flows best when you deliver it as a shared exploration. Ask
students such questions as: “What would happen if we…?” “Why did this
happen?” “Was that what you expected?” Encourage students to ask you
questions about the results being tested.
! Students follow along
In some cases, you may want to encourage students to follow your live
demonstration on their own computers. This practice works best for simpler
group activities or for a group activity that is not replicated by a later lab.
It is not a problem if a student does not follow your demonstration, or if a
student starts following and then stops before the group activity is
completed. There is no file or structure dependency between group activities
or between a group activity and a later lab.
! Lab replication of group activity
The exercises in the labs closely follow the group activity procedures but do
not define each step or show the code answer. Encourage students to write
and test the MDX expressions on their own, referring back to the group
activity procedures for clarification. Students can also refer to answer files
that are available for each procedure in the exercises.
Labs are generally more challenging when students have not followed the
instructor on their own computers during the group activity. However, many
students benefit from the two hands-on experiences of following the group
activity and then completing the labs.
! Answer files for group activities
Where applicable, answer files are provided for each procedure in a group
activity. If necessary to facilitate your demonstration, copy and paste the
correct expression from the answer file into the Calculated Member Builder.

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viii Module 3: Using MDX Expressions

Use the following additional strategies to present this module:

! Using MDX Expressions
Introduce the Calculated Member Builder and the concept of an MDX
expression as a formula that returns a string or numeric value. Present
materials as simply as possible—similar to the classic “Hello, World”
programming examples.
Emphasize the fact that the MDX expression in the calculated member is
calculated anew for each cell in which it displays—even if it is a constant
value. Point out that entering a constant as the value of a calculated member
is similar to entering a constant value in a spreadsheet cell.
Compare with a spreadsheet formula, in which it is possible to manually
change some of the formulas in a column, to MDX, in which all the copies
of a formula are identical according to the MDX formula definition.
! Displaying Member Information
Use the example of the Name function, which must explicitly use the
CurrentMember function, as a method to return a member’s name. Point
out how the Level.Name part of the section shows the versatility of the
Name function and is useful in advanced calculations.
Reinforce the differences among a dimension, a level, and a member
because students are often confused by these concepts and how they relate
to each other. Minimize the importance of a hierarchy.
! Displaying Family Tree Relatives
Focus on the Parent and Ancestor functions, which are extremely useful
for advanced calculations. Point out the possibility of using Ancestor to
determine security information.
! Working with Member Properties
Point out how a member property can be easily viewed and manipulated
without accessing the actual data values in a cube. Clearly explain that the
#ERR values are normal and to be expected. Keep the focus on the level
where the member property does exist.
Show the students how to use Books Online to find the complete list of
VBA and Excel functions.
! Using Conditional Expressions
Keep the focus on constructing simple conditional expressions. The IIF
function that follows is easy for students to understand after they understand
basic conditional expressions.

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 Module 3: Using MDX Expressions 1

Overview
Topic Objective
To provide an overview of
the module topics and ! Using MDX Expressions
objectives.
Lead-in ! Displaying Member Information
In this module, you will learn
how to create calculating ! Displaying Family Tree Relatives
members by using MDX
! Working with Member Properties
expressions plus how to
view metadata and work ! Using Conditional Expressions
with conditionals.

In this module, you will learn how to create very simple multidimensional
expressions (MDX). These are expressions that use constant values or
expressions that display the names of members. You will also learn how to
work with members in a dimension, and how to use MDX member functions to
navigate from one member to another.
After completing this module, you will be able to:
! Create MDX expressions in calculated members and manipulate the
expressions by using numeric and string constants.
! Display information about a member—particularly the name of the member
and the name of the level of the member.
! Display information about the parent or other ancestor of a member.
! Display the member property associated with a member, and use the value
in an arithmetic expression.
! Create and use simple and complex conditional expressions.

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2 Module 3: Using MDX Expressions

# Using MDX Expressions

Topic Objective
To provide an overview of
the topics in this section.
Lead-in ! Group Activity: Creating Expressions with Constants
MDX expressions are ! MDX Expressions
formulas that have different
types of values and use ! Expression Operators
traditional arithmetic and
string text operators.

In this section, you learn about the basic elements of MDX expressions,
including how to use them to create calculated members and how to construct
MDX expressions by using arithmetic operators and string text.
This group activity introduces concepts and mechanics for creating MDX
Delivery Tip expressions by using constants. Topics that follow the group activity include:
Briefly explain the bullets on
this slide to provide context ! MDX Expressions
for the upcoming group
activity in which the items This topic describes how MDX expressions are used to create calculated
are functionally members. Calculated members add the calculating ability of a spreadsheet to
demonstrated. an online analytical processing (OLAP) database.
! Expression Operators
This topic describes how expression operators are used in MDX expressions
to return a value that can result from an arithmetic or string text
manipulation.

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 Module 3: Using MDX Expressions 3

Group Activity: Creating Expressions with Constants

Topic Objective
To learn expressions by
using constants and
formulas with constants.
Lead-in
In this group activity, you will
learn how to create simple
calculated members that
return constants.

In this group activity, you may follow along on your own computer with your
instructor or observe the demonstration.
You will learn how to use constants to create MDX expressions in a calculated
member. Constant expressions display the same value in all the cells. You will
also learn how to incorporate numeric and string text operators in expressions.
Calculated members are created in the Basic Sales virtual cube. This cube has
only one measure—Sales Dollars—and three dimensions. Creating a calculated
member in a virtual cube is the same as creating one in a regular cube.
The examples may seem easy, but they allow you to focus on the main concepts
of this group activity, including:
! How to enter expressions in the Calculated Member Builder.
! How the formula is automatically applied to all necessary cells in the grid.
! How an expression always returns a single value—a string, a number, or an
empty cell—each time it is calculated.
One important use of MDX expressions is to create calculated members.
Calculated members add the calculating ability of a spreadsheet to an OLAP
database.

Delivery Tip
ConstantNumberD.txt in
C:\MOC\2093A\Demo\D03\
Answers contains the
completed MDX expression
for this procedure.

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4 Module 3: Using MDX Expressions

! To create a calculated member with a constant numeric value

In this procedure, you will assign a numeric value constant value to a calculated
member. This demonstrates the first of three data types that can be returned by
an expression. The three data types are:
! Numeric value
! String value
! Empty value
1. In the Market database, expand the Cubes folder, right-click the Basic
Sales virtual cube, and then click Edit.
In the Virtual Cube Editor, the right pane always displays a preview.
2. Click the Insert Calculated Member button.
• In the Calculated Member Builder dialog box, type Constant in the
Member name box.
• In the Value expression box, type 500
• To create the member, click OK.

In the preview pane—also called the browser—notice that the Constant

column is filled with the value 500. If you think of the grid as a spreadsheet,
you can think of a calculated member as a value or formula that
automatically fills all the cells of the column.
3. To display the Subcategory level on the Rows axis, double-click the
Category button.

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 Module 3: Using MDX Expressions 5

Notice that the value from the calculated member automatically expands to
fill the needed cells. This differs from a spreadsheet, where a user must copy
values into new rows and delete them from old rows.
4. To remove the Subcategory level, double-click the Category button.

! To create a calculated member with a string value

In this procedure, you will learn how you can change the expression for a
calculated member simply by changing the Value property in the Properties
pane. This procedure also demonstrates how an MDX expression can be a
string as well as a number.
A string value is the second data type that an expression can return.
1. In the Basic Sales cube, in the Calculated Members folder, select Constant.
2. In the Properties box on the Basic tab, select the Value property, type
Delivery Tip “Hello” and then press ENTER.
ConstantTextD.txt in
C:\MOC\2093A\Demo\D03\
Answers contains the
completed MDX expression
for this procedure.

3. In the browser, notice that the values in the Constant column change to the
word Hello.

Note You can use a text string as a constant value in a calculated member
if you enclose the string in quotation marks.

! To create a calculated member with an empty value

In this procedure, you will learn how to create an empty cell. Technically, an
Delivery Tip empty cell is a numeric value. It is treated as zero in most arithmetic
ConstantNullD.txt in
C:\MOC\2093A\Demo\D03\
expressions but is ignored in some contexts.
Answers contains the An empty value is the third data type that an expression can return.
completed MDX expression
for this procedure. 1. Select the Value property of the Constant member, type Null, and then
press ENTER.
2. In the browser, notice that the cells in the Constant column appear to be
empty.

You cannot leave the Value property empty. If you want to create an empty
cell, you must use the keyword Null.
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6 Module 3: Using MDX Expressions

Tip When you first create a new calculated member, assign Null as its
value. You can then see the empty cells in the browser, which helps you
visualize the context for the MDX expression.

! To rename a calculated member

In this procedure, you will learn how to rename an existing calculated member.
1. Select the Constant calculated member.
2. In the Properties pane, select the Name property.
3. Type Expression as the new name, and then press ENTER.

Notice that the name at the top of the calculated column changes to
Expression.

! To create a simple numeric formula

In this procedure, you will learn that the value calculated by an MDX
Delivery Tip expression can come from arithmetic or string text manipulation.
ConstantNumericD.txt in
C:\MOC\2093A\Demo\D03\ 1. In the Expression member, click the Value property, type 50+17 and then
Answers contains the press ENTER.
completed MDX expression
for this procedure. 2. In the browser, notice that the result of the expression—the number 67—
appears in all the cells of the Expression column.

Again, the grid is similar to a spreadsheet, where the value or formula that
you type is automatically copied into all of the relevant cells—that is, it is as
if there were several different copies of the formula, each one calculating a
value independently of the others.
In an MDX expression, you can use any standard arithmetic operator:
• Plus sign (+) for addition
• Minus sign (-) for subtraction
• Asterisk (*) for multiplication
• Slash mark (/) for division
• Caret (^) for raising to a power (exponent)

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 Module 3: Using MDX Expressions 7

MDX does not do type conversions. In a numeric expression, both operands

must be numbers. In a string expression, both operands must be strings.

! To create a simple string formula

In this procedure, you will learn that the value of an MDX expression can also
Delivery Tip be a string created by using a plus sign (+) to join together two text strings.
ConstantStringD.txt in
C:\MOC\2093A\Demo\D03\ 1. Click the Value property of the Expression member, type “Hello” + “, ” +
Answers contains the “World” and then press ENTER.
completed MDX expression
for this procedure.

2. In the browser, notice that the result of the expression—Hello, World—

Delivery Tip appears in all of the cells of the Expression column.
The font in the Calculated
Member Builder is small. If you are familiar with Microsoft® Excel or Microsoft Visual Basic® string
You can copy the concatenation, be aware that in an MDX expression you must use a plus
expression from the Value sign (+). This is different from an Excel formula, which uses an ampersand
box, paste it into Microsoft (&) to combine text strings. In Visual Basic, you can use either a plus sign
Notepad, and then enlarge or an ampersand.
the font in Notepad so that
students can more easily Unlike Excel or Visual Basic, an MDX expression does not automatically
read the text. convert a number to a text string, so you cannot use an expression, such as
“The value is ” + 45. You can combine a text string that looks like a
number, such as “The value is ” + “45”.
An MDX expression is like a spreadsheet formula that automatically fills all
the appropriate cells. The formula is calculated in each cell, but you do not
have to worry about copying the formula to new cells as the row and
column headings change.

! To delete the Expression calculated member

• In the Basic Sales cube, right-click the Expression calculated member,
select Delete, click OK, and then click Yes to save the cube.

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8 Module 3: Using MDX Expressions

MDX Expressions
Topic Objective
To highlight the types of
! Are Used to Create Calculated Members
data values that can be
used in an expression. ! Function Like Spreadsheet Formulas
Lead-in $ Calculated for each cell of browser grid
The most important use for ! Are Entered by Using the Calculated Member Builder
an MDX expression is as
the value of a calculated ! Are Edited by Using Calculated Member Builder or Value Property
member. ! Are Renamed by Using Name Property
! Expression Can Return:
$ Number
$ Text String
$ Empty Value

One of the most important uses of MDX expression is to create calculated

members. Calculated members add the calculating ability of a spreadsheet to an
online analytical processing (OLAP) database.
When using MDX expressions, consider the following facts and guidelines:
Delivery Tip
Because students have ! An MDX expression functions like a spreadsheet formula that is calculated
already been exposed to the for each relevant cell of the browser grid. If you think of the browser grid as
constant expressions list in a spreadsheet, you can think of a calculated member as a value or formula
the previous group activity,
that automatically fills all the cells of the calculated member. This differs
treat this topic as a review—
that is, do not spend a lot of
from a spreadsheet, where a user must copy values into new rows and delete
time. them from old rows.
! To create a new calculated member, you enter an MDX expression in the
Value expression box of the Calculated Member Builder.
! To edit an existing calculated member, you can either use the Calculated
Member Builder or change the expression directly in the Value property for
the calculated member.
! To rename an existing calculated member, simply type a new value as the
Name property for the member.
! An MDX expression can return only the following types of values:
• A numeric value.
• A string value. You must enclose the string in double quotation marks.
• An empty value. The constant Null creates an empty cell. An empty cell
behaves like zero when used in an arithmetic expression, but is ignored
when calculating averages. If you want to create an empty cell, you must
use the keyword Null.

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 Module 3: Using MDX Expressions 9

Tip When you first create a new calculated member, assign Null as its
value. You can then see the empty cells in the browser, which helps you
think of an expression in concrete terms.

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10 Module 3: Using MDX Expressions

Expression Operators
Topic Objective
To explain the elements of ! Arithmetic or String Used in Creating MDX Expressions
expression operators.
! Arithmetic Operators Combine Numeric Values
Lead-in
Think of MDX expressions $ Add: +
as simple formulas.
In the same way that you $ Subtract: –
can create formulas in a
worksheet cell, you can $ Multiply: *
create simple formulas by $ Divide: /
using an MDX expression.
$ Raise to a power: ^
! String Operator Combines String Values by Using +
! Cannot Combine Numeric and String Values

Integrate your lecture with the demonstration following the procedures for Expressions from Constants in the instructor notes.

An MDX expression is like a spreadsheet formula that automatically fills all of

the appropriate cells by using arithmetic operators or string text. The formula is
calculated in each cell, but unlike a spreadsheet formula, you do not have to
copy the expression operators to new cells as the row and column headings
change.
An MDX expression returns a value that can result from an arithmetic or string
text manipulation.
Example 1 If you want to create a numeric expression by multiplying the value 10 by the
value 8, you use the following MDX formula:
10 * 8

This result is the number 80.

Example 2 If you want to create the string expression “Hello, World” from three separate
strings, you use the following MDX formula:
“Hello” + “, ”+ “World”

This results in the string “Hello, World”.

Tip You can include spaces between tokens in an MDX expression. Spaces
around punctuation make an expression much easier to read. You cannot
include extra spaces in the name of a member or other cube object, nor can you
include extra spaces within quotation marks.

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 Module 3: Using MDX Expressions 11

Consider the following facts and guidelines when using MDX expression
operators:
! In an MDX expression, you can use any standard arithmetic operator:
• Plus sign (+) for addition
• Minus sign (-) for subtraction
• Asterisk (*) for multiplication
• Slash mark (/) for division
• Caret (^) for raising to a power (exponent)
! The value of an MDX expression can also be a string created by using a plus
sign that joins together two text strings. This is different from an Excel
formula, which uses an ampersand (&) to combine text strings. In Visual
Basic, you can use either a plus sign or an ampersand.
! MDX does not do type conversions—that is, it does not combine numeric
and string values. In a numeric expression, both operands must be numbers.
In a string expression, both operands must be strings.
This differs from Excel and Visual Basic. You cannot use an expression,
such as “The value is ” + 45. Rather, you would need to use an expression
where both parts are strings, such as “The value is ” + “45”.

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12 Module 3: Using MDX Expressions

Lab A: Using Expressions from Constants

Topic Objective
To introduce the lab.
Lead-in
In this lab, you will create
simple calculated members
by using constants and
operators.

Objectives
Explain the lab objectives. After completing this lab, you will be able to:
! Use the Calculated Member Builder.
! Create simple expressions by using constants.

Prerequisites
Before working on this lab, you must have successfully completed modules 1
and 2 in course 2093A, Implementing Business Logic with MDX in Microsoft
SQL Server™ 2000.

Estimated time to complete this lab: 10 minutes

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 Module 3: Using MDX Expressions 13

Exercise 1
Creating a Constant Measure
In this exercise, you will create a calculated member on the Measures
Delivery Tip dimension of the Basic Sales cube, assigning it various expressions that use
The procedures in this
exercise essentially
only constant values.
replicate the previous group As you complete each procedure, compare the result shown in the procedure
activities, but without the
screen shot to the result on your own computer. If there is a difference, recheck
answers.
your entry and refer back to the related group activity procedures as necessary.
If you still cannot reconcile your result, then refer to the answer file, which is
located in:
C:\MOC\2093A\Labfiles\L03\Answers
You can copy and paste expressions from this file into the Value expression
box for any given procedure.
Before beginning the exercises in this lab, verify that the following objects exist
in Analysis Manager:
! The Market database
! The Basic Sales virtual cube

If these objects do not exist in Analysis Manager, you must perform the steps in
the following procedure before you continue with this lab.

! To restore the Market database

1. In the left pane of Analysis Manager, expand the Microsoft Analysis
Services folder.
2. Right-click the Server icon, and then click Restore Database.
3. Navigate to the C:\Moc\2093A\Batches folder.
4. Select Market.cab, click Open, and then click Restore.

! To clear calculated members from the Basic Sales cube

If the Basic Sales cube contains calculated members from a preceding group
activity or lab, delete them all before starting this lab.
1. Right-click the Basic Sales cube, and then click Edit.
2. Expand the Calculated Members folder, and then select the bottom
calculated member.
3. Press DELETE, and when prompted, click Yes.
This automatically selects the new bottom calculated member.
4. Repeat step 3 until all calculated members are removed.
5. Save and close the Basic Sales cube.

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14 Module 3: Using MDX Expressions

! To create and test a member with a constant numeric value

In this procedure, you will create a calculated member in the Basic Sales virtual
cube by entering a constant numeric value. ConstantNumber.txt in the Answer
folder is the completed MDX expression used in this procedure.
1. In the Market database, expand the Cubes folder, right-click the Basic
Sales virtual cube, and then click Edit.
2. Click the Insert Calculated Member button.
• In the Calculated Member dialog box, type Constant Value as the
name of the new member.
• In the Value property box, type 150
• To create the member, click OK.
3. In the preview data pane—also called the browser—notice the new column
labeled Constant Value. Verify that the browser content is similar to the
following table.

! To create and test a member with a constant string value

In this procedure, you will modify an existing calculated member to display a
constant string value. ConstantText.txt in the Answer folder is the completed
MDX expression used in this procedure.
1. In the Value property, change the expression for the Constant Value
member to display “Goodbye”.
What MDX expression did you use?
“Goodbye”
____________________________________________________________

2. Press ENTER, and then verify that the browser content is similar to the
following table.

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 Module 3: Using MDX Expressions 15

! To create and test a member with a constant empty value

In this procedure, you will modify an existing calculated member to display
empty cells. ConstantNull.txt in the Answer folder is the completed MDX
expression used in this procedure.
1. Change the expression for the Constant Value member to display empty
cells.
What MDX expression did you use?
Null
____________________________________________________________

2. Press ENTER, and then verify that the browser content is similar to the
following table.

! To rename a member and assign it an expression that uses numeric

constants
In this procedure, you will assign an expression that uses constant numeric
values to a calculated member and give the calculated member a new name.
ConstantNumeric.txt in the Answer folder is the completed MDX expression
used in this procedure.
1. Change the name of the Constant Value member to Constant Expression,
and then assign it an expression of 4 plus 5.
What MDX expression did you use?
4+5
____________________________________________________________

2. Press ENTER, and then verify that the browser content is similar to the
following table.

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16 Module 3: Using MDX Expressions

! To create and test a member with an expression that uses string

constants
In this procedure, you will modify an existing calculated member to display the
result of an expression that uses constant string values. ConstantString.txt in the
Answer folder is the completed MDX expression used in this procedure.
1. Change the expression for the Constant Expression calculated member to
produce the string “Goodbye, World” by combining three strings: one for
each word and one for the comma and space that separate the words.
What MDX expression did you use?
“Goodbye” + “, ” + “World”
____________________________________________________________

2. Press ENTER, and then verify that the browser content is similar to the
following table.

! To delete the Constant Expression calculated member

1. In the Virtual Cube Editor, right-click the Constant Expression member.
2. On the shortcut menu, click Delete and then click Yes.

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 Module 3: Using MDX Expressions 17

# Displaying Member Information

Topic Objective
To provide an overview of
the topics that this section
covers. ! Group Activity: Displaying Member Information
Lead-in ! Using MDX Functions
In this section, you will learn
how to use MDX functions ! CurrentMember Function
from the Functions list and
metadata items from the ! Name Function
Data list.
! Level Function

In this section, you learn how to display metadata information such as member
Delivery Tip names, level names, and dimension names. You do not display actual values
Briefly explain the bullets on
this slide to provide context
from the cube.
for the upcoming group The group activity introduces how to use the Functions list and specific
activity where the items are
functions for displaying member information. Several topics follow this group
functionally demonstrated.
activity:
! Using MDX Functions
This topic describes how to access, learn about, and use MDX functions by
using the Functions list in the Calculated Member Builder.
Functions in MDX are the foundation for building expressions. In the
Calculated Member Builder, you combine functions with member, level,
and dimension objects to create expressions that define a calculated
member.
! CurrentMember Function
This topic describes how to display the names of current members by using
the CurrentMember function. The CurrentMember function returns the
current member.
! Name Function
This topic describes how to display a member name by using the Name
function. The Name function returns the name of a metadata object as a
constant.
! Level Function
This topic describes how to display the level name of a current member by
using the Level function. This function returns the level of the current
member.

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18 Module 3: Using MDX Expressions

Group Activity: Displaying Member Information

Topic Objective
To learn how to display
member information in a
report.
Lead-in
In this group activity, you will
learn how to use MDX to
display metadata. Metadata
describes naming
information.

In this group activity, you may follow along on your own computer with your
instructor or observe the demonstration.
You will learn how to use MDX functions to display metadata information.
Metadata is the naming information that describes the specific dimensions,
levels, and members in a cube.
You will also learn how to use the Functions list in the Calculated Member
Builder. In that list, you will find the Name function in the String group and the
CurrentMember function in the Member group.
You will not retrieve specific numeric values from the cube. Retrieving numeric
values is addressed extensively in later modules.

! To display the name of a specific member

In this procedure, you will learn how to display the name of a single constant
Delivery Tip member. The same name appears in every cell created by the calculated
MemberNameD.txt in
member.
C:\MOC\2093A\Demo\D03\
Answers contains the 1. In the Basic Sales virtual cube, create a new calculated member. Type
completed MDX expression Name as the name of the member.
for this procedure.
2. In the Functions list, expand the String folder, and then double-click Name
– Member function.
All MDX functions are listed in the Functions list of the Calculated
Member Builder and appear in groups based on what the function returns.
The Name function returns a text string; therefore, the Name function
appears in the String group.
Notice that the Name function now appears in the Value expression box,
and notice the token «Member» that precedes the function name.

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 Module 3: Using MDX Expressions 19

Tip When you insert a function from the Functions list, you see the syntax
for the function with placeholder tokens enclosed in chevrons (« and »).
Tokens are easy to replace: simply click anywhere in the token to select it,
and then double-click an appropriate item from the Data or Functions list.

3. Click in the «Member» token, and then, in the Data list, expand Product
dimension and Category level.
Member objects have a lollipop-shaped icon.
4. Double-click the Bread member to change the expression to:
[Product].[Bread].Name.

5. To return to the browser, click OK.

Notice the word “Bread” in all rows of the Name column. The expression
displays the name of the specified member, which does not change from
member to member.

! To display the name of the current member

In this procedure, you will learn how to display the name for each specific
Delivery Tip product—that is, to display the name of the current member—because
CurrentNameD.txt in
C:\MOC\2093A\Demo\D03\
displaying a constant member name for all cells is not useful.
Answers contains the 1. Edit the Name member and then clear the current contents of the Value
completed MDX expression
expression box.
for this procedure.
2. In the Functions list, expand the String folder, and then double-click the
Name – Member function.
3. Click in the «Member» token, in the Functions list expand the Members
folder, and then double-click CurrentMember.
Point out that the calculated Rather than enter an explicit member, you want a member that changes from
member changes when the cell to cell. To do this, use the CurrentMember function that returns the
Product dimension
current member of a dimension.
changes, but not when other
dimensions change. 4. Click anywhere in the «Dimension» token, click in the Data list, and then
double-click the Product dimension to change the expression to:
[Product].CurrentMember.Name

The CurrentMember function requires a dimension as its argument.

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20 Module 3: Using MDX Expressions

5. To return to the browser, click OK.

Notice the correct name of the product in each row of the Name column.
The result of the function changes from cell to cell, based on the current
member.
6. Expand the Product dimension levels and notice that the calculated value of
the current member expands as needed.
7. To view a different dimension on the Rows axis, drag the State dimension
button to the Category button.
The value in the Name column changes to All Product for all the rows.
This occurs because the All Product member is selected in the filter list
above the grid. The value in the filter list is the current member for that
dimension.
8. In the Product filter list, click Bread.
The value in the Name column changes to Bread because Bread is now the
current member of the Product dimension.
9. To put the Product dimension back on the Rows axis, drag the Product
dimension button to the Country button.

Note Each cell in the grid has a current member for each dimension. If a
dimension is represented on the Rows or Columns axis, the current member
is the member that appears on the current row or column. If a dimension
appears in the filter area, the current member is the member that appears in
the filter box.

! To display the name of the current member’s level

In this procedure, you will learn how to display the name of the level for the
Delivery Tip current member. A member belongs to a specific level in a dimension.
LevelNameD.txt in
C:\MOC\2093A\Demo\D03\ 1. Click the Value property, click the ellipsis button, and then:
Answers contains the
completed MDX expression • Clear the contents of the Value box, and then in the String group,
for this procedure. double-click the Name – Level function.
• Click the «Level» token, and then in the Level group, double-click the
Level function.
• Click the «Member» token, and then in the Member group, double-
click the CurrentMember function.
• Click the «Dimension» token, and then in the Data list, double-click the
Product dimension.
When you have finished, the expression will look like the following:
Product.CurrentMember.Level.Name

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 Module 3: Using MDX Expressions 21

2. To return to the browser, click OK, and then to display all the levels of the
Product dimension, double-click the Category button and the Subcategory
button.
3. If necessary, scroll to view the Name column.
This displays a changing level name, depending on the current member of
the Product dimension. The top few rows of the grid appear similar to the
following table.

Notice how the level name changes for each member.

! To omit the CurrentMember function for a dimension

In this procedure, you will learn what happens when you omit the
Delivery Tip CurrentMember function in an expression.
LevelNameShortD.txt in
C:\MOC\2093A\Demo\D03\ 1. Right-click the Name calculated member, and then click Edit.
Answers contains the
completed MDX expression Delete the CurrentMember function and the period that follows it from the
for this procedure. expression. The result is
[Product].Level.Name

2. To return to the browser, click OK.

The display does not change. The Level function works only with a
member, not with a dimension. The CurrentMember function, however, is
the default function for a dimension. If you include a dimension name in a
place where a member is required—such as before the Level function—you
implicitly get the current member of that dimension.

Note The CurrentMember function is extremely common in MDX

expressions, but you often do not see it because it can often be omitted.

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22 Module 3: Using MDX Expressions

! To omit the CurrentMember function for a dimension

In this procedure, you will learn what happens when you omit the
Delivery Tip CurrentMember function before the Name function.
DimensionNameD.txt in
C:\MOC\2093A\Demo\D03\ 1. Right-click the Name calculated member, and then click Edit.
Answers contains the
completed MDX expression 2. Delete the Level function and the period that follows it from the expression.
for this procedure. The result is
[Product].Name

3. To return to the browser, click OK, and then scroll as needed to view the
Name member.

All the cells of the Name calculated member display Product—the name of
the dimension. The CurrentMember function can be omitted after the
dimension name only in a context where a member is required. The Name
function can follow a dimension as well as a member, so omitting the
CurrentMember function displays the name of the dimension.

! To delete the Name calculated member

! In the Virtual Cube Editor, delete the Name calculated member.

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 Module 3: Using MDX Expressions 23

Using MDX Functions

Topic Objective
To review how to use the
Functions list in the ! Function List Groupings
Calculated Member Builder.
$ String functions
Lead-in
The Functions list in the $ Member functions
Calculated Member Builder
gives you access to many $ Numeric functions
different functions that
return values. ! Functions List Features
$ View syntax
$ Double-click to add to Value expression box
$ Appears with tokens

Functions in MDX are the foundation for building expressions. In the

Calculated Member Builder, you combine functions with member, level, and
dimension objects to create expressions that define a calculated member.

Delivery Tip Functions List Groupings

Because students have
The Functions list in the Calculated Member Builder is a useful tool for finding
already been exposed to the
Functions list in the
and learning about functions. The Functions list generally groups functions by
previous group activity, treat the type of value the function returns. For example:
this topic as a review—that
! If the function returns a string, it appears in the String group.
is, do not spend a lot of
time. ! If the function returns a member, it appears in the Member group. An
example of a member function is the CurrentMember function.
! If the function returns a number, it appears in the Numeric group.

Functions List Features

The following are the principal features of the Functions list:
! If you select a function name in the Functions list, you can view the syntax
for the function at the bottom of the Calculated Member Builder.
! If you double-click the function name in the Functions list, it appears at the
current location of the cursor in the Value expression box. You can also
select a function and click the Insert button to insert it in the expression.
! After you have inserted a function, it appears with tokens as placeholders
for each necessary object such as a dimension, a level, or a member.

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24 Module 3: Using MDX Expressions

CurrentMember Function
Topic Objective
To review the
CurrentMember function. ! Returns the Current Member of a Dimension
Lead-in ! Is Label on Row or Column, or Filter Label
If you want an expression to
return a different value for ! Is Default Function for a Dimension
each member, use the
CurrentMember function. ! Appears in Member Group of Functions List

Product.CurrentMember.Name
Product.CurrentMember.Name
Returns
Returnsthe
thename
nameof
ofthe
thecurrent
current
member
member of the Productdimension
of the Product dimension

An MDX expression that returns a constant value is not typically useful. In

order for an expression to change from row to row, you must link the
expression to the current member of a dimension. The CurrentMember
function allows you to do that.
Syntax «Dimension».CurrentMember
Example The following example returns the name of the current member of the Product
dimension.
Product.CurrentMember.Name

When using the CurrentMember function, consider the following facts and
Delivery Tip guidelines:
Because students have
already been exposed to the ! Each cell in a browser grid has a current member for each dimension. If a
CurrentMember function in dimension appears on the Rows or Columns axis, the current member is the
the previous group activity,
member that appears on the current row or column. If a dimension appears
use this topic as review—
that is, do not spend a lot of
in the filter area, the current member is the member that appears in the filter
time. box.
! The CurrentMember function is the default function for a dimension—that
is, if you use a dimension name in a context where a member is required,
MDX will attempt to insert the CurrentMember function to convert the
dimension to a member.
For example, in the expression Product.Level.Name, the word Product is
a dimension, but the Level function must be preceded by a member, so
MDX interprets the expression as if it were
Product.CurrentMember.Level.Name.
If, however, a dimension is valid in the context, MDX does not insert the
CurrentMember function.

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 Module 3: Using MDX Expressions 25

For example, in the expression Product.Name, the word Product is a

dimension, but because you can precede the Name function with a
dimension, the expression returns the name of the dimension, not the name
of the current member of the dimension.
! Because it returns a member object, the CurrentMember function appears
in the Member group of the Functions list.

Related Functions MDX includes the following other functions that display metadata similar to the
CurrentMember function:
! The DefaultMember function returns the default member of a dimension.
Delivery Tip
These related functions are ! The DataMember function returns the system-generated data member
included for reference only. associated with a non-leaf member of a parent-child dimension.
Do not spend any time
explaining them.
You can find more information about these functions by searching on the
function name in Microsoft SQL Server Books Online.

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26 Module 3: Using MDX Expressions

Name Function
Topic Objective
To review the Name
function.
Lead-in ! Returns Member Name As a String
MDX expressions return ! Has Three Versions
metadata—specifically, the
name of a dimension, level, $ Name – Dimension or Hierarchy
or member. Name is the
most elemental function. $ Name – Level
$ Name – Member
! Appears in String Group of Functions List

[Colony
[Colony Bagels].Name
Bagels].Name
Returns
Returnsthe
thestring
string“Colony
“ColonyBagels”
Bagels”

An MDX expression returns either a number or a text string. Name is a string

function that returns the name of a dimension, a level, or a member depending
on the object that precedes it.
Syntax «Member».Name
«Level».Name
«Dimension».Name
Example 1 The following example returns the name of the current member of the Product
dimension.
Product.CurrentMember.Name

Example 2 The following example returns the name of the level for the current member of
the Product dimension.
Product.CurrentMember.Level.Name

By using the CurrentMember function in conjunction with the Name

function, the calculated member generates a different value for each dimension
member.

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 Module 3: Using MDX Expressions 27

When you use the Name function, consider the following facts and guidelines:
Delivery Tip
Because students have ! There are three versions of the Name function:
already seen the Name
function in the previous • Name – Dimension
group activity, use this topic
• Name – Level
as a review—that is, do not
spend a lot of time. • Name – Member
Which one of these three you use depends on the kind of metadata object
you want to display. All three functions produce the same results. That is, if
you select the Name – Dimension function and then put a Level object in
front of it, you will automatically get the Name – Level version of the
function. The three entries in the Functions list simply give you helpful
tokens for building the rest of the expression.

Note There is also a Hierarchy version of the Name function.

Pragmatically, you can simply treat the Hierarchy version the same as the
Dimension version. If a dimension has multiple hierarchies, you must treat
each hierarchy as if it were a distinct dimension.

! Because name is a text string, the Name function and its variations appear
in the String group of the Functions list.
Related Functions MDX includes the following other functions that display metadata similar to the
Name function:
! The UniqueName function can follow a member, a level, a dimension, or a
Delivery Tip hierarchy. It returns a string that includes the entire hierarchy for the
These related functions are
included for reference only.
dimension, level, or member.
Do not spend any time ! The Ordinal function can follow only a level object. It returns the position
explaining them. of a level in the hierarchy, with zero for the All level.
! The UserName function appears all by itself, without following any other
object. It returns the name of the current user, including both the domain
name and the user identification. The name of the current user is
independent of the current cube, so the UserName function stands
completely alone—as if it were a string constant.
You can find more information about these functions by searching on the
function name in Microsoft SQL Server Books Online.

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28 Module 3: Using MDX Expressions

Level Function
Topic Objective
To review the Level ! Returns Level of a Member
function.
Lead-in ! Often Follows the CurrentMember Function
You use the Level and ! Can Be Followed by the Name Function
Ordinal functions to return
level information about a ! Appears in the Level Group of the Functions List
current member.

Product.CurrentMember.Level.Name
Product.CurrentMember.Level.Name
Returns
Returnsname
nameofoflevel
levelofofthe
thecurrent
current
member
memberininProduct
Productdimension
dimension

You can return the level for a member by using the Level function. After you
have a level object, you can display that level’s name.
Syntax «Dimension».CurrentMember.Level
Example To return the name of the level for the current member of the Product
dimension, use the following expression:
Product.CurrentMember.Level.Name

When you use the Level function, consider the following facts and guidelines:
Delivery Tip
Because students have ! The Level function can follow only a member object. It often follows the
already been exposed to the CurrentMember function. You cannot display the level of a dimension.
Level function in the Using the Level function after a dimension name returns the level of the
previous group activity, treat
current member of that dimension.
this topic as a review—that
is, do not spend a lot of ! Several MDX functions use a level argument as an object, but in most cases,
time. you specify an explicit level, rather than using the Level function. One
common use is to combine the Level function with the Name function to
find the name of the level of the current member of a dimension.
! Because it returns a level object, the Level function appears in the Level
group of the Functions list.
Related Functions MDX includes the following other functions that return metadata objects
similar to the Level function:
! The Dimension function returns a dimension object for a member, level, or
Delivery Tip hierarchy.
These related functions are
included for reference only. ! The Hierarchy function returns a hierarchy object for a member or level.
Do not spend any time
explaining them.
You can find more information about these functions by searching on the
function name in Microsoft SQL Server Books Online.

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 Module 3: Using MDX Expressions 29

# Displaying Family Tree Relatives

Topic Objective
To provide an overview of
the materials in this section.
Lead-in ! Group Activity: Navigating the Family Tree
In this section, you will learn ! Navigating the Family Tree
how to return the parent or
ancestor of any specified ! Parent Function
member by using the
Parent and Ancestor ! Ancestor Function
functions.

In this section, you will learn how to use the Parent function to find the parent
Delivery Tip of the current member in a dimension and how to use the Ancestor function to
Briefly explain the bullets on
this slide to provide context
find the ancestor of the current member.
for the upcoming group The group activity introduces how to navigate the family tree, again by using
activity in which the items
the Name function to display member names. Three topics follow this group
are functionally
demonstrated.
activity:
! Navigating the Family Tree
This topic describes the concepts of parent and ancestor in the context of a
dimension hierarchy.
! Parent Function
This topic describes how to navigate up one level in the family tree by using
the Parent function. The Parent function returns the member that is the
parent of a specified member.
! Ancestor Function
This topic describes how to navigate up an arbitrary number of levels in the
family tree by using the Ancestor function. The Ancestor function returns
the ancestor of a member either at a specified level or at a specified distance
away in the hierarchy.

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30 Module 3: Using MDX Expressions

Group Activity: Navigating the Family Tree

Topic Objective
To learn how to navigate
from one member to another
in the family tree.
Lead-in
In this group activity, you will
learn how to return the
parent or ancestor of any
specified member.

In this group activity, you may follow along on your own computer with your
instructor or observe the demonstration
You will learn how to use MDX functions to navigate the family tree of a
dimension hierarchy. Specifically, you will learn how to use the Parent
function and the Ancestor function, both of which return members and appear
in the Member group of the Functions list.

! To display the name of a parent

In this procedure, you will learn how you can use the Parent function to move
Delivery Tip from the current member of a dimension to the one parent member.
FamilyParentD.txt in
C:\MOC\2093A\Demo\D03\ 1. In the Basic Sales virtual cube, create a new calculated member on the
Answers contains the Measures dimension. Type Family as the name of the member.
completed MDX expression
for this procedure. 2. In the Functions list, expand the String folder, and then double-click the
Name – Member function.
3. Click in the «Member» token, in the Functions list, expand the Member
folder, and then scroll down to the Parent function.
4. In the Functions list, double-click Parent, and then look at the description
at the bottom of the dialog box.
You must precede the Parent function with a member. The
CurrentMember function returns a member, so you can use it to replace
the «Member» token.
5. Click in the «Member» token, and then double-click CurrentMember in
the Functions list.
6. Click in the «Dimension» token, and then double-click Product dimension
in the Data list. The result is
[Product].CurrentMember.Parent.Name

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 Module 3: Using MDX Expressions 31

7. To accept the new expression, click OK.

8. Double-click the Subcategory level, and then browse the Family column to
see how it always displays the appropriate parent of the current product.

Notice that the name of the parent for the All Product member is blank. The
All Product member is at the top of the hierarchy and does not have a
parent. Attempting to display the name of a nonexistent member does not
return an error, but simply an empty cell.

! To display the name of an ancestor at a specific level

In this procedure, you will learn how you can use the Ancestor function to
Delivery Tip move from the current member of a dimension to a member at a specific higher
FamilyAncestorLevelD.txt in
C:\MOC\2093A\Demo\D03\
level.
Answers contains the 1. Click the Value property of the Family member, click the ellipsis button,
completed MDX expression
and then clear the contents of the Value expression box.
for this procedure.
2. In the Functions list, expand the String folder, and then double-click the
Name – Member function.
3. Click in the «Member» token, and then in the Functions list, expand the
Member folder.
Notice that two versions of the Ancestor function appear in the Members
group.
4. Double-click Ancestor – Level in the Functions list, and then look at the
description at the bottom of the dialog box.
The level version of the Ancestor function takes two arguments. The first
argument must be a member. The CurrentMember function returns a
member so that you can use it to replace the «Member» token.
5. Click in the «Member» token, and then in the Functions list, double-click
CurrentMember.
6. Click in the «Dimension» token, and then in the Data list, double-click
Product.
Notice the «Level» token. The second argument for the function is a level.
This function returns the ancestor of a member at the specified level.

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32 Module 3: Using MDX Expressions

7. Click in the «Level» token, and then expand the Product dimension and
double-click the Category level. The result is
Ancestor([Product].CurrentMember,[Product].[Category]).Name

8. To accept the new expression, click OK.

9. Double-click the Subcategory button to view the Product Name level, and
then scroll as needed to view the Family column.
10. Browse the Family column to see how it always displays the appropriate
category ancestor of the current product.

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 Module 3: Using MDX Expressions 33

! To display the name of an ancestor at a relative level

In this procedure, you will learn how to use the Ancestor function to move
Delivery Tip from the current member of a dimension to a member at a relative higher level.
FamilyAncestorDistD.txt in
C:\MOC\2093A\Demo\D03\ The parent of a member is just a special kind of ancestor—the ancestor that is
Answers contains the only one level away. The second variation of the Ancestor function allows you
completed MDX expression
to specify the distance from the original member to the desired member. For a
for this procedure.
parent, the distance is 1. For a grandparent, the distance is 2. For a great-
grandparent, the distance is 3.
1. Edit the Family member and change the Value expression to
Ancestor([Product].CurrentMember,2).Name

2. To display the name of the grandparent for each member, click OK, and
then scroll as needed to view the Family column and the beginning rows of
the Dairy category.

Notice that the names at the Product Name level show the category for that
product. Notice that the name for the Category level member is blank.
Category does not have a grandparent, so the Ancestor function simply
returns an empty cell.
By using the Ancestor function—coupled with the CurrentMember
function—you can display the ancestor of the current member, either at a
relative position in the hierarchy or at a specific level of the hierarchy.

! To delete the Family calculated member

• In the Virtual Cube Editor, delete the Family calculated member.

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34 Module 3: Using MDX Expressions

Navigating the Family Tree

All State

Topic Objective USA Canada Mexico

To review the concept of
navigating from one North West South West British Columbia District Federal Zacatecas
member to another.
Washington Oregon California
Lead-in
You can use functions that
return other members based ! For Sample Member Oregon
on the current member. $ The Parent is North West
$ The Ancestor at the Country level is USA
$ The Ancestor up 3 levels is All State

The CurrentMember function returns the member that is on the current row,
column, or filter. After you have that member, you can use other functions that
return a member that is related to the current member. Some of these functions
navigate the family tree.
For example, assume that the current member of the State dimension is
Oregon, and notice the following:
! The Parent of the current member is North West.
! The Ancestor of the current member at the Country level is USA.
! The Ancestor that is three levels distant from the current member is
All State.
These three relationships are captured by the Parent function and by the two
versions of the Ancestor function.

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Parent Function
Topic Objective
To review the Parent
function.
Lead-in ! Returns the Parent of the Specified Member
You can use the Parent ! Often Follows the CurrentMember Function
function to return the parent
of a specified member. ! Appears in the Member Group of the Functions List

Product.CurrentMember.Parent.Name
Product.CurrentMember.Parent.Name
Returns
Returnsthe
thestring
string“Bread”
“Bread”ififthe
thecurrent
current
member is Bagels
member is Bagels

You can use the Parent function to return the parent of a specified member.
Syntax «Member».Parent
Example The following example returns the string “Bread” if the current member of the
Product dimension is Bagels.
Product.CurrentMember.Parent.Name
Delivery Tip
Because students have When you use the Parent function, consider the following facts and guidelines:
already been exposed to the ! The Parent function can follow only a member object. It often follows the
Parent function in the
previous group activity, treat
CurrentMember function. You cannot display the parent of a dimension.
this topic as a review—that Using the Parent function after a dimension name returns the parent of the
is, do not spend a lot of current member of that dimension.
time. ! The Parent function appears in the Member group of the Functions list.
Related Functions MDX includes the following other functions that return family tree members
similar to the Parent function:
! The FirstChild function returns the first child of a specified member.
Delivery Tip
These related functions are ! The LastChild function returns the last child of a specified member.
included for reference only.
! The FirstSibling function returns the first child of the parent of a specified
Do not spend any time
explaining them.
member.
! The LastSibling function returns the last child of the parent of a specified
member.
You can find more information about these functions by searching on the
function name in Microsoft SQL Server Books Online.

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Ancestor Function
Topic Objective ! Returns the Ancestor of a Member
To review the Ancestor
function. $ At a specified level
Lead-in
$ At a specified distance in the hierarchy
The Ancestor function is a
generalized version of the ! Equivalent to Parent Function When Distance = 1
Parent function.

Ancestor(Product.CurrentMember,Category).Name
Ancestor(Product.CurrentMember,Category).Name
Returns
Returnsthe
thestring
string“Bread”
“Bread”ififthe
thecurrent
current
member is Colony Bagels
member is Colony Bagels

Ancestor(Product.CurrentMember,1).Name
Ancestor(Product.CurrentMember,1).Name
Returns
Returnsthe
thestring
string“Bread”
“Bread”ififthe
thecurrent
current
member is Bagels
member is Bagels

The Parent function works with only one level. A generalized version that can
Delivery Tip work at any level is the Ancestor function. By using the Ancestor function—
Because students have
already been exposed to the
coupled with the CurrentMember function—you can display the ancestor of
Ancestor function in the the current member, either at a relative position in the hierarchy, or at a specific
previous group activity, treat level of the hierarchy.
this topic as a review—that
is, do not spend a lot of
The Ancestor function has two types:
time. ! Ancestor at a specified level
! Ancestor at a specified distance in the hierarchy

Ancestor at a Specified Level

You can use the Ancestor function to display the ancestor of the current
member at a specific level of the hierarchy. This use of the Ancestor function
uses a member as the first argument and a level as the second argument.
Syntax Ancestor(«Member», «Level»)
Example 1 To display the name of the Category level ancestor of the current member of
the Product dimension, use the following expression:
Ancestor(Product.CurrentMember,Category).Name

Tip Putting the insertion point after one item in a pair of punctuation marks—
such as parentheses, brackets, or quotation marks—turns both items bold.
Omitting one of a pair of punctuation marks turns the remaining item red. These
signals help you properly match punctuation that must come in pairs.

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 Module 3: Using MDX Expressions 37

Ancestor at a Specified Distance

A second variation of the Ancestor function allows you to specify the distance
from the original member to the desired member. For a parent, the distance is 1.
Syntax Ancestor(«Member», «Distance»)
Example 2 To display the name of the parent of the current member of the Product
dimension, use the following expression:
Ancestor(Product.CurrentMember, 1).Name

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# Working with Member Properties

Topic Objective
To provide an overview of
the materials in this section.
Lead-in ! Group Activity: Working with Member Properties
In this section, you will learn ! Properties Function
how to work with member
properties. ! Val Function

This section introduces how to work with member properties associated with
Delivery Tip specific members.
Briefly explain the bullets on
this diamond slide to provide Two topics follow the group activity:
context for the upcoming
group activity in which the ! Properties Function
items are functionally
demonstrated. This topic describes how to retrieve the value from a member property by
using the Properties function. The Properties function returns a string
containing the value of the specified member property.
! Val Function
This topic describes how to convert a string to a number by using the Val
function. The Val function is a Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications
(VBA) function that is available from MDX.

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 Module 3: Using MDX Expressions 39

Group Activity: Working with Member Properties

Topic Objective
To learn how to display and
use member properties of
various members.
Lead-in
In this group activity, you will
learn how to retrieve the
value from a member
property.

In this group activity, you may follow along on your own computer with your
instructor or observe the demonstration.
You will learn how to use the Properties function to retrieve values stored as
member properties. Member properties are additional information available for
each member of a level. An administrator must use the Analysis Manager to
create a member property before you can use MDX to retrieve its value.
You will also learn how to use the Val function from the VBA library. The Val
function allows you to convert a string to a number.

! To display the category manager for a subcategory

In this procedure, you will learn how to display the member property of a
Delivery Tip member. The Product dimension has a Category Manager member property
MemberPropD.txt in at the subcategory level. You can display the value of this member property for
C:\MOC\2093A\Demo\D03\ each member.
Answers contains the
completed MDX expression 1. In the Basic Sales virtual cube, create a new calculated member, and then
for this procedure. type Property as the name of the member.
2. In the String group of the Functions list, double-click the Properties
function, replace the «Member» token with the current member of the
Product dimension and replace the «String Expression» token with
“Category Manager”, and then click OK The final expression should be
the following:
[Product].CurrentMember.Properties(“Category Manager”).

The name of the member property must be enclosed in quotation marks. If

the member property name does not exist, the expression will return an
error.

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40 Module 3: Using MDX Expressions

3. Scroll to view the Property member, expand all the levels, and then view
the category manager name. Notice that the expression returns an error for
all levels other than the subcategory level.

Because the category manager member property exists only at the

subcategory level, you see an error at all other levels.

! To display the category manager for any subcategory or product

You want to be able to view the appropriate category manager for any
Delivery Tip product, not just for subcategories. In order to do that, you must navigate from
MemberPropAncD.txt in
C:\MOC\2093A\Demo\D03\
the current member up to the appropriate member at the subcategory level,
Answers contains the where the member property exists. The Ancestor function can return the
completed MDX expression appropriate level for the member property.
for this procedure.
1. Right-click the Property calculated member and click Edit.
2. Change the expression to
Ancestor(Product,SubCategory).Properties("Category Manager")

Note If you use only the dimension name for the member argument of the
Ancestor function, the CurrentMember function is assumed.

3. Click OK, scroll to view the Property member, and then expand the levels
to show the Product Name level and see the manager name appear for all
the members in a subcategory.

Caution A member property is always returned as a string, even if the

member property stores a number. If you want to use the member property
in a numeric expression, you must use an external function to convert the
string to a number.

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 Module 3: Using MDX Expressions 41

! To see an error when using a member property in an arithmetic

expression
In this procedure, you will see an error generated when a member property is
Delivery Tip used in an arithmetic expression. The Product dimension has a Price member
MemberPropErrorD.txt in
C:\MOC\2093A\Demo\D03\
property at the Product Name level. This is the list price for each product. It is
Answers contains the probably higher than the average price the product actually sells at.
completed MDX expression
Retrieve the Price member property and try to use it in a numeric calculation.
for this procedure.
1. Right-click the Property calculated member, and then click Edit.
2. Change the expression to
[Product].CurrentMember.Properties("Price") * 2

3. To see the error message, click OK, and then close the message box.
The error message indicates that the expression is not valid. This is because
you cannot multiply a string by a number. You must convert the Price
member property value to a number before multiplying the values.

! To use a numeric member property in an arithmetic expression

In this procedure, you will use the Val function to use a numeric property in an
Delivery Tip arithmetic expression.
MemberPropVal.txt in
C:\MOC\2093A\Demo\D03\ MDX does not have an internal function for converting one data type to
Answers contains the another, but in an MDX expression you can use almost any function from the
completed MDX expression
VBA or Excel libraries. VBA has a Val function that converts a string to a
for this procedure.
number.
1. Change the expression of the Property calculated member to
Val(Product.CurrentMember.Properties(“Price”))*2

2. Click OK.
This version of the expression does not produce an error message box
because you can multiply two numbers.

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42 Module 3: Using MDX Expressions

3. In the browser, navigate down to the product level, and then view the prices.
The values are double the value stored in the dimension.

Note When creating an application that may be used in international locales,

you should use the CDbl function rather than the Val function. The Val
function always interprets a period as a decimal point, even though some
countries use a comma for a decimal point. The CDbl function takes into
consideration locale settings from the operating system.

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 Module 3: Using MDX Expressions 43

Properties Function
Topic Objective
To show how to display the
value of a member property
by using MDX. ! Returns a Member Property
Lead-in ! Requires Property Name in Quotation Marks
In addition to the name of a
member, you can show the ! Returns an Error If Property Name Does Not Exist
text string of a member’s
member property. ! Often Used with Ancestor Function to Get Correct Level
! Returns Property Value As a String Even If It Is a
Number

Product.CurrentMember.Properties(“Price”)
Product.CurrentMember.Properties(“Price”)
Returns
Returnsstring
stringvalue
valuefrom
fromthe
thePrice
Price
member
member property for currentmember
property for current member

The level of a dimension can have one or more member properties associated
with it. Each member can have a unique value for the member property. The
Properties function allows you to retrieve a member property value for a
member.
Syntax «Member».Properties(«String Expression»)
Example 1 The following example returns the string value of the Price member property
for the current member of the Product dimension.
Product.CurrentMember.Properties(“Price”)

Example 2 The following example returns the Category Manager member property for
the subcategory of the current member of the Product dimension.
Ancestor(Product, Subcategory).Properties(“Category Manager”)

When you use the Properties function, consider the following facts and
Delivery Tip guidelines:
Because students have
already been exposed to the ! You must enclose the name of the property in quotation marks because it is
Properties function in the the argument to the function.
previous group activity, treat
this topic as a review—that ! If the property name does not exist for a member, the function returns an
is, do not spend a lot of error value. Spaces in the name are significant, but capitalization is ignored.
time.
! The Ancestor function is a useful way to navigate from the current member
of a dimension to the level that contains a specified member property.
! The Properties function always returns a string value, even if the member
property appears to be a number.
! Because the Properties function returns a string value, it appears in the
String group of the Functions list.

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44 Module 3: Using MDX Expressions

Val Function
Topic Objective
To review the Val function.
Lead-in
MDX does not have an
! Converts a String to a Number
internal function for ! Is Useful for Converting a Member Property to a Number
converting a string to a
number ! Is a VBA Function, Not an MDX Function
! VBA and Excel Functions Are Automatically Available

Val(Product.CurrentMember.Properties(“Price”))
Val(Product.CurrentMember.Properties(“Price”))
Returns
Returnsnumeric
numericvalue
valuefrom
fromthe
thePrice
Price
member property for current member
member property for current member

A member property is always returned as a string, even if the member property

stores a number. If you want to use the member property in a numeric
expression, you must convert it from a string to a number. MDX does not have
an internal function for converting a string to a number.
The Val function, which is part of the Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications
(VBA) library, converts a text string to a number.
Syntax Val («String Expression»)
Example The following example returns the number two times the Price member
property of the current member of the Product dimension.
Val([Product].CurrentMember. Properties("Price")) * 2

When you use the Val function, consider the following facts and guidelines:
Delivery Tip
Because students have ! The function is useful for converting the value of a member property before
already seen the Name including it in an arithmetic expression.
function in the previous
group activity, use this topic ! The Val function is not an MDX function. It is part of the VBA library.
as a review—that is, do not ! Most VBA and Excel functions are automatically available to MDX
spend a lot of time.
expressions. You can search for function libraries in Microsoft SQL Server
Books Online to see which specific functions are excluded.
! Because the Val function is not an MDX function, it does not appear in the
Functions list in the Calculated Member Builder.

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 Module 3: Using MDX Expressions 45

Related Functions VBA includes the following other functions that you may want to use in place
of the Val function:
Delivery Tip
These related functions are ! The CDbl function converts a string to a number but takes into
included for reference only. consideration the regional settings of the operating system.
Do not spend any time ! The CLng function converts a string to a number, rounding to the nearest
explaining them. integer.
You can find other Excel and VBA functions that you can use from MDX by
searching for function libraries in Microsoft SQL Server Books Online.

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46 Module 3: Using MDX Expressions

Lab B: Displaying Cube Metadata

Topic Objective
To introduce the lab.
Lead-in
In this lab, you will create a
calculated member that
displays metadata
information from the cube.

Objectives
Explain the lab objectives. After completing this lab, you will be able to:
! Create expressions by using functions that display current member, level,
and dimension information.

Prerequisites
Before working on this lab, you must have successfully completed modules 1
and 2 in course 2093A, Implementing Business Logic with MDX in Microsoft
SQL Server 2000.

Estimated time to complete this lab: 20 minutes

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 Module 3: Using MDX Expressions 47

Exercise 1
Displaying Member Information
In this exercise, you will create and then make modifications to a calculated
Delivery Tip member in the Basic Sales virtual cube on the Measures dimension, including
The procedures in this
exercise essentially
assigning the calculated member various expressions that display metadata
replicate the previous group information.
activities, but without the
As you complete each procedure, compare the result as shown in the procedure
answers.
screen shot to the result on your own computer. If there is a difference, recheck
Students having difficulty your entry and refer back to the related group activity procedures as necessary.
with the procedures should
If you still cannot reconcile your result, then refer to the answer file, which is
first refer back to the group
activity procedures and then
located in:
go to the answer file for C:\MOC\2093A\Labfiles\L03\Answers
guidance.
You can copy and paste expressions from this file into the Value expression
box for any given procedure.

! To display the name of the current member

In this procedure, you will create a calculated member in the Basic Sales virtual
cube by using the CurrentMember function. NameMember.txt in the Answer
folder is the completed MDX expression used in this procedure.
1. If necessary, delete any calculated members from the Basic Sales cube, and
then create a new calculated member of the Measures dimension named
Object Name.
2. In the Value expression box, create an expression to display the name of
the current member of the Product dimension.
What MDX expression did you use?
Product.CurrentMember.Name
____________________________________________________________

3. Browse the cube, scrolling to view the Object Name member, and
navigating down to all levels of the Product dimension, and then, with the
Product Name level visible, verify that the browser content is similar to the
following table.

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48 Module 3: Using MDX Expressions

! To display the name of the current member’s level

In this procedure, you will modify a calculated member by using the Level
function. NameLevel.txt in the Answer folder is the completed MDX
expression used in this procedure.
1. Modify the Object Name calculated member to display the name of the
level of the current member of the Product dimension.
What MDX expression did you use?
Product.CurrentMember.Level.Name
or
Product.Level.Name
____________________________________________________________

2. Browse the cube drilling down to all levels of the Product dimension, and
then, with the Product Name level visible, verify that the browser content
is similar to the following table.

! To delete the Object Name calculated member

• In the Virtual Cube Editor, delete the Object Name calculated member.

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Exercise 2
Displaying Family Tree Relatives
In this exercise, you will create and modify a calculated member on the
Delivery Tip Measures dimension, assigning it various expressions that display parent and
The procedures in this
exercise essentially
ancestor relationships.
replicate the previous group In this exercise, you will create a calculated member on the Measures
activities, but without the
dimension of the Basic Sales cube, assigning it various expressions that use
answers.
only constant values.
Students having difficulty As you complete each procedure, compare the result as shown in the procedure
with the procedures should
screen shot to the result on your own computer. If there is a difference, recheck
first refer back to the group
activity procedures and then
your entry and refer back to the related group activity procedures as necessary.
go to the answer file for If you still cannot reconcile your result, then refer to the answer file, which is
guidance.
located in:
C:\MOC\2093A\Labfiles\L03\Answers
You can copy and paste expressions from this file into the Value expression
box for any given procedure.

! To display the name of the current member’s parent

In this procedure, you will create a calculated member in the Basic Sales virtual
cube by using the Parent function. TreeParent.txt in the Answer folder is the
completed MDX expression used in this procedure.
1. In the Basic Sales virtual cube, on the Measures dimension, create a new
calculated member called Tree Name.
2. In the Value expression box, create an expression to display the name of
parent of the current member of the Product dimension.
What MDX expression did you use?
Product.CurrentMember.Parent.Name
or
Product.Parent.Name
____________________________________________________________

3. Browse the cube, drilling to all levels of the Product dimension. With the
Product Name level visible, verify that the browser content is similar to the
following.

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50 Module 3: Using MDX Expressions

! To display the name of the current member’s category

In this procedure, you will modify a calculated member by using the Ancestor
function with a level. TreeAncestorLevel.txt in the Answer folder is the
completed MDX expression used in this procedure.
1. Change the Tree Name member to show the category name for each
category, subcategory, and product.
What MDX expression did you use?
Ancestor(Product.CurrentMember,Category).Name
or
Ancestor(Product,Category).Name
____________________________________________________________

2. Browse the cube, drilling to all levels of the Product dimension, and then,
with the first few products of the Dairy category visible, verify that the
browser content is similar to the following table.

! To display the name of the current member’s grandparent

In this procedure, you will modify a calculated member by using the Ancestor
function with a distance. TreeAncestorDistance.txt in the Answer folder is the
completed MDX expression used in this procedure.
1. Change the Tree Name member to show the name of the grandparent
product for the current member of the Product dimension.
Ancestor(Product.CurrentMember,2).Name
or
Ancestor(Product,2).Name
____________________________________________________________

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 Module 3: Using MDX Expressions 51

2. Browse the cube, drilling to all levels of the Product dimension, and then,
with the Product Name level visible, verify that the browser content is
similar to the following table.

! To delete the Tree Name calculated member

• In the Virtual Cube Editor, delete the Tree Name calculated member.

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52 Module 3: Using MDX Expressions

Exercise 3
Working with Member Properties
In this exercise, you will create and then make modifications to a calculated
Delivery Tip member in the Basic Sales virtual cube on the Measures dimension, including
The procedures in this
exercise essentially
assigning the calculated member various expressions that display metadata
replicate the previous group information from a cube.
activities, but without the
As you complete each procedure, compare the result as shown in the procedure
answers.
screen shot to the result on your own computer. If there is a difference, recheck
Students having difficulty your entry and refer back to the related group activity procedures as necessary.
with the procedures should
If you still cannot reconcile your result, then refer to the answer file, which is
first refer back to the group
activity procedures and then
located in:
go to the answer file for C:\MOC\2093A\Mod3\LabMetadata.
guidance.
You can copy and paste expressions from this file into the Value expression
box for any given procedure.

! To display the category manager for a subcategory

In this procedure, you will create a calculated member by using the Properties
function. Property1.txt in the Answer folder is the completed MDX expression
used in this procedure.
1. In the Basic Sales virtual cube called Member Property, create a new
calculated member of the Measures dimension.
2. In the Value expression box, create an expression to show the name of the
category manager for the current member of the Product dimension.
What MDX expression did you use?
Product.CurrentMember.Properties(“Category Manager”)
______________________________________________________________

3. Browse the cube, drilling to all levels of the Product dimension, and then,
with the Product Name level visible, verify that the browser content is
similar to the following table—that is, you should see an error at any level
other than Subcategory.

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 Module 3: Using MDX Expressions 53

! To display a category manager for product or subcategory

In this procedure, you will modify a calculated member by using the Properties
function in conjunction with the Ancestor function. Property2.txt in the Answer
folder is the completed MDX expression used in this procedure.
1. Edit the Member Property member to show the category manager
responsible for each subcategory and product.
What MDX expression did you use?
Ancestor(Product.CurrentMember,SubCategory).
Properties("Category Manager ").
____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

2. Browse the cube, drilling to all levels of the Product dimension, and then,
with the first few rows of the Dairy category visible, verify that the browser
content is similar to the following table.

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54 Module 3: Using MDX Expressions

! To use a price calculated member in a calculation

In this procedure, you will modify a calculated member by using the Properties
function in conjunction with the Val function. PropertyValue.txt in the Answer
folder is the completed MDX expression used in this procedure.
1. Edit the Member Property member to display the Price member property
multiplied by 5.
What MDX expression did you use?
Val(Product.CurrentMember.Properties("Price"))*5
____________________________________________________________

2. Browse the cube, drilling to all levels of the Product dimension, and Then,
with the Product Name level visible, verify that the browser content is
similar to the following table.

! To delete the Member Property calculated member

• In the Virtual Cube Editor, delete the Member Property calculated
member.

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 Module 3: Using MDX Expressions 55

# Using Conditional Expressions

Topic Objective
To introduce the topics in
the section.
Lead-in ! Group Activity: Using Conditional Expressions
MDX allows you to make ! Conditional Expressions
decisions by using
conditional expressions. ! Multiple Conditions
! IIF Function

This section introduces how to create MDX statements that use conditional
Delivery Tip expressions. Conditional logic is fundamental to sophisticated analysis and
Explain the bullets on this
diamond slide to provide
model building.
context for the upcoming The following topics follow the group activity:
group activity.
! Conditional Expressions
Each item in the bullets will
be functionally introduced in This topic describes how to create a conditional expression by using
the group activity and then comparison operators.
reviewed in more complete ! Multiple Conditions
syntax and other detail in
the slide topics that follow. This topic describes how to combine multiple conditions in a single
condition by using conditional operators.
! IIF Function
This topic describes how to use the IIF function to make one expression
return different values based on the value of a conditional expression.

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 56 Module 3: Using MDX Expressions

Group Activity: Using Conditional Expressions

Topic Objective
To demonstrate how to
show names and member
properties of various
members.
Lead-in
In this demonstration, you
will learn how to display the
name of dimensions, levels,
and members.

In this group activity, you may follow along on your own computer with your
instructor or observe the demonstration
You will learn how to use basic conditional expressions. You start by first
constructing a simple conditional expression, and then you learn how to use the
IIF function. In the final step, you create an MDX expression that incorporates
multiple conditions.

! To create a basic conditional expression

In this procedure, you learn how to display the result of a simple conditional
expression. This allows you to see the 1 or 0 value returned by the expression.
1. In the Basic Sales virtual cube, create a new calculated member. Type
Conditional as the name of the member.
Delivery Tip 2. In the Value expression box, construct the following expression:
ConditionTestD.txt in
C:\MOC\2093A\Demo\D03\ Ancestor([Product].CurrentMember,
Answers contains the [Product].[Category]).Name = “Bread”
completed MDX expression
for this procedure. 3. Click OK.
4. To show all three levels, in the browser, double-click the Category and
Subcategory buttons, and then scroll to view the Conditional member and
the first rows of the Dairy category. Notice the 1 and 0 values in the
Conditional column.

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 Module 3: Using MDX Expressions 57

The following are several comparison operators you can use to create a
conditional expression:
• Equal to (=)
• Not equal to (<>)
• Greater than (>)
• Less than (<)
• Greater than or equal to (>=)
• Less than or equal to (<=)

! To use a conditional expression by using the IIF function

In this procedure, you learn how to use the IIF function, which returns different
Delivery Tip values based on a conditional expression.
ConditionIFD.txt in
C:\MOC\2093A\Demo\D03\ Suppose that you wanted to designate all of the products that you could bring to
Answers contains the a bread-tasting social. You can modify the Conditional member to show which
completed MDX expression
products to bring.
for this procedure.
1. Edit the Conditional member and then clear the current contents of the
Value expression box.
2. In the Functions list, expand the String folder.
3. Select the IIF – String function. Notice the description of the function at
the bottom of the dialog box.
4. In the Value box, type the following expression:
IIF(Ancestor([Product].CurrentMember,
[Product].Category).Name = "Bread" , "Bring" , "Don’t
Bring" )

5. Click OK.
6. In the browser, look for the text strings. Notice that they say “Bring” only
for the products in the Bread category.

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58 Module 3: Using MDX Expressions

! To create a test with multiple conditions

In this procedure, you will learn that a conditional test can be composed of
Delivery Tip more than one sub test.
ConditionMultipleD.txt in
C:\MOC\2093A\Demo\D03\ Suppose that your bread party changes to a bread and cheese party. You could
Answers contains the expand the conditional test to accommodate this multiple condition.
completed MDX expression
for this procedure. 1. Edit the Conditional member and then clear the current contents of the
Value expression box.
2. In Value box, construct the following expression:
IIF(Ancestor([Product].CurrentMember, [Product].Category
).Name = "Bread" OR Ancestor([Product].CurrentMember,
[Product].Subcategory ).Name = "Cheese" , "Bring" , "Don't
Bring" )

3. Click OK.
4. In the browser, scroll down to the first few rows of the Dairy category and
look for the string values in the Conditional column. Notice that they now
say “Bring” not only for the Bread category products but also for products
in the Cheese subcategory.

There are several keywords that you can use to combine conditional
expressions, for example:
• OR returns True if either of two conditional tests returns True.
• AND returns True only if both values are True.
• XOR returns True if one and only one value is True.
• NOT reverses the True and False results of the test.

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 Module 3: Using MDX Expressions 59

Conditional Expressions
Topic Objective
To review conditional ! Return True or False
expressions.
$ True = 1
Lead-in
MDX allows you to make $ False = 0
comparison tests in an
expression. ! Created by Using a Comparison Operator
= Equal to <> Not Equal to
> Greater Than < Less Than
>= Greater Than or Equal to <= Less Than or Equal to

Product.CurrentMember.Name
Product.CurrentMember.Name == “Bread”
“Bread”
Returns
ReturnsTrue
Truefor
forBread
Breadand
andFalse
Falsefor
forall
all
other members
other members

MDX allows you to make comparison tests in an expression. For example, you
can test whether a product belongs in a specific category by testing the name of
the product’s ancestor. Consider some examples.
Example 1 The following example returns True (1) only if the current member of the
Product dimension is the Bread category.
Product.CurrentMember.Name = “Bread”

Example 2 The following example returns True (1) only if the current member of the
Product dimension is a descendant of the Bread category.
Ancestor(Product.CurrentMember,
Product.Category).Name = “Bread”

When creating conditional expressions, consider the following facts and

Delivery Tip guidelines:
Because students have
already been exposed to the ! The value returned by a conditional expression is either True or False. A
conditional expressions in True value is represented by the number 1. A False value is represented by
the previous group activity, the number 0.
use this topic as review—
that is, do not spend a lot of Note The values of True as 1 and False as 0 are similar to the usage in
time. Excel, but differ from Visual Basic, in which True is –1 and False is 0.

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60 Module 3: Using MDX Expressions

! You create a conditional expression by using a comparison operator. MDX

uses the following same comparison operators as Visual Basic and Excel:
• Equal to (=)
• Not equal to (<>)
• Greater than (>),
• Less than (<)
• Greater than or equal to (>=),
• Less than or equal to (<=).

Note Conditional expressions can be used to create advanced security rules in

a cube.

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 Module 3: Using MDX Expressions 61

Multiple Conditions
Topic Objective
To review combining
! Use Operator to Combine Multiple Conditions
conditional expressions in
one. $ OR returns True if either condition is True
Lead-in
Some decisions require $ AND returns True if both conditions are true
more than one condition.
$ XOR returns True if only one condition is True
$ NOT returns True if condition is False
! Result Is a Conditional Expression
Ancestor(Product,Category).Name
Ancestor(Product,Category).Name == “Bread”
“Bread” OR
OR
Ancestor(Product,Subcategory).Name
Ancestor(Product,Subcategory).Name == “Cheese”
“Cheese”
Returns
ReturnsTrue
Truefor
forall
allBread
BreadororCheese
Cheese
products, False for all others
products, False for all others

A conditional test can be composed of more than one sub test. The conditional
expressions are combined with a logical operator.
Example The following example displays the text “Bring” for any product that is either
in the Bread category or in the Cheese subcategory.
IIF(Ancestor([Product].CurrentMember,
[Product].Category ).Name = "Bread" OR
Ancestor([Product].CurrentMember,
[Product].Subcategory ).Name = "Cheese" ,
"Bring" , "Don't Bring" ).

When constructing expressions with multiple conditions, consider the following

Delivery Tip facts and guidelines:
Because students have
already seen multiple ! In an MDX expression, you can use standard conditional operators, for
conditions in the previous example:
group activity, use this topic
as a review—that is, do not • OR returns True if either of two conditional tests returns True.
spend a lot of time.
• AND returns True only if both values are True.
• XOR returns True if one and only one value is True.
• NOT reverses the True and False results of the test.
! The result of combining multiple conditional expressions by using a logical
operator is a new conditional expression.
! You can nest conditional expressions, using parentheses as needed to clarify
the order in which the expressions should be combined.

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62 Module 3: Using MDX Expressions

IIF Function
Topic Objective
To review the IIF function.
Lead-in
You often need to make a
! Returns One of Two Values Based on Conditional
decision in an expression. Expression
The IIF function allows you
to do that.
! Returns First Value If True, Second Value If False
! IIF Stands for Immediate IF—Similar to VBA IIF Function
or Excel IF Function
! Both Expressions Must Be Same Data Type

IIF(Ancestor(Product,
IIF(Ancestor(Product,Category).Name
Category).Name==“Bread”,
“Bread”,“Bring”,
“Bring”,“Don’t
“Don’tBring”)
Bring”)
Returns
ReturnsBring
Bringififcurrent
currentmember
memberisisaa
descendant
descendant of the Breadcategory
of the Bread category

Sometimes you need an MDX expression that calculates one value under one
condition and a different value under another condition. The IIF function
allows you to make a decision based on a conditional test. The MDX IIF
function is similar to the IF function in Excel or the IIF function in Visual
Basic.
Syntax IIF(«Conditional Expression»,«String Expression»,«String Expression»)
IIF(«Conditional Expression»,«Numeric Expression»,«Numeric Expression»)
Example The following example displays the text “Bring” or “Don’t Bring”, depending
on the category of the current product.
IIF(Ancestor([Product].CurrentMember,
[Product].Category ).Name = “Bread” ,
“Bring” , “Don’t Bring” )

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 Module 3: Using MDX Expressions 63

When you use the IIF function, consider the following facts and guidelines:
Delivery Tip
Because students have ! The IIF function takes three arguments. The first argument is the
already seen the IIF function conditional expression. The final two arguments are the result values. If the
in the previous group conditional expression returns True, the function returns the first result
activity, use this topic as a
value. If the conditional expression returns False, the function returns the
review—that is, do not
spend a lot of time.
second result value.
! The name of the function—IIF—is an abbreviation for Immediate IF. This
function is similar to the Visual Basic IIF function and to the Excel IF
function.
! There are two versions of the IIF function. One returns a string; the other
returns a number. Both result values must be of the same data type.
• If the first result value is a string, the second result value must also be a
string.
• Likewise, if the first result value is a number, the second result value
must also be a number.
This is different from the IF function in Excel and the IIF function in VBA,
where the arguments can have different data types.
! The IIF function that returns a string value appears in the String group of
the Functions list. The IIF function that returns a number appears in the
Numeric group of the Functions list.

Note It is not necessary to create expressions with the form

IIF(«condition»,1,0). If you want to use the result of a conditional expression
as a number in an arithmetic expression, simply use the 1 and 0 values returned
by the condition.

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64 Module 3: Using MDX Expressions

Lab C: Using Conditional Expressions

Topic Objective
To introduce the lab.
Lead-in
In this lab, you will create
conditional expressions.

Objectives
Explain the lab objectives. After completing this lab, you will be able to:
! Create conditional expressions using various forms, including the IIF
function.

Prerequisites
Before working on this lab, you must have successfully completed modules 1
through 2 in course 2093A, Implementing Business Logic with MDX in
Microsoft SQL Server 2000.

Estimated time to complete this lab: 20 minutes

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 Module 3: Using MDX Expressions 65

Exercise 1
Using Conditional Expressions
In this exercise, you will create and then make modifications to a calculated
Delivery Tip member in the Basic Sales virtual cube on the Measures dimension, including
The procedures in this
exercise essentially
assigning the calculated member various expressions that display metadata
replicate the previous group information from a cube.
activities, but without the
As you complete each procedure, compare the result as shown in the procedure
answers.
screen shot to the result on your own computer. If there is a difference, recheck
Students having difficulty your entry and refer back to the related group activity procedures as necessary.
with the procedures should
If you still cannot reconcile your result, then refer to the answer files, which are
first refer back to the group
activity procedures and then
located in:
go to the answer file for C:\MOC\2093A\Labfiles\L03\Answers
guidance.
You can copy and paste expressions from this file into the Value expression
box for any given procedure.

! To test the category of the current member

In this procedure, you will create a calculated member in the Basic Sales virtual
cube by using a conditional expression along with the Ancestor function. The
answer file ConditionAncestor.txt contains the completed MDX expression
used in this procedure.
1. If necessary, delete any calculated members from the Basic Sales cube, and
then create a new calculated member of the Measures dimension named
Test Condition.
2. Give Test Condition an expression that will display 1 for all members that
are in the Bread category, and 0 for all other members.
What MDX expression did you use?
Ancestor(Product.CurrentMember,Category).Name = “Bread”
____________________________________________________________

3. Browse the cube, navigating to all levels of the Product dimension, and
then, with the first rows of the Dairy category visible, verify that the
browser content is similar to the following table.

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66 Module 3: Using MDX Expressions

! To test the category and subcategory of the current member

In this procedure, you will modify a calculated member in the Basic Sales
virtual cube by using a logical operator to combine two conditional expressions.
The answer file ConditionTwo.txt contains the completed MDX expression
used in this procedure.
1. Edit the Test Condition member so that the calculated member displays 1
for members only in either the Bread category or the Milk subcategory.
What MDX expression did you use?
Ancestor(Product.CurrentMember,Category).Name = “Bread” OR
Ancestor(Product.CurrentMember,Subcategory).Name = “Milk”
____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

2. Browse the cube, displaying only the Category and Subcategory levels of
the Product dimension, and then, with the first few rows of the Dairy
category visible, verify that the browser content is similar to the following
table.

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 Module 3: Using MDX Expressions 67

! To display different values based on a conditional expression

In this procedure, you will modify a calculated member in the Basic Sales
virtual cube by using the IIF function to display different string values based on
a conditional expression. The answer file ConditionIIF.txt contains the
completed MDX expression used in this procedure.
1. Edit the Test Condition member so that the calculated member displays is
bread for all members that are in the Bread category, and is not bread for
all other members.
What MDX expression did you use?
IIF(Ancestor(Product.CurrentMember,Category).Name =
"Bread", "is bread", "is not bread")
____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

2. Browse the cube, displaying only the Category and Subcategory levels of
the Product dimension, and then verify that the browser content is similar
to the following table.

! To delete the Test Condition calculated member

• In the Virtual Cube Editor, delete the Test Condition calculated member.

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68 Module 3: Using MDX Expressions

Review
Topic Objective
To reinforce module
objectives by reviewing key ! Using MDX Expressions
points.
Lead-in ! Displaying Member Information
The review questions cover
some of the key concepts ! Displaying Family Tree Relatives
taught in the module.
! Working with Member Properties
! Using Conditional Expressions

1. You want to create an expression that displays empty cells. What value
would you put in the expression?
Null.

2. You want to concatenate two strings in an MDX expression. What operator

would you use?
The plus sign (+).

3. You want to create an expression that displays the name of each member
along a dimension. In addition to the Name function, what other function
must you include?
The CurrentMember function.

4. If you want to display the name of the grandparent of the current member,
what function would you use, and what would you have to specify in that
function?
The Ancestor function, with 2 as the numeric distance argument.

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 Module 3: Using MDX Expressions 69

5. You want to use a member property in an arithmetic expression. What must

you do?
Use an external function such as Val to convert the member property to
a number.

6. You want to display a number if a condition is true and a string if the

condition is false. How would you do this?
You cannot. The IIF function requires both the Value If True argument
and the Value If False argument to have the same data type. You could
convert the number to a string.

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