Glossary (Report Builder)

 

Term

Definition

.NET Framework

An integral Windows component that supports building, deploying, and running the next generation of applications and Web services. It provides a highly productive, standards-based, multilanguage environment for integrating existing investments with next generation applications and services, as well as the agility to solve the challenges of deployment and operation of Internet-scale applications. The .NET Framework consists of three main parts: the common language runtime, a hierarchical set of unified class libraries, and a componentized version of ASP called ASP.NET. See also: ASP.NET, common language runtime, .NET Framework class library.

ActiveX Data Objects

Component Object Model objects that provide access to data sources. This API provides a layer between OLE DB and programming languages such as Visual Basic, Visual Basic for Applications, Active Server Pages, and Microsoft Internet Explorer Visual Basic Scripting.

ad hoc report

An .rdl report created with Report Builder 1.0 that accesses report models.

adornment

A control or status area that is attached to the edge of a pane or window, such as a toolbar or ruler.

aggregate

A summary value comprised of multiple individual values.

aggregate function

A function that performs a calculation on multiple values and returns a single summary value.

aggregate of aggregates

A summary value calculated from aggregates, such as the maximum of a set of sums.

aggregate query

A query that summarizes information from multiple rows by including an aggregate function such as Sum or Avg.

aggregation

A table or structure that contains precalculated data for a cube.

alias

An alternative name for a table or column in expressions that is often used to shorten the name for subsequent reference in code, prevent possible ambiguous references, or provide a more descriptive name in the query output.

analytical data

In a report, a set of numeric values that can be analyzed. In a report map, analytical values control color, marker type, or size of map elements on each map layer.

antialiasing

In graphics, using an algorithm to smoothing out a jagged approximation of a curved line.

application database

The database that stores user and system data for one application.

argument

A value that provides information to an action, an event, a method, a property, a function, or a procedure.

assembly

A managed application module containing class metadata and managed code as an object in SQL Server, against which CLR functions, stored procedures, triggers, user-defined aggregates, and user-defined types can be created in SQL Server.

authentication

The process of verifying the identity of a user, computer, process, or other entity by validating the credentials provided by the entity. Common forms of credentials are digital signatures, smart cards, biometric data, and a combination of user names and passwords.

authorization

1. The operation that verifies the permissions and access rights that are granted to a user. 2. The process of granting a person, computer process, or device access to certain information, services or functionality.

axis

The vertical and horizontal lines on a graph used to show the position of a point.

axis interval

The number of units between major tick marks on a chart axis. The interval is automatically calculated, but can be manually set.

back up

To make a duplicate copy of a program, a disk, or data.

backup

A collection of files, folders, and other data that have been duplicated and stored in a file or on one or more tapes.

base table

A table stored permanently in a database. Base tables are referenced by views, cursors, SQL statements, and stored procedures.

batch

1. A set of SQL statements submitted together and run as a group. 2. In Reporting Services, a collection of SOAP method calls within a single transaction.

binary large object (BLOB)

A piece of binary data that has an exceptionally large size, such as images, audio, or multimedia tracks that are stored as digital data, or any variable or table column that is large enough to hold such values.

bitwise operation

An operation that manipulates a single bit, or tests whether a bit is on or off.

bookmark

A link in a report that jumps to another place within the report.

Boolean

An operation or expression that can be evaluated only as either true or false.

bubble map

A map layer that displays variable size circles. Bubbles center on polygon center points or on points.

built-in functions

A group of predefined functions provided as part of the Transact-SQL and Multidimensional Expressions languages.

calculated column

A column in a table that displays the result of an expression instead of stored data.

calculated field

A field, defined in a query, that displays the result of an expression instead of stored data.

calculated member

A member of a dimension whose value is calculated at run time by using an expression.

cardinality

Defines the number of instances allowed and/or required of a child entity per parent entity.

cascading parameters

Parameters that derive their available values from the selection of a preceding parameter. Cascading parameters are used to filter a set of parameter values.

category (x) axis

The axis for grouping data in a chart, usually the horizontal axis. Exception: in bar charts, the axes are reversed and the y axis displays grouping data.

certificate

A digital document that is commonly used for authentication and to help secure information on a network. A certificate binds a public key to an entity that holds the corresponding private key. Certificates are digitally signed by the certification authority that issues them, and they can be issued for a user, a computer, or a service.

character set

The types of characters that SQL Server recognizes in the char, varchar, and text data types.

chart data region

A report item on a report layout that displays data in a graphical format.

child

A member in the next lower level in a hierarchy that is directly related to the current member.

clause

In Transact-SQL, a subunit of an SQL statement. A clause begins with a keyword.

clickthrough report

A report that displays related report model data when you click data within a rendered Report Builder report.

client application

An application that retrieves data from a server and performs local analysis and presentation of data from relational or multidimensional databases.

client cursor

A cursor that is implemented on the client. The entire result set is first transferred to the client, and the client API software implements the cursor functionality from this cached result set.

CLR

See Other Term: common language runtime

CLR function

A function created against a SQL Server assembly whose implementation is defined in an assembly created in the .NET Framework common language runtime.

CLR stored procedure

A stored procedure created against a SQL Server assembly whose implementation is defined in an assembly created in the .NET Framework common language runtime.

CLR trigger

A trigger created against a SQL Server assembly whose implementation is defined in an assembly created in the .NET Framework common language runtime.

CLR user-defined type

A user-defined data type created against a SQL Server assembly whose implementation is defined in an assembly created in the .NET Framework common language runtime.

code access security

A mechanism provided by the common language runtime whereby managed code is granted permissions by security policy and these permissions are enforced, helping to limit the operations that the code will be allowed to perform.

collation

A set of rules that determines how data is compared, ordered, and presented.

collection

1. An object that contains a set of other objects. 2. In Master Data Services, a hierarchical grouping of members from explicit hierarchies and other collections.

color rules

The algorithm that automatically assigns colors to each map element on a map layer.

color scale

A type of map legend that is used to interpret what colors represent on a map.

common language runtime

The engine at the core of managed code execution. The runtime supplies managed code with services such as cross-language integration, code access security, object lifetime management, and debugging and profiling support.

complex expression

An expression that cannot be represented as a single built-in field reference, and is displayed on the design surface as <<Expr>>.

concatenation

The combining of two or more character strings or expressions into a single character string or expression, or to combine two or more binary strings or expressions into a single binary string or expression.

concurrency

A process that allows multiple users to access and change shared data at the same time. SQL Server uses locking to allow multiple users to access and change shared data at the same time without conflicting with each other.

config file

See other term: configuration file

configuration

In reference to a single microcomputer, the sum of a system's internal and external components, including memory, disk drives, keyboard, video, and generally less critical add-on hardware, such as a mouse, modem, or printer.

configuration file

A file that contains machine-readable operating specifications for a piece of hardware or software, or that contains information about another file or about a specific user.

containment scope

The scope in which an expression is evaluated. Scope is determined by the report processor as data and layout elements are combined.

credential

Data used by a principal to establish the identity of the principal, such as a password or user name.

cube

A set of data that is organized and summarized into a multidimensional structure defined by a set of dimensions and measures.

cursor

An entity that maps over a result set and establishes a position on a single row within the result set.

data connection

A collection of information that is required to access a specific data source. The collection includes a data source name and logon information.

data extension

A component in Reporting Services that is used to retrieve report data from an external data source.

data feed

A mechanism for users to receive a stream of data from data sources. In Reporting Services, the Atom rendering extension generates data feeds in Atom format from reports.

data hierarchy

The organization of data that is processed by the report processor: dataset, data region, data region group, details group.

data mining

The process of analyzing data to identify patterns or relationships.

data point

The smallest individual entity in a chart.

data processing extension

A component in Reporting Services that is used to retrieve report data from an external data source.

data provider

The layer of sofware that handles communication between data extensions and customized software specific to each type of external data source. Depending on the specific data source, multiple data providers are available from Microsoft and from third-party vendors.

data region

A report item that displays repeated rows of data from an underlying dataset in a table, matrix, list, or chart.

data source

1. In ADO and OLE DB, the location of a source of data exposed by an OLE DB provider. 2. The source of data for an object such as a cube or dimension. It is also the specification of the information necessary to access source data. It sometimes refers to object of ClassType clsDataSource. 3. In Reporting Services, a specified data source type, connection string, and credentials, which can be saved separately to a report server and shared among report projects or embedded in a report definition (.rdl) file.

data source name

In a report, the name of the data source object.

data type

An attribute that specifies what type of information can be stored in a column, parameter, or variable.

data warehouse

A database specifically structured for query and analysis.

database

A collection of information, tables, and other objects organized and presented to serve a specific purpose, such as searching, sorting, and recombining data.

database catalog

The part of a database that contains the definition of all the objects in the database, as well as the definition of the database.

database engine

The program module or modules that provide access to a database management system (DBMS).

database file

One of the physical files that make up a database.

database language

The language used for accessing, querying, updating, and managing data in relational database systems.

database object

A database component in a database. Can also refer to the database itself.

database owner

The member of the database administrator role of a database.

database project

A collection of one or more data connections (a database and the information needed to access that database).

database role

A collection of users and groups with the same access to an Analysis Services database.

database schema

The names of tables, fields, data types, and primary and foreign keys of a database. Also known as the database structure.

database script

A collection of statements used to create database objects.

data-bound image

An image that exists in a database, such as a field in a database that contains images.

data-driven subscription

A subscription in Reporting Services that uses a query to retrieve subscription data from an external data source at run time.

dataset

1. In OLE DB for OLAP, the set of multidimensional data that is the result of running a Multidimensional Expressions (MDX) SELECT statement. 2. In Reporting Services, a named specification that includes a data source definition, a query definition and optional parameter values, calculated fields, and filtering and collation information as part of a report definition (.rdl) file. An .rdl file can have multiple datasets.

DBCS

double-byte character set

default

1. A data value, option setting, collation, or name assigned automatically by the system if a user does not specify the value, setting, collation, or name. 2. An action taken automatically at certain events if a user has not specified the action to take.

default database

The database the user is connected to immediately after logging in to SQL Server.

default instance

The instance of SQL Server that uses the same name as the computer name on which it is installed.

delimiter

1. In Transact-SQL, characters that indicate the start and end of an object name, by using either double quotation marks ("") or brackets ([]). 2. In Integration Services and Reporting Services, characters that are used to separate records, fields, or strings.

delivery extension

A component in Reporting Services that is used to distribute a report to specific devices or target locations.

delivery protocol

The set of communication rules used to route notification messages to external delivery systems.

dependent item

On a report server, a report catalog item to which other items contain a reference. For example, when a report definition contains a reference to a shared data source, the data source is a dependent item.

distance scale

A type of map legend that displays distance units for the current resolution of the map data.

distribution

In a map layer, the algorithm to use to divide analytical values into subranges. Range intervals can be calculated to provide equally spaced intervals between the start and end value (EqualInterval), or be set to values so that an equal number of items is in each range interval (EqualDistribution).

document map

A navigation pane in a report arranged in a hierarchy of links to report sections and groups.

domain

1. In Windows security, a collection of computers grouped for viewing and administrative purposes that share a common security database. 2. In relational databases, the set of valid values allowed in a column.

drill down/drill up

To navigate through levels of data ranging from the most summarized (up) to the most detailed (down).

drill through

1. In Analysis Services, to retrieve the detailed data from which the data in a cube cell was summarized. 2. In Reporting Services, to open related reports by clicking hyperlinks in the main drillthrough report.

drilldown/drillup

A technique for navigating through levels of data ranging from the most summarized (up) to the most detailed (down). Created by adding toggles (plus and minus signs) to show and hide levels of the hierarchy of a table or matrix.

drillthrough

1. In Analysis Services, a technique to retrieve the detailed data from which the data in a cube cell was summarized. 2. In Reporting Services, a way to open related reports by clicking hyperlinks in the main drillthrough report.

drillthrough report

A drillthrough report is the report that opens as the result of a drillthrough action on a report item in another report. The drillthrough report is usually related to the main, or summary, report through data. A common example of a drillthrough report might be a Monthly Sales report that contains links to individual sales orders for that month.

dynamic connection string

An expression that you build into the report, allowing the user to select which data source to use at run time. You must build the expression and data source selection list into the report when you create it in Report Designer.

edit session

A temporary container that is created on the report server and used by a client application such as Report Builder. The edit session enables the reuse of report data across multiple previews of reports in Report Builder.

embedded data source

A data source definition that is included in a report definition file. Embedded data sources are report-specific.

embedded data sources

An embedded data source is an XML element that represents a data connection and is included in and used by a single report definition.

embedded dataset

A report dataset and is included in a single report definition or a single report part definition.

encryption

A method for keeping sensitive information confidential by changing data into an unreadable form.

entity

1. In Reporting Services, an entity is a logical collection of model items, including source fields, roles, folders, and expressions, presented in familiar business terms. 2. In Master Data Services, an entity is an object within a model. Each entity contains related members that are defined by attributes.

enumeration

A fixed set of integer values or string constants that may be used to specify the value of certain properties.

equirectangular projection

In a map report item, a very simple equidistant cylindrical projection in which the horizontal coordinate is the longitude and the vertical coordinate is the latitude.

error log

1. In SQL Server, a text file that records system information. 2. In Integration Services, a record of errors, warnings or events, which can be stored by multiple log providers, including SQL Server Profiler, the Windows Event log, and SQL Server.

error state number

A number associated with SQL Server messages that helps Microsoft support engineers find the specific code location that issued the message.

escape character

A character used to indicate that another character in an expression is meant literally and not as an operator.

ESRI .shp file

Open specification developed by Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc. (ESRI) for spatial data.

ESRI Shapefile

Open specification developed by Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc. (ESRI) for spatial data.

event

Any significant occurrence in the system or an application that requires users to be notified or an entry to be added to a log.

event handler

1. A software routine that executes in response to an event. 2. In Integration Services, a control flow that runs in response to a run-time event.

expression

1. In SQL, a combination of symbols and operators that evaluate to a single data value. 2. In Integration Services, a combination of literals, constants, functions, and operators that evaluate to a single data value.

field

1. An area in a window or record that stores a single data value. 2. In Report Builder, dataset fields represent either numeric or non-numeric data from a data connection. For example, sales amounts, total sales, customer names, database identifiers, URLs, images, and spatial data. A report can have three types of fields: dataset fields, dataset calculated fields, and built-in fields.

filter

1. A set of criteria that controls the set of records returned as a result set. 2. In Full-Text Search, given a specified file extension, filters extract text from a file stored in a varbinary(max) or image column.

filter expression

An expression used for filtering data in the Filter operator.

flat file

A file consisting of records of a single record type, in which there is no embedded structure information governing relationships between records.

foreign key

The column or combination of columns whose values match the primary key (PK) or unique key in the same or another table. Also referred to as the referencing key.

foreign table

A table that contains a foreign key.

function

A piece of code that operates as a single logical unit. A function is called by name, accepts optional input parameters, and returns a status and optional output parameters.

gauge

A gauge is a data region that presents data as a range with an indicator pointing to a specific value within the range.

gauge panel

The gauge panel is the encompassing outer element that contains one or more radial and linear gauges. Use the gauge panel to define properties that apply for all gauges in a gauge panel.

gauge pointer

A gauge pointer is a needle, marker, or bar that indicates the current value on the gauge. A gauge pointer is always attached to a gauge scale.

gauge range

A gauge range is a colored area that represents a “critical zone,” always bound by a start value and an end value, on the gauge scale.

gauge scale

A gauge scale is the range of values, bound by a minimum and a maximum, shown on the gauge. Typically, a gauge scale contains gauge labels and gauge tick marks to give accurate readings of what the gauge pointer is showing.

geodesic data

Data that specifies points, lines, or areas on a curved surface.

geography data

A SQL Server spatial data type that represents data in a round-earth coordinate system, such as GPS latitude and longitude coordinates.

geometry data

A SQL Server spatial data type that supports planar, or Euclidean (flat-earth), data.

global assembly cache

A machine-wide code cache that stores assemblies specifically installed to be shared by many applications on the computer.

grid

A view type that displays data in a table.

grouping

A set of data that is grouped together in a report.

heat map

A type of map presentation where the intensity of color for each polygon corresponds to the related analytical data. For example, low values in a range appear as blue (cold) and high values as red (hot).

hierarchy

A logical tree structure that organizes the members of a dimension such that each member has one parent member and zero or more child members.

high availability

Status of a resource that remains operational and usable by clients most of the time with a very low percentage of failures that interrupt service.

HTML

See Other Term: Hypertext Markup Language

HTML Viewer

A user interface consisting of a report toolbar and other navigation elements used to work with a report.

Hypertext Markup Language

A text markup language used to create documents for the Web. HTML defines the structure and layout of a web document by using a variety of tags and attributes

identifier

The name of an object in a database.

identity column

A column in a table that has been assigned the identity property.

index

In a relational database, a database object that provides fast access to data in the rows of a table, based on key values.

inner aggregate

An aggregate function that is specified as a scope parameter by another aggregate. For example, in =Max(Sum([Quantity]),"Tablix1"), Sum is the inner aggregate.

inner join

An operation that retrieves rows from multiple source tables by comparing the values from columns shared between the source tables. An inner join excludes rows from a source table that have no matching rows in the other source tables.

instance

1. A copy of SQL Server running on a computer. 2. A specific copy of a report item, such as a report part, subreport, dynamic member, or group.

integer

A numeric data type category that includes the bigint, int, smallint, and tinyint data types.

Internet Protocol security

Rules that computers follow to provide private and secure communication over Internet Protocol (IP) networks, through the use of cryptographic security services.

IPsec

See Other Term: Internet Protocol security

ISO

One of two international standards bodies responsible for developing international data communications standards. International Organization for Standardization (ISO) works closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) to define standards of computing. They jointly published the ISO/IEC SQL-92 standard for SQL.

item-level role assignment

A security policy that applies to an item in the report server folder.

item-level role definition

a security template that defines a role used to control access to or interaction with an item in the report server folder namespace.

key performance indicator

(KPI) A quantifiable, standardized metric that reflects a critical business variable (for instance, market share), measured over time.

keyword

A reserved word in SQL Server that performs a specific function, such as to define, manipulate, or access database objects. For example: SELECT, FROM, and AND.

KPI

See Other Term: key performance indicator

label field

A report dataset field that identifies a label for a corresponding key field. Parameters and data regions can display the label for a key field instead of the value.

latency

The amount of time that elapses when a data change is completed at one server and when that change appears at another server.

latitude

The latitude coordinate as a decimal degree value in World Geodetic System (WGS 84) datum. Valid range is from –90.0 through +90.0.

layer

In a map report item, a layer specifies type and presentation of a single type of spatial data. A map report item is a container for multiple layers.

LCID

A number that identifies a Windows-based locale.

legend

In a report chart, map, or gauge data region, an element that provides a guide between the display presentation of data and the underlying data values.

line layer

In a map report item, a layer that displays spatial data as lines, for example, for paths or routes.

linked report

A report that references an existing report definition by using a different set of parameter values or properties. A linked report is a report server item that provides an access point to an existing report. Conceptually, it is similar to a program shortcut that you use to run a program or open a file.

list data region

A data region on a report layout that repeats with each group or row in the report dataset. A list can be used to create free-form reports or forms, such as invoices, or in conjunction with other data regions.

local server

1. In SQL Server connections, an instance of SQL Server running on the same computer as the application. 2. In a Transact-SQL statement, when resolving references to database objects, the instance of SQL Server executing the statement. 3. In SQL Server distributed queries, the instance of SQL Server executing the distributed query. The local server then accesses any linked servers referenced in the query.

locale

The Windows operating system attribute that defines certain behaviors related to language.

locale identifier (LCID)

A number that identifies a Windows-based locale.

log file

A file or set of files that contain records of the modifications made in a database.

logical name

A name used by SQL Server to identify a file.

logical operators

The operators AND, OR, and NOT. Used to connect search conditions in WHERE clauses.

longitude

A coordinate as a decimal degree value in World Geodetic System (WGS 84) datum. Valid range is from –180.0 through +180.0.

many-to-many relationship

A relationship between two tables in which rows in each table have multiple matching rows in the related table. For example, each sales invoice can contain multiple products, but each product can appear on multiple sales invoices.

many-to-one relationship

A relationship between two tables in which one row in one table can relate to many rows in another table.

map

A report item that is a container for titles, various types of legends, and map layers.

map data

Map data consists of polygons, lines, points, and Bing map tiles. Map data can be embedded in a report or imported from ESRI shapefiles (.shp), SQL Server spatial data queries, or a Web service that returns images as Microsoft Bing map tiles.

map viewport

The area of the map to display in the map report item. For example, a map for the entire United States might be embedded in a report, but only the area for the northwestern states are displayed.

marker

The symbol that is displayed on a map point layer at each point location.

master database

The system database that records all the system-level information for an instance of SQL Server.

master file

The file installed with earlier versions of SQL Server used to store the master, model, and tempdb system databases and transaction logs and the pubs sample database and transaction log.

match fields

A set of fields that are used to build a relationship between analytical data and spatial data.

matrix data region

A data region on a report layout that provides functionality similar to crosstabs and PivotTable reports. At run time, as the report data and data regions are combined, a matrix grows horizontally and vertically on the page. Values in matrix cells display aggregate values scoped to the intersection of the row and column groups to which the cell belongs.

MDX

See Other Term: Multidimensional Expressions (MDX)

Mercator projection

In a map report item, a cylindrical map projection devised by Gerardus Mercator in 1569.

metadata

Information about the properties of data, such as the type of data in a column (numeric, text, and so on) or the length of a column; information about a file, such as its title, description, date created, and date last modified; or information about the structure of data or information that specifies the design of objects such as cubes or dimensions.

method

A function that performs an action by using a COM object, as in SQL-DMO, OLE DB, and ActiveX Data Objects (ADO).

MIME type

The file format of an image, such as .bmp, .gif, or .jpeg.

model dependency

A relationship between two or more models in which one model is dependent on the information of another model.

Multidimensional Expressions (MDX)

A syntax used for defining multidimensional objects and querying and manipulating multidimensional data.

multidimensional OLAP

A storage mode that uses a proprietary multidimensional structure to store a partition's facts and aggregations or a dimension.

multiple instances

Multiple copies of SQL Server running on the same computer.

named instance

An installation of SQL Server that is given a name to differentiate it from other named instances and from the default instance on the same computer.

named scope

In a report expression the calls an aggregate function, a value for the scope parameter that is the name of a dataset, data region, or data region group.

nested aggregates

An expression that contains an aggregate function that calls another aggregate function.

nested query

A SELECT statement that contains one or more subqueries, or another term for subquery.

nested table

A data mining model configuration in which a column of a table contains a table.

nesting

Placing one data region inside another data region, such as a sparkline inside a table. Nested data regions are based on the same report dataset, and the scope for data in the nested data region is automatically defined by its placement in the parent data region.

NULL

An entry that has no explicitly assigned value.

numeric expression

Any expression that evaluates to a number.

object

One of the components of a database, such as a table, index, or stored procedure.

object identifier

1. A unique name given to an object. 2. In Metadata Services, a unique identifier constructed from a globally unique identifier (GUID) and an internal identifier.

ODBC data source

1. The location of a set of data that can be accessed by using an ODBC driver. 2. A stored definition that contains all of the connection information that an ODBC application requires to connect to the data source.

ODBC driver

A dynamic-link library (DLL) that an ODBC-enabled application, such as Excel, can use to access an ODBC data source.

OGC

Open Geospatial Consortium

OLAP

See Other Term: online analytical processing

OLE DB

A COM-based application programming interface (API) for accessing data. OLE DB supports accessing data stored in any format for which an OLE DB provider is available.

OLE DB for OLAP

Formerly, the separate specification that addressed OLAP extensions to OLE DB. Beginning with OLE DB 2.0, OLAP extensions are incorporated into the OLE DB specification.

one-to-many relationship

In relational databases, a relationship between two tables in which a single row in the first table can be related to one or more rows in the second table, but a row in the second table can be related only to one row in the first table.

one-to-one relationship

In relational database, a relationship between two tables in which a single row in the first table can be related only to one row in the second table, and a row in the second table can be related only to one row in the first table.

online analytical processing

A technology that uses multidimensional structures to provide rapid access to data for analysis.

operator

A sign or symbol that specifies the type of calculation to perform within an expression. There are mathematical, comparison, logical, and reference operators.

outer aggregate

An aggregate function that specifies a scope parameter that is another aggregate function.

padding

1. A string, typically added when the last plaintext block is short. 2. The space allotted in a cell to create or maintain a specific size.

page

In Report Builder, the page refers to the physical paper page. The paper size that you specify for the report controls how the report is rendered.

palette

A set of predefined or user-defined values for colors used in charts, maps, and gauges.

parameter

A built-in global collection in a report that enables users to set values that can vary report data, appearance, and connect related reports. Report parameters are created automatically from query parameters and dataset parameters, and manually by report authors.

parameterized report

A published report that accepts input values through parameters.

parameterized row filter

A row filter available with merge replication that allows you to restrict the data replicated to a Subscriber based on a system function or user-defined function.

parent

A member in the next higher level in a hierarchy that is directly related to the current member.

permission

A rule associated with an object to regulate which users can gain access to the object and in what manner.

pivot

1. To rotate rows to columns, and columns to rows, in a crosstabular data browser. 2. To choose dimensions from the set of available dimensions in a multidimensional data structure for display in the rows and columns of a crosstabular structure.

placeholder

A character or symbol that is used in place of an actual value, text, or object. The actual value that the placeholder represents is unknown or unavailable at the current time, or is not displayed for security reasons. When a simple or complex expression is defined inside a text box, the resulting representation of this expression in design view is known as a placeholder.

planar data

Data that specifies points, lines, or areas on a flat geometric plane.

polygon layer

In a map report item, a layer that displays spatial data as areas, for example, geographical regions such as counties.

precision

The maximum total number of decimal digits that can be stored, both to the left and right of the decimal point.

primary key

A column or set of columns that uniquely identify all the rows in a table.

primary table

The "one" side of two related tables in a one-to-many relationship.

projection

A mapping of data from an N-dimensional coordinate system to an (N-1)-dimensional coordinate system. For example, mapping three dimensional geographic data onto a two dimensional display surface.

properties page

A dialog box that displays information about an object in the interface.

property

A named attribute of a control, field, or database object that you set to define one of the object's characteristics, such as size, color, or screen location; or an aspect of its behavior, such as whether it is hidden.

protocol

A standard set of formats and procedures that enable computers to exchange information.

provider

1. An OLE DB provider. 2. An in-process dynamic link library (DLL) that provides access to a database.

query parameters

Parameters that are specified in a dataset query, such as a Transact-SQL query.

RDL

See Other Term: Report Definition Language

record

A group of related fields (columns) of information treated as a unit. A record is more commonly called a row in a relational database.

rectangle

A report item that can be used as a container for multiple report items or as a graphical element on a report.

recursive hierarchy

1. A hierarchy of data from a single report dataset that includes multiple hierarchical levels into a hierarchy structure, such as the report-to structure for manager-employee relationships in an organizational hierarchy. 2. In Master Data Services, a derived hierarchy that includes a recursive relationship. A recursive relationship exists when an entity has a domain-based attribute that is based on the entity itself.

relational database

A database or database management system that stores information in tables as rows and columns of data, and conducts searches by using the data in specified columns of one table to find additional data in another table.

relational database management system

A system that organizes data into related rows and columns.

relational OLAP

A storage mode that uses tables in a relational database to store multidimensional structures.

relationship

1. A link between tables that references the primary key in one table to a foreign key in another table. The relationship line is represented in a database diagram by a solid line if referential integrity between the tables is enforced, or a dashed line if referential integrity is not enforced for INSERT and UPDATE transactions. The endpoints of a relationship line show a primary key symbol to denote a primary key-to-foreign key relationship, or they show an infinity symbol to denote the foreign key side of a one-to-many relationship. 2. In Metadata Services, a relationship is an association between a pair of objects, where one object is an origin and the other object is a destination. The association repeats for each subsequent pair of objects, so that the destination of one relationship becomes the origin in the next relationship. In this way, all objects in an information model are associated through a chain of relationships that extend from one object to the next throughout the information model.

rendered report

A fully processed report that contains both data and layout information, in a format suitable for viewing.

rendering extension

A component in Reporting Services that is used to process the output format of a report.

rendering extension(s)

A plug-in that renders reports to a specific format.

rendering object model

Report object model used by rendering extensions.

report definition

The .rdl file that is the XML definition of a report and that conforms to the schema reportdefinition.xsd.

Report Definition Language

A set of instructions that describe layout and query information for a report.

report execution snapshot

A report snapshot that is cached.

report history

A collection of report snapshots that are created and saved over time.

report history snapshot

A report snapshot that appears in report history.

report intermediate format

A static report history that contains data captured at a specific point in time.

report item

Any object, such as a text box, graphical element, or data region, that exists on a report layout.

report layout

The placement of data regions, report items, and text within a report and the applied formatting.

report layout template

A pre-designed table, matrix, or chart report template in Report Builder.

report link

A URL to a hyperlinked report.

report model

A metadata description of business data used for creating ad hoc reports in Report Builder.

report parameter

A parameter that is defined within a report definition. All query parameters have report parameters, but report parameters can be created independent of a query.

report parts

Report items that have been published separately to a report server and that can be reused in other reports. Report items such as tables, matrices, charts, and images can be published as report parts. Report parts have an .rsc file extension and they conform to the schema componentdefinition.xsd.

report processing extension

A component in Reporting Services that is used to extend the report processing logic.

report rendering

The action of combining the report layout with the data from the data source for the purpose of viewing the report.

report server

A location on the network where the ClickOnce version of Report Builder is launched from and a report is saved, managed, and published.

report server administrator

A user with elevated privileges who can access all settings and content of a report server.

report server database

A database that provides internal storage for a report server.

report server execution account

The account under which the Report Server Web service and Report Server Windows service run.

report server folder namespace

A hierarchy that contains predefined and user-defined folders. The namespace uniquely identifies reports and other items that are stored in a report server. It provides an addressing scheme for specifying reports in a URL.

Report Server service

A Windows service that contains all the processing and management capabilities of a report server.

Report Server Web service

A Web service that hosts, processes, and delivers reports.

report snapshot

A static report that contains data captured at a specific point in time.

report-specific schedule

Schedule defined inline with a report.

ReportViewer controls

A Web server control and Windows Form control that provides embedded report processing in ASP.NET and Windows Forms applications.

resource

Any item in a report server database that is not a report, folder, or shared data source item.

result set

The set of rows returned from a SELECT statement.

role

1. A user or group to whom a set of specific permissions are granted. 2. In Analysis Services, a role uses Windows security accounts to limit scope of access and permissions when users access databases, cubes, dimensions, and data mining models. 3. In a database mirroring session, the principal server and mirror server perform complementary principal and mirror roles. Optionally, the role of witness is performed by a third server instance.

role assignment

A security policy that defines users and groups that can access specific items and perform specific operations.

role definition

A named collection of tasks that defines the operations a user can perform on a report server.

row

In an SQL table, a single occurrence of the object modeled by the table.

row aggregate function

A function that generates summary values, which appear as additional rows in the query results.

row filter

A filter that limits the rows to include in a dataset.

row identifier

1. A column or set of columns used to distinguish any single row from every other row in the table. 2. In a heap, a pointer to the row.

scalar

A single-value field, as opposed to an aggregate.

scalar aggregate

An aggregate function, such as MIN(), MAX(), or AVG(), that is specified in a SELECT statement column list that contains only aggregate functions.

schema

In the SQL-92 standard, a collection of database objects that are owned by a single user and form a single namespace. A namespace is a set of objects that cannot have duplicate names.

scope

Used in multiple contexts. Scope can specify the data to use for evaluating an expression, the set of text boxes on a rendered page, or the set of report items that can be shown or hidden based on a toggle.

script

A collection of Transact-SQL statements used to perform an operation.

securable

Entities that can be secured with permissions.

Secure Sockets Layer (SSL)

A proposed open standard for establishing a secure communications channel to prevent the interception of critical information, such as credit card numbers. Primarily, it enables secure electronic financial transactions on the World Wide Web, although it is designed to work on other Internet services as well.

security extension

A component in Reporting Services that authenticates a user or group to a report server.

security principal

In Windows-based computers, an account (such as a user, security group, device, or computer) that can be granted or denied access to resources.

Semantic Model Definition Language (SMDL)

A set of instructions that describe layout and query information for reports created in Report Builder.

series

In a chart, a series is made up of more than one data point.

server aggregate

An aggregate value that is calculated on the data source. Depending on the data source, server aggregates can be treated as detail data or as aggregates based on the dataset option InterpretSubtotalsAsDetails.

server name

A name that uniquely identifies a server computer on a network.

service

A Service Broker object that defines a name for a specific task or set of tasks, and the contracts that other services can use to accomplish that task.

service principal name

The name by which a client uniquely identifies an instance of a service.

shared data source

A data source definition that is saved and managed as a file on a report server and can be accessed by multiple reports.

shared data source definition

The .rsd file that is the XML definition of a data source and that conforms to the schema shareddatasource.xsd.

shared dataset definition

The .rcd file that is the XML definition of a shared dataset and that conforms to the schema shareddatasetdefinition.xsd.

simple expression

An expression that contains a reference to a single field and appears in the report layout in brackets, e.g. [ProductID].

SKU

A way of identifying different editions of one product; also, acronym for stock keeping unit (standard business terminology).

slice

A subset of the data in a cube, specified by limiting one or more dimensions by members of the dimension.

smart tag

A smart tag exposes key configurations directly on the design surface to enhance overall design-time productivity in Visual Studio 2005.

SMDL

See Other Term: Semantic Model Definition Language (SMDL)

snapshot

See Other Term: report snapshot

sort order

The set of rules in a collation that define how characters are evaluated in comparison operations, and the sequence in which they are sorted.

spatial data

Data that specifies locations of objects on a flat or curved surface. Spatial data can be points, lines, or polygons.

spatial data types

Specifies data that represents geometry (planar) or geography (geodesic) information.

SQL

See Other Term: Structured Query Language (SQL)

SQL query

An SQL statement, such as SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE, or CREATE TABLE.

SQL Server Authentication

The mechanism to validate an attept to connect to an instance of SQL Server by specifying a SQL Server login ID and password.

SQL Server login

An account stored in SQL Server that allows users to connect to SQL Server.

SQL statement

An SQL or Transact-SQL command, such as SELECT or DELETE, that performs some action on data.

static connection string

A set of values that the report always uses to connect to the same data source each time the report runs.

string

A data type that contains letters, numbers, and most characters. Numbers in a String field, that is a field with a data type of String, are not available for numeric calculations. You must use a numeric data type, such as Integer or Float, to perform numeric calculations. For a parameter, String is the same as the Text data type.

string functions

Functions that perform operations on character or binary strings.

Structured Query Language (SQL)

A language used to insert, retrieve, modify, and delete data in a relational database, designed specifically for database queries.

subreport

A subreport is a control embedded inside the body of a parent report. Conceptually, a subreport is similar to a frame in a Web page that provides a container for other Web page content. The subreport is rendered inside the parent report that contains it. Both reports are processed and displayed simultaneously.

symmetric key

A single key that is used with symmetric encryption algorithms for both encryption and decryption.

system role assignment

Role assignment that applies to the site as a whole.

system role definition

Role definition that conveys site-wide authority.

system stored procedures

A set of SQL Server-supplied stored procedures that can be used for actions such as retrieving information from the system catalog or performing administration tasks.

table

1. A two-dimensional object, which consists of rows and columns, that stores data about an entity modeled in a relational database. 2. A data region on a report layout that displays data in a columnar format.

table data region

A report item on a report layout that displays data in a columnar format.

tablix

A Reporting Services RDL data region that contains rows and columns resembling a table or matrix, possibly sharing characteristics of both.

task

A collection of permissions that constitute a task (manage reports, manage folders, etc)

Transact-SQL

The language containing the commands used to administer instances of SQL Server, create and manage all objects in an instance of SQL Server, and to insert, retrieve, modify and delete all data in SQL Server tables. Transact-SQL is an extension of the language defined in the SQL standards published by the International Standards Organization (ISO) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

user instance

An instance of SQL Server Express that is generated by the parent instance on behalf of a user.

value (y) axis

The axis for displaying numeric data values in a chart. Usually the vertical axis. Exception: in bar charts, the axes are reversed, and the y axis displays grouping data.

value expression

An expression in Multidimensional Expressions (MDX) that returns a value. Value expressions can operate on sets, tuples, members, levels, numbers, or strings.

variable

1. In Integration Services, stores values that can be used in scripts, expressions, and property expressions to set column values and the properties of package objects. 2. Defined entities that are assigned values. A local variable is defined with a DECLARE@localvariable statement and assigned an initial value within the statement batch where it is declared with either a SELECT or SET@localvariable statement.

variable interval

An option on a Reporting Services chart that can be specified to automatically calculate the optimal number of labels that can be placed on an axis, based on the chart width or height.

visualization

In maps, charts, and gauges, the way that a user chooses to visualize analytical data.

Web service

In Reporting Services, a service that uses Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP) over HTTP and acts as a communications interface between client programs and the report server.

Windows Management Instrumentation

An interface that provides information about objects in a managed environment.

WKB

Well Known Binary data representation as specified by the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC).

WKT

Well Known Text data representation as specified by the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC).

WMI

See Other Term: Windows Management Instrumentation

x-axis

See Other Term: category (x) axis

y-axis

See Other Term: value (y) axis

See Also

Concepts

Report Authoring Concepts (Report Builder and SSRS)