Re: How to express SQL3/OLAP analysis functions by ORACLE9iR2 DML ?

Nigel is correct that the OLAP DML is an updated version of the Express SPL from Express Server. It is a very powerful high level multidimensional language that is optimized for the analysis of multidimensional Analytic Workspace data and calculations in the Oracle Database (9iR2 and later). As such it inherits 20+ years of development experience at the forefront of multidimensional server technology and is a very important addition to the Oracle Database.

 While it is part of the Oracle Database, I don't think Oracle has claimed that "it's all part of SQL". It is clearly an additional language to SQL. That said, it is true that:

• You can embed SQL commands inside OLAP DML (for example to pull data from a relational table, or insert or update data created in the context of an Analytic Workspace into a relational table).
• You can embed OLAP DML in PL/SQL functions, such as the DBMS_AW.EXECUTE function (for example to allow a 'relational' application to leverage the power of the OLAP DML and the multidimensional array based data contained in or calculated by an Analytic Workspace).
• You can select data from an Analytic Workspace with simple SQL SELECTs via relational Views that use the OLAP_TABLE function (or, of course, from the OLAP_TABLE function itself - which also may optionally have OLAP DML embedded into it). This means you can make the existence of the AW and the OLAP DML transparent to a SQL tool or application if you choose to do that.
• Finally, there are a number of SQL Packages that can be used to create/update/manage Analytic Workspaces.

Kevin (@ Oracle).

Nigel Pendse wrote:

> It's a different, but not a brand new, language. It's evolved from the
> old Express 4GL, latterly renamed as the Express SPL. That has its
> origins in about 1970, when Express (which has become the Analytic
> Workspace) was first available, years before Oracle or SQL even
> existed. It provides much more powerful multidimensional analysis than
> anything you can do with SQL extensions -- which is why Oracle has
> ported Express to become the 9i OLAP Option Analytic Workspace.
>
> It's proven and works, but has nothing to do with SQL, though of
> course, Oracle now claims it's all part of SQL. The people most likely
> to know it are the old Express implementation consultants. They were a
> thriving community in the mid 1980s through to the mid 1990s, but have
> been declining since then. But some still post in this newsgroup, and
> remain loyal to the technology that has provided them a livelihood for
> so many years.
>
> "Jack Dull" <jack_dull_at_sina.com> wrote in message
> news:b9id8g$271o$1_at_mail.cn99.com...
> > Hi, Bob Badour,
> >
> > Thanks for your reply.
> >
> > In the context of SQL enviornment, DML is refer to as update,
> insert and
> > delete actions. But 'ORACLE9.2 OLAP DML' is a brand new language for
> > multidimensional analysis. It is only used in 'Analysis Workspace'.
> >
> > Jack dull
> >
> >
> > "Bob Badour" <bbadour_at_golden.net> wrote in message
> > news:EVZua.178$4v4.52127813_at_mantis.golden.net...
> > > "firegoddess" <dr_zhhl_at_sina.com> wrote in message
> > > news:b9fs8o$5ud$1_at_mail.cn99.com...
> > > > hi, all:
> > > >
> > > > SQL3/OLAP have introduced many powerful analysis functions
> for OLAP,
> > > > such as Ranking, windowing aggregate, LAG/LEAD and etc. Now,
> they are
> > > > supported by ORACLE9iR2 data warehouses. Meanwhile ORACLE
> developed
> > > another
> > > > multidimensional query language DML for ORACLE9iR2
> multidimensional
> > > analysis
> > > > engine 'analysis workspace'. I am not familiar with DML. My
> questions is
> > > > that whether the functionality provided by SQL3/OLAP is
> supported by DML
> > > in
> > > > the way of multdimensional paradigm or not? Especially
> 'windowing
> > > > aggregate'. and How ?
> > >
> > > Usually, DML, ie. data manipulation language, refers to those
> parts of SQL
> > > that allow one to manipulate data: UPDATE, INSERT, SELECT, DELETE.
> Those
> > > parts of SQL that allow one to define the objects in the database
> are
> > called
> > > DDL, ie. data definition language: CREATE, ALTER, DROP etc.
> > >
> > > Is this really a new language or just a term you have never
> encountered
> > > before?

--

Regards,  Kevin
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