MaxL Data Definition Language (DDL)

MaxL DDL is the database definition language for Essbase. MaxL DDL is a practical, expressive interface for administering Essbase. With the MaxL DDL language, you use statements to make requests. MaxL DDL statements begin with a verb and read like English sentences.

In order for Essbase Server to receive MaxL DDL statements, you must pass the statements to Essbase Server. To pass statements, you use either MaxL Shell (essmsh), MaxL Script Editor in the Administration Services Console, or the MaxL Perl extension.

It is recommended that you proceed in the following order:

1. Start Essbase Server.
2. Invoke MaxL Shell or MaxL Script Editor and log in to Essbase Server.
   Note: For information about MaxL Script Editor, see the Administration Services Console Help.
3. Create statements for data access and system administration.
4. Learn about syntax, numbers, permissions, and names in the MaxL language.
5. Learn about using Perl to issue MaxL statements.