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Siebel Business Analytics Server Administration Guide > Administration Tool Utilities and Expression Builder > Expression BuilderYou can use the Expression Builder dialog boxes in the Administration Tool to create constraints, aggregations, and other definitions within a repository. The expressions you create with the expression builder are similar to expressions created with SQL. Except where noted, you can use all expressions constructed with the expression builder in SQL queries against the Analytics Server. For information about using SQL with the expression builder, see SQL Syntax and Semantics. For information about the SQL functions supported by the Analytics Server, see SQL Reference. This section includes the following topics:
About the Expression Builder Dialog BoxesYou can access the expression builder from the following dialog boxes:
When creating expressions in the Expression Builder dialog boxes, you can search the categories pane and building blocks pane. When you type a value into the search box, it filters out the non-matching strings and only the ones that match will appear. After typing search criteria in a search box, you can move up and down the list using arrows and tab between the first search box and the second search box. To return to the full list of results, you delete the search string from the Search field. When you locate the item you want to insert into the expression, select it and click Insert in the dialog box or press Enter on your keyboard. The item you selected will appear in the expression in the expression box. When you first open the Expression Builder dialog box, the items are not sorted. When checked the Sort Panes check box sorts all items in the panes. As soon as you select the check box, the panes are automatically redrawn without changing the contents of the panes or your filtering criteria. Figure 21 shows an example of an expression builder and the dialog box contains the following sections:
Expression Builder ToolbarThe toolbar is located in the middle portion of the expression builder. Table 30 describes each icon and its function in an expression. Folders in the Selection PaneThe folders that appear in the Selection pane vary based on the dialog box from which you accessed the expression builder. This section describes the folders that may appear. Aggregate ContentThe Aggregate Content folder contains the available aggregate functions. Aggregate sources must use one of the functions listed here to specify the level of their content. DimensionsThe Dimensions folder contains the dimension configured in the business model. If no dimension exists in a business model, or if the dimension folder is not pertinent to a particular expression builder, the Dimension folder is not displayed. When you select the Dimensions folder, each configured dimension displays in the middle pane, and each level for the selected dimension displays in the right pane. Logical TablesThe Logical Tables folder contains the logical tables configured in the business model. If logical tables are not pertinent to a particular expression builder, the Logical Tables folder is not displayed. When you select the Logical Tables folder, each logical table in the business model displays in the middle pane, and each column for the selected logical table displays in the right pane. OperatorsThe Operators folder contains the available SQL logical operators. ExpressionsThe Expressions folder contains the available expressions. FunctionsThe Functions folder contains the available functions. The functions that appear depend on the object you selected. ConstantsThe Constants folder contains the available constants. TypesThe Types folder contains the available data types. Repository VariablesThis folder contains the available repository variables. If no repository variables are defined, this folder does not appear. Session VariablesThis folder contains the available system session and non system session variables. If no session variables are defined, this folder does not appear. Example of Setting Up an ExpressionFigure 22 shows the expression builder for a derived logical column, with a blank expression. With the Functions folder selected in the left pane, double-clicking on the function in the right pane pastes the function in the expression builder's edit box. In the expression builder's edit box, clicking once between the parentheses of the function selects the area, marking it as the insertion point for your next step, adding the argument of the function. Double-clicking on the logical column pastes the logical column at the insertion point as the argument of the function. Figure 23 shows where the expression appears in the window. Navigating Within the Expression BuilderUse the following procedure to navigate within an Expression Builder dialog box. To navigate within an Expression Builder
Building an ExpressionUse this procedure to build an expression in the Expression Builder dialog box.
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