Dimensions are the building blocks of the database. They define the database's structure (commonly referred to as the outline or metadata. Build the database by first assembling the necessary dimensions and each dimension's associated members. Then add the data. The outline can be developed from scratch or an existing database can be altered by adding and subtracting dimensions and members. The Sample Basic application/database is delivered with a complete outline, so it is not necessary to build the outline to run the sample programs. But it is necessary to load the data either through Oracle Essbase Administration Services, MaxL, or by running the sample program.
The API can automate the process of rebuilding dimensions dynamically from a data file or SQL source. To automate the process you must first create rules files by using Administration Services Console and then use the rules files to build the dimensions by calling EssBuildDimension or EsbBuildDimension.
These functions take the rules and data file object definitions as arguments and dynamically modify the outline on the server according to the parameters set in the rules file. They also cause any data in the database to be restructured to correspond to the new dimension structures in the outline.
The API can alter an existing database by adding and subtracting dimensions and members (using the Outline API) until the needed structure is in place. After the outline is finished load the data into the database using EssImport or EsbImport.