Understanding a Series of Steps

Description: Series of steps

A series of steps consists of multiple Step objects that specify the criteria for selecting a set of members for a particular dimension. The steps in a series are evaluated sequentially to determine the result set. Each step builds on the previous steps.

There are different types of Step objects, each representing a specific method for specifying members. For example, one type of Step object might select members explicitly by name; another type might specify members based on a condition, such as the top 10 members by Sales.

Typically, Step objects are created when users use the QueryBuilder bean to select members of particular dimensions. Step objects are also created by the Favorite Tool, the Rotate Tool, and the Sort Tool.

The Step class in the oracle.dss.selection.step package is the base class that implements behavior common to all Step objects.

Series of steps characteristics

Each type of Step object has the following characteristics:

Basic types of Step classes

There are three basic types of Step classes as described in the following list:

Diagram: Hierarchy of Step classes

The following figure provides a visual representation of the hierarchy of the Step classes in the oracle.dss.selection.step package, as described in this topic.

Step Class hierarchy, described in topic