When you create a Database Table data source, you are presented with two options: Reporting Only or Reporting and Analysis. The choice you make depends on the structure of the database tables you are accessing and the User Console tools being used.
Before you begin working with Database Table data sources, there are a few key terms that you should know.
- Fact table
- Records measurements or metrics for a specific event, and usually consists of numbers.
- Star schema
- Has one or more fact tables that reference any number of dimension tables. Star schemas are good for simpler queries.
- Snowflake schema
- Has centralized fact tables that are connected to multiple dimensions. Snowflake schemas are good for more complex queries.
| Explore Considerations | Choose Options | |
|---|---|---|
| Reporting Only | Reporting and Analysis | |
| Summary | Choose the Reporting Only option if you are accessing data in a relational database that is operational or transactional in nature, or if you need to show detailed rows and then sort and filter the details. When you choose the Reporting Only option, a relational model is automatically generated and can be refined in the Data Source Model Editor or further extended using Pentaho Metadata Editor. Relational models on large databases are sometimes slow and benefit from a powerful database. |
Choose the Reporting and Analysis option if you are accessing a multidimensional database that contains tables arranged in a star schema (tables are separated into dimensions related to a single fact table, such as a data warehouse), or if you need summaries and details. When you choose the Reporting and Analysis option, a multidimensional model is automatically generated and can be refined in the Data Source Model Editor or further extended using Pentaho Schema Workbench. Additionally, you can create a Reporting and Analysis data source using a single table where the table acts as the single fact table and also contains dimensional data. |
| Expertise | Knowledge of relational database structures. | Knowledge of multidimensional database structures. |
| Time | Approximately 15 minutes. | Approximately 30 minutes. |
| Recommendation | Select this if you want to use for Report Designer, Interactive Reports, and Metadata Editor. | Select this if you want to use for Report Designer, Analyzer (PUC), Dashboard Designer, Schema Workbench, and Aggregation Designer. |