Defining Parameters

Owned by Nicolás Palombo (Unlicensed)
Last updated: 24 Sept, 2008Version comment
3 min read
Unknown macro: {scrollbar}

In O3 Designer you can define a group of parameters to use for:

  • Controlling the build process
  • Substituting values in the data sources definition

The parameter uses default values, or values assigned during the build.

Defining a build parameter includes declaring:

  • Name
  • Default value
  • Type
  • Whether it is used as a controller for incremental builds

Parameter values can be constants or expressions. If you use an expression, the value must begin with an = (equal sign).

You can use virtual fields operators and functions in the expression.

For example, you can define a parameter value as:

=today()

In this case the parameter will be set to the current date.

You can also use previously defined build parameters in parameter values by referencing it as $parameterName$.

For example:

DIR=C:\O3
DIR2=$DIR$\files

In this case, the value of DIR2 is C:\O3\files.

You can also use a previously defined build parameter in an expression which assigns value to another parameter. Note that you do not enclose the previously defined parameter in $ (dollar signs) when using a parameter within an expression

CURRENT_DATE=today()
TOMORROW=AddDay(CURRENT_DATE, 1)

Build Parameter Definitions in Data Sources

You can refer to defined build parameters in a Text Data Source definition, or a SQL query by referencing it as $parameterName$.

For example:

SELECT *
FROM Table
WHERE date > $YESTERDAY$

During the cube build, parameter values are substituted. Values are either default values assigned in the model, or values reassigned during the build.

Use the General tab of the cube properties pane to define build parameters.

To define build parameters

  1. Select the cube's branch in the Design tree. The Properties pane for the cube displays.
  2. Choose the General tab.
  3. Choose the Add button in the Parameters group box. A new build parameter displays.
  4. To edit the build parameter name, double-click in the Name field.
  5. Enter the new build parameter name.
  6. To edit the build parameter value, double-click in the Value field.
  7. Enter the new build parameter value.
  8. To change the build parameter type, double-click on the Type field. The list of types displays.
  9. Select a type. The Type field updates.
  10. To use the build parameter to control an incremental build, turn the Controller checkbox on.
  11. To continue adding build parameters, repeat steps 4 through 11.
  12. Choose the OK button. You return to the Properties pane for the cube.

(warning) Note
You can also reassign parameter values during the build process by creating a file containing the new values in the format

<Parameter1Name>=<Parameter1Value>
<Parameter2Name>=<Parameter2Value>
<Parameter1Name>=<Parameter1Value>

The values assigned in the model are substituted with the ones specified in the file. These can be constants or expressions.

Unknown macro: {scrollbar}