1. Suppose we want to display zero when null values coming to report how can we do that?

You can follow this procedure :::

Lets assume revenue is the field in which we have to display null values as 0.
First create a calculated item and
Then write the expression of the cal item using If Then Else construct as
If (Revenue is null) Then ('0') Else(Revenue)
I think u can easily understand this.
Now u can see that the null values r displayed as '0' in the calculated item.

Select the data item in which you want to replace null with 0 .Go to Properties pane, Click Data Format, in this put 0 in Missing value Characters.

2. What is the use of tabular model, tabular SQL, tabular reference in real time application?

Tabular model: It is the basic list query. It contain the data items, filters and child tabular objects.

Tabular SQL: We can write and edit our own SQL

Tabular ref: It is a shortcut to another tabular object somewhere in another query within the same report specification.

Tabular set: Tabular set object returns a single result set using union, intersect or minus operators

3. How to limit the max no of rows retrieved in the report?

We can limit the maximum number of rows by setting the web page size option in the manage file tab in the report studio.

4. Explain What is the difference between Native SQL and Cognos SQL?

In cognos reportnet

Native SQL is used for the single datasource to import the meta data

Cognos SQL used for multiple datasources to import the metadata

5. How to define a cube??

Its a multidimensional view of dimension and measures. It is used to analyze the data in various aspects, which is called slicing and dicing

7. What is difference between model & package?

Model is a representation of the metadata structures(imported from the soure datawarehouse).A model contains organized metadata objects(organizing depends on business needs).After the completion of a model(obviously in a framework manager environment) it has to submitted to ReportNet server.There enterts the object called Package.A Package compresses(or includes) the developed meta data definitions and publishes (forwards) it to ReportNet server.Then the reportnet server moves it into a content store(repositiry) and now this repository acts as a source for report developers for generating various types of reports(list reports, cross tab reports etc etc.)

8. Explain What are the advantages and disadvantages of reporting directly against the database?

Do you always need to copy the data before reporting on it?(example, real-time & on-demand reporting is a requirement)?

There isnt any need to copy the data before reporting on as long as the data is clean. But if the data is not clean it should be cleansed and so go for ETL process.

Adv of reporting directly against the database(OLTP): No need to sepertaley maintain a Database for it.(Space consumption is recduced).

Disadv of reporting directly against the database(OLTP): It slows down the process bcoz OLTP system is designed for the online application but a DataWarehouse application which requires to do analysis and hence takes the same data but takes a long time.

9. How to allow a dynamic selection of a column for a measure in a chart,without using Variable?

We can in do it in this way. first creat a list report in which u have a calculated item in the starting.

Then creat a prompt page with a value prompt.In value prompt creat static choice of which u want to be dynamically displayed.

Let the parameter of value prompt be ?Par1? and the choices as Revenue, Cost.

Now u write the expression of the calculated item in the report page as follows, "If ?Par1?=Revenue then Revenue else Cost.

Here Revenue,Cost should b dragged from the Model Items. So now the calculated item column displays the value of the one selected in the prompt.

Now make a graph using the list report,then place the calculated item on the axis of the chart ,which u wanted to display dynamically based on ur selection.

So now if u select Revenue in the prompt then the grph will take the values for Revenue.And if u select Cost then graph will be with the values of Cost.

Let me know wether this is working good r not,for my confirmation.

10. Explain the difference between filter and conditin?

The difference between Filter and Condition:Condition returns true or false Ex: if Country = 'India' then ...Filter will return two types of results1.Detail information which is equal to where clause in SQL statement2.Summary information which is equal to Group by and Having clause in SQL statement

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