MDX Query Syntax

Your journey to understanding MDX syntax begins with understanding the core terminology of Analysis Services. We’ll review that terminology first. Next, you’ll learn about the basic syntax used in MDX queries. Once you have a grasp of the syntax, you’ll be ready to write your first query. Then you’re on the road to discovering business intelligence from your data.

Understanding the Core Terminology

To understand basic MDX syntax, the following are some core OLAP terms used in SSAS:

  • Cube: Also called an implementation of the Unified Dimensional Model (UDM), this is the core structure in SSAS. MDX also contains the concept of subcubes, which, as the name suggests, are subsets of your enterprise cube. You explored the UDM in

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