Microsoft® SQL Server™ 2008 All-In-One Desk Reference For Dummies®

VI.2.2. Understanding Analysis Services Scripting Language (ASSL)

Using the Business Intelligence Development Studio (BIDS) is an excellent way to build, manage, and modify cubes; however, advanced developers and programmers can use the Analysis Services Scripting Language (ASSL).

ASSL is an XML-based scripting language, and ASSL scripts are executed from different applications. They're actually executed from within BIDS after you complete a wizard, although you won't see the ASSL script. If desired, ASSL scripts can be executed from within fully developed applications (such as Project Server) to modify or manipulate cubes.

ASSL commands are divided into two parts:

• Data Definition Language (DDL): These commands define and describe an instance of SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS) including the databases and data contained in the instance.

• Command language: The command language is used to send action commands (such as Create, Alter, and Process) to SSAS.

How you interact with SSAS and how you use ASSL depends largely on which role you have within your organization. Generally, three database roles exist related to business intelligence (BI) specialists. The three roles are

• Database administrator: The database administrator (DBA) generally ensures the SSAS server remains operational. The DBA might occasionally tweak SSAS objects, but generally uses SQL Server Management Studio to interact with SQL Server Analysis Services objects.

• Database developer: The database developer designs ...