Working with Dimensional Queries

Queries specify what data appears in the report. In IBM® Cognos® Analytics - Reporting, you create and modify queries using Query Explorer.

Query Explorer provides an alternative way to modify existing reports or to author new reports. You can use Query Explorer to perform complex tasks and other tasks that are more difficult to do in the report layout. For example, use Query Explorer to

  • improve performance by changing the order in which items are queried from the database, or by changing query properties to allow the report server to execute queries concurrently where possible
    Note: Only queries that are referenced in the report layout can be executed concurrently. If a query is defined in Query Explorer by joining two or more existing queries, IBM Cognos Analytics with Watson cannot execute the source queries concurrently. By default, queries run sequentially. Your administrator must enable the concurrent query execution feature. For more information, see the IBM Cognos Analytics with Watson Administration and Security Guide.
  • view or add filters and parameters and modify their properties
  • view or add dimensions, levels, and facts
  • incorporate SQL statements that come from other reports or reports that you write
  • create complex queries using set operations and joins