Using OBIEE Variables - Over view(Part 1)

Variables holds the values

Types of variables

1. Repository Variables
2. Session Variables
3. Presentation Variables
4. Request Variables

Repository Variables: A repository variable has a single value at any point in time. There are two types of repository variables.

1. Static Repository Variables: The value of a static repository variable is assigned in the Variable dialog. This value is constant and does not change until an administrator decides to change it.

Example: you want to track your business performance against target value. Then you make at least your revenue makes 95% target. This 95% is constant until the you change it

2. Dynamic Repository Variables: The Values of Dynamic Repository Variable assigned through the initialization block. Initialization block refreshes the values by executing the queries

Example: Your report always shows current year values. Then you create a Dynamic Repository variable (CurrentYear). While executing the report these initialization blocks are executed and assign the values

SYNTAX : VALUEOF(<Variable Name>)

Session Variables: Session variables are created and assigned a value when each user logs on. There are two types of session variables

1. System Session Variables: System session variables are session variables that the Oracle BI Server and Oracle BI Presentation Services use for specific purposes. System session variables have reserved names that cannot be used for other kinds of variables

Example: USER→ holds the value the user enters as his or her logon name. This variable is typically populated from the LDAP profile of the user.

2. Nonsystem Session Variables: These are user defined variables

Example:  A common use for nonsystem session variables is setting user filters. For example, you could define a nonsystem variable called SalesRegion that would be initialized to the name of the sales region of the user.

SYNTAX: VALUEOF(NQSESSION.<Variable Name>)

Presentation Variables: A presentation variable can be created as part of the process for creating a column prompt or a variable prompt. When the presentation variable is part of a column prompt, it is associated with a specific column and takes on that column's value.

SYNTAX: @{<Variable Name>}

Request Variables: Request variables are override the session variable values for the single request. It is created same as the presentation variables. While creating the variable you need to give the name as session variable name