Define Joins between Columns in Database Tables

When you are importing data from a database, you can use a join to relate data from one table with data from another table. Creating this relationship between data in different tables allows you to include the data from multiple database tables on the same document. The join specifies a column that the two tables have in common.

MicroStrategy automatically generates SQL when retrieving data from the database. Creating joins now helps prevent cross joins during this automated process.

See the Advanced Reporting Help for a detailed explanation of joins.

1. Create a document or open an existing one.
2. Choose Data > Add Dataset.
3. Click Add External Data.
4. Select a database type and build a query.
5. Drag a column from the first table onto the column of a second table. A line representing an inner join appears running between the columns.

6. To specify additional options for the join, click the line representing the join and select a join behavior:

   • Inner Join: Include records in which the joined columns from both tables satisfy the join condition
   • Left Outer Join: Include all records from the column in the first table and only those records from the column in the second table in which the join condition is satisfied
   • Right Outer Join: Include all records from the column in the second table and only those records from the column in the first table in which the join condition is satisfied
   • Outer Join: Include all records from both tables
   • More Options: Choose a join type and operator for comparing the columns. Click OK.
7. To remove a join, click the line representing the join, and select Delete.