Function Elements and Syntax

Both MDX and PQL use a collection of other syntactical elements when using functions. Both languages use a very syntactical structure and many of these functional elements are identical or similar. The following provides an overview of these elements.

• Arguments: These are the necessary 'inputs' needed for each function. Apply to both PQL and MDX.
• Returns: These are the 'outputs' returned from each function. Apply to both PQL and MDX.
• Operators: Operators are used both within and across multiple functions in the process of building formulas - and they apply to all parts of the calculation engine - both PQL and MDX.
• Data Objects: applies to the Granular, Semantic, and Context engines only. These items are common to both PQL and MDX.