Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: both standard SQL and extensions to SQL
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
BI reporting transforms raw data into meaningful summaries and dashboards. Many required aggregations—totals, averages, groupings—are achievable with ANSI SQL. More advanced multi-dimensional summaries are often simplified by SQL extensions (e.g., GROUPING SETS, CUBE, ROLLUP).
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
Standard SQL provides SELECT, GROUP BY, HAVING, and window functions for many reports. Extensions such as CUBE/ROLLUP/GROUPING SETS enable multi-hierarchy totals in a single query, reducing query proliferation and simplifying pivot-like outputs directly from the database.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Verification / Alternative check:
Examine typical BI SQL: a base GROUP BY for detail, plus ROLLUP for totals or CUBE for all combinations—both coexist in production systems.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Standard only: ignores powerful extensions. Extensions only: basic reports do not require them. OLAP only: BI reporting is broader than OLAP and often SQL-driven.
Common Pitfalls:
Duplicating queries for each subtotal instead of using GROUPING SETS; overlooking window functions for running totals, ranks, and percent-of-total calculations.
Final Answer:
both standard SQL and extensions to SQL
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