How Objects Behave in Expressions

Table: Objects in Expressions summarizes how Oracle OLAP uses the data in an object used as an argument in an expression.

Objects in Expressions

Object	Use in Expressions
Variables	As a one-dimensional or multi-dimensional array of data, depending on its definition. For example, as the target or source expression in an assignment statement. See also: "Using Variables and Relations in Expressions" , "Using Objects Dimensioned by Composites in Expressions", and "Using Objects in Assignment Statements".
Relations	As a one-dimensional or multi-dimensional of data, depending on its definition. For example, as the target or source expression in an assignment statement as outlined in "Using Objects in Assignment Statements". When you use a relation in a text expression, the relation value is referenced as a text value. The values of the related dimension that is contained in the relation are converted into text, and you can use these values in an expression. You can also compare a text literal to a relation. When you use a relation in a numeric expression, the relation value is referenced by its position (an `INTEGER`) in its related dimension array. You can use this numeric value in an expression. The position number is based on the default status list of the dimension, not the current status list of the dimension. See also: "Using Variables and Relations in Expressions" , "Using Related Dimensions in Expressions".
Dimensions	As a one-dimensional array of data. When you use a `TEXT` dimension value in a numeric expression or compare values in a non-numeric dimension, Oracle OLAP uses the `INTEGER` position number of the value in the array (as based on the default status list) rather than the value itself. See also: "Specifying a Value of a CONCAT Dimension" and "Using Related Dimensions in Expressions".
Composites	You can use a composite wherever you can use a dimension. See also: "Specifying a Value of a Composite" .
Valuesets	As a list of dimension values. See also: "Using Variables and Relations in Expressions" and "Using Objects Dimensioned by Composites in Expressions".
Dimension surrogates	As a one-dimensional array. A surrogate provides an alternative set of values for a dimension. When you use a `TEXT` surrogate value in a numeric expression or compare values in a non-numeric surrogate, Oracle OLAP uses the `INTEGER` position number of the value in the array (as based on the default status list) rather than the value itself. Note: You can use a surrogate rather than a dimension in a model, in a LIMIT command, in a qualified data reference, or in data loading with statements such as FILEREAD, FILEVIEW, SQL FETCH, and SQL IMPORT. A surrogate cannot be a participant object in any argument in a DEFINE statement that defines another object.
Formulas	As a sub-expression or as an expression in a statement.
Programs	For a program that does not return a value, use the program name as you would an OLAP DML command. For a program that returns a value, invoke the program the same way you invoke an OLAP DML function— use the program name in then expression and enclose the program arguments, if any, in parentheses.