Dimension Attributes: Introduction and Overview, Part III

In Dimension Attributes: Introduction and Overview, Part II, the second of a multi-part article introducing dimension attributes, we continued our current subseries focusing upon dimensional model components, with an objective of discussing the associated concepts, and of providing hands-on exposure to the properties supporting each. We reviewed our initial introduction to the dimensional model and summarized its role in meeting the primary objectives of business intelligence. Next, we provided a brief overview of dimension attributes in general.

Having covered the general characteristics and purposes of attributes, we fixed our focus upon the properties underlying them, based upon the examination of a representative attribute within our sample cube. We discussed the Basic group of properties, looking forward to subsequent parts of our introduction and overview of dimension attributes, where we explore the remaining attribute properties groups. In this, the second part of our overview of attributes, our examination will include:

• A continuation of our introduction to dimension attributes from a conceptual perspective;
• Extended discussion surrounding the general characteristics of attributes;
• An examination of the Misc group of attribute properties (including what these properties define and support, and how we can manage them).