SSRS Interview Questions
• What is Query parameter in SSRS?
Query parameters is mentioned in the query of the datasources that are to be included into the SQL script’s WHERE clause of the SQL that can accept parameters. Query parameters begin with the symbol @.The name should not contain spaces and can not begin with numeral. For clarity, we use only letters.
• What are the Reporting Service Components in SSRS?
Report Designer: A place where we can create report. Report Server: Provides services for implementation and delivery of reports. Report Manager: A Web-based administration tool for managing the Report Server.
• What is a matrix in SSRS?
A matrix is a data region linked to a report set. Matrix allows us to create crosstab reports with the report variables displaying on rows and columns. It allows us to drag and drop fields into it.
• What are sub reports and how to create them?
A sub report is like any other reports which can be called in main report and can be generate
through main report. Parameters can be passed from main report to sub report and basis of
that report can be generated.
• What is the report model project?
Report model project is for creating Adhoc reporting. You can create the adhoc reports
through report builder. Report model project can be created on bids or report server. This
model can have simple view. And using
• What is report server project?
Report Server Project contains the RDL file and it need to be deployed on report server to
view the report files to application and user.
It a solution where we design our reports. You can add it by going into BIDS clicking on
new item and then selecting reports server project. Once the solution is created you can start
creating reports.
• What is the report builder?
Report builder is used to create small reports and it a define interface. You can’t change the
report interface in report builder it pre designed. You can just drag columns in the report.
Report builder creates reports on database objects available with report model project.
• In which SQL Server version report builder introduced?
Report builder introduced in SQL Server 2005. While creating or deploying report model
project on report server you can get error or it might not get created. For this you need to
check whether the service pack 22 is installed or not.
• How to deploy the Report?
Report can be deployed in three ways.
1. Using visual studio: In visual studio you can directly deploy the report through
solution explorer by providing the report server URL in project properties at Target
Server URL. This will deploy entire project or single report as per you selection.
2. Using report server: Can directly go to the report server and deploy the report by
browsing the report from the disk location on server.
3. Creating the utility: SQL server provides the utility using that which can be used to
create a customize utility for your report deployment in bulk.
• What is RS.exe utility?
Rs.exe utility is used for deploying the report on report server. It comes with the report
server and can be customize accordingly.
• What is the name of reporting services config file and what’s it’s used for?
Reporting service config file is used for report configuration details. It contains the report
format and also the report import types. Report service config reside at ISS.
• What are the three different part of RDL file explain them?
In visual studio RDL files has three parts.
1. Data: It contains the dataset on which we write the query. Data set is connected with
data source.
2. Design: In design you can design report. Can create tables and matrix reports. Drag
columns values from source.
3. Preview: to check the preview after the report run.
• Which language rdl files made of?
RDL files are written in XML.
• What is the chart in report?
Chart reports are for graphical representation. You can get pie charts columns harts and
various other options.
3d charts are also available in reporting services.
• What is Data Set in report?
Data set are the set of data which we want to show in report. Data creates on data source.
Data source is the source of data from where we are getting this data i.e. database server and
database name connection string.
• What are the different types of data sources in SSRS?
SSRS use different data source. Some of them are listed below.
1. Microsoft SQL Server
2. OLEDB
3. Oracle
4. ODBC
5. SQL Server Analysis Service
6. Report Server Model
7. SAP Net weaver BI
8. Hyperion
9. Teradata
10. XML
• What is the web service used for reporting services?
Reporting Service Web Service used in SSRS. By accessing this web service you can access all
report server component and also get the report deployed on report server.
• How to add the custom code in Report?
To add the custom codes in report go to report tab on top then properties and there you will
find the options for custom code.
• What is a cache in SSRS?
Report server can lay up a copy of processed report in a memory and return the copy when a user opens the report. This server memory is known as cache and the process is called caching.
• What is report snapshot in SSRS?
Report snapshot is a report which contains layout information and a dataset that is extracted at a particular point of time. When the new snapshot is created the previous report snapshot will be overwritten.
• What is bookmark link in SSRS?
Bookmark is a link which a person clicks to shift to a different area or page in a report. We can insert bookmarks links only to textboxes and images.
• What is Command parameter in SSRS?
A Command parameter is used to forward protocol to the Report Server regarding the item that has been retrieved. Command parameter is also used for rearranging a user’s session information.
• What is Format parameter in SSRS?
Format parameter is used to control report output. Every delivering format on Report Server has to pass through this parameter.
• What is Snapshot parameter in SSRS?
When a report is saved in a snapshot history, it is allocated a time or date to uniquely identify that report. Snapshot parameter is used to get back these historical reports by passing this time or date to get proper report.
• What are the rendering extensions of SSRS?
Rendering extensions manage the category of document produced when a report is processed. Rendering Extensions are: HTML, MHTML, EXCEL, CSV, IMAGE, PDF, and XML.
• What is a ReportItem in SSRS?
A ReportItem is one of the subsequent types of items: Rectangle, Textbox, Image, Subreport, Line, CustomReportItem, List, Table, Matrix or Chart.
• What is Datasets in SSRS?
Dataset elements have information about the sets of data recovered as a part of the report.
• What are the main components of reporting services?
The main components of Reporting Services are
- Report designer
- Report server
- Report manager
- Report user.
• What is Report Designer?
Report Designer is a collection of graphical query and design tools that are hosted within the Microsoft Visual Studio environment.
Report Designer provides a Report Data pane to organize data used in your report, and tabbed views for Design and Preview so that you can design a report interactively.
Report Designer also provides query designers to help specify data to retrieve from data sources and the Expression dialog to specify report data to use in the report layout.
When the report is complete, you can use Report Designer to preview the report and publish it directly to the report server.
• What is Report manager?
Report Manager is a Web-based report access and management tool that you use to administer a single report server instance from a remote location over an HTTP connection. You can also use Report Manager for its report viewer and navigation features.
You can use Report Manager to browse the report server folders or search for specific reports. You can view a report, its general properties, and past copies of the report that are captured in report history.
• What is Report Builder?
Web-based tool to create reports
Come free with SQL Server 2005
Launch Report Builder 1.0 to create ad hoc reports that you can save and run on the report server.
Users build desired reports themselves; can export to Word, Excel, PDF, and more
• What is Report Server?
The report server is the central component of a Reporting Services installation. It consists of a pair of core processors plus a collection of special-purpose extensions that handle authentication, data processing, rendering, and delivery operations.
• What is Query parameter in SSRS?
Query parameters is mentioned in the query of the datasources that are to be included into the SQL script’s WHERE clause of the SQL that can accept parameters. Query parameters begin with the symbol @.The name should not contain spaces and can not begin with numeral. For clarity, we use only letters.
Query parameters is mentioned in the query of the datasources that are to be included into the SQL script’s WHERE clause of the SQL that can accept parameters. Query parameters begin with the symbol @.The name should not contain spaces and can not begin with numeral. For clarity, we use only letters.
• What are the Reporting Service Components in SSRS?
Report Designer: A place where we can create report. Report Server: Provides services for implementation and delivery of reports. Report Manager: A Web-based administration tool for managing the Report Server.
Report Designer: A place where we can create report. Report Server: Provides services for implementation and delivery of reports. Report Manager: A Web-based administration tool for managing the Report Server.
• What is a matrix in SSRS?
A matrix is a data region linked to a report set. Matrix allows us to create crosstab reports with the report variables displaying on rows and columns. It allows us to drag and drop fields into it.
A matrix is a data region linked to a report set. Matrix allows us to create crosstab reports with the report variables displaying on rows and columns. It allows us to drag and drop fields into it.
• What are sub reports and how to create them?
A sub report is like any other reports which can be called in main report and can be generate
through main report. Parameters can be passed from main report to sub report and basis of
that report can be generated.
A sub report is like any other reports which can be called in main report and can be generate
through main report. Parameters can be passed from main report to sub report and basis of
that report can be generated.
• What is the report model project?
Report model project is for creating Adhoc reporting. You can create the adhoc reports
through report builder. Report model project can be created on bids or report server. This
model can have simple view. And using
Report model project is for creating Adhoc reporting. You can create the adhoc reports
through report builder. Report model project can be created on bids or report server. This
model can have simple view. And using
• What is report server project?
Report Server Project contains the RDL file and it need to be deployed on report server to
view the report files to application and user.
It a solution where we design our reports. You can add it by going into BIDS clicking on
new item and then selecting reports server project. Once the solution is created you can start
creating reports.
Report Server Project contains the RDL file and it need to be deployed on report server to
view the report files to application and user.
It a solution where we design our reports. You can add it by going into BIDS clicking on
new item and then selecting reports server project. Once the solution is created you can start
creating reports.
• What is the report builder?
Report builder is used to create small reports and it a define interface. You can’t change the
report interface in report builder it pre designed. You can just drag columns in the report.
Report builder creates reports on database objects available with report model project.
Report builder is used to create small reports and it a define interface. You can’t change the
report interface in report builder it pre designed. You can just drag columns in the report.
Report builder creates reports on database objects available with report model project.
• In which SQL Server version report builder introduced?
Report builder introduced in SQL Server 2005. While creating or deploying report model
project on report server you can get error or it might not get created. For this you need to
check whether the service pack 22 is installed or not.
Report builder introduced in SQL Server 2005. While creating or deploying report model
project on report server you can get error or it might not get created. For this you need to
check whether the service pack 22 is installed or not.
• How to deploy the Report?
Report can be deployed in three ways.
1. Using visual studio: In visual studio you can directly deploy the report through
solution explorer by providing the report server URL in project properties at Target
Server URL. This will deploy entire project or single report as per you selection.
2. Using report server: Can directly go to the report server and deploy the report by
browsing the report from the disk location on server.
3. Creating the utility: SQL server provides the utility using that which can be used to
create a customize utility for your report deployment in bulk.
Report can be deployed in three ways.
1. Using visual studio: In visual studio you can directly deploy the report through
solution explorer by providing the report server URL in project properties at Target
Server URL. This will deploy entire project or single report as per you selection.
2. Using report server: Can directly go to the report server and deploy the report by
browsing the report from the disk location on server.
3. Creating the utility: SQL server provides the utility using that which can be used to
create a customize utility for your report deployment in bulk.
• What is RS.exe utility?
Rs.exe utility is used for deploying the report on report server. It comes with the report
server and can be customize accordingly.
Rs.exe utility is used for deploying the report on report server. It comes with the report
server and can be customize accordingly.
• What is the name of reporting services config file and what’s it’s used for?
Reporting service config file is used for report configuration details. It contains the report
format and also the report import types. Report service config reside at ISS.
Reporting service config file is used for report configuration details. It contains the report
format and also the report import types. Report service config reside at ISS.
• What are the three different part of RDL file explain them?
In visual studio RDL files has three parts.
1. Data: It contains the dataset on which we write the query. Data set is connected with
data source.
2. Design: In design you can design report. Can create tables and matrix reports. Drag
columns values from source.
3. Preview: to check the preview after the report run.
In visual studio RDL files has three parts.
1. Data: It contains the dataset on which we write the query. Data set is connected with
data source.
2. Design: In design you can design report. Can create tables and matrix reports. Drag
columns values from source.
3. Preview: to check the preview after the report run.
• Which language rdl files made of?
RDL files are written in XML.
RDL files are written in XML.
• What is the chart in report?
Chart reports are for graphical representation. You can get pie charts columns harts and
various other options.
3d charts are also available in reporting services.
Chart reports are for graphical representation. You can get pie charts columns harts and
various other options.
3d charts are also available in reporting services.
• What is Data Set in report?
Data set are the set of data which we want to show in report. Data creates on data source.
Data source is the source of data from where we are getting this data i.e. database server and
database name connection string.
Data set are the set of data which we want to show in report. Data creates on data source.
Data source is the source of data from where we are getting this data i.e. database server and
database name connection string.
• What are the different types of data sources in SSRS?
SSRS use different data source. Some of them are listed below.
1. Microsoft SQL Server
2. OLEDB
3. Oracle
4. ODBC
5. SQL Server Analysis Service
6. Report Server Model
7. SAP Net weaver BI
8. Hyperion
9. Teradata
10. XML
SSRS use different data source. Some of them are listed below.
1. Microsoft SQL Server
2. OLEDB
3. Oracle
4. ODBC
5. SQL Server Analysis Service
6. Report Server Model
7. SAP Net weaver BI
8. Hyperion
9. Teradata
10. XML
• What is the web service used for reporting services?
Reporting Service Web Service used in SSRS. By accessing this web service you can access all
report server component and also get the report deployed on report server.
Reporting Service Web Service used in SSRS. By accessing this web service you can access all
report server component and also get the report deployed on report server.
• How to add the custom code in Report?
To add the custom codes in report go to report tab on top then properties and there you will
find the options for custom code.
To add the custom codes in report go to report tab on top then properties and there you will
find the options for custom code.
• What is a cache in SSRS?
Report server can lay up a copy of processed report in a memory and return the copy when a user opens the report. This server memory is known as cache and the process is called caching.
Report server can lay up a copy of processed report in a memory and return the copy when a user opens the report. This server memory is known as cache and the process is called caching.
• What is report snapshot in SSRS?
Report snapshot is a report which contains layout information and a dataset that is extracted at a particular point of time. When the new snapshot is created the previous report snapshot will be overwritten.
Report snapshot is a report which contains layout information and a dataset that is extracted at a particular point of time. When the new snapshot is created the previous report snapshot will be overwritten.
• What is bookmark link in SSRS?
Bookmark is a link which a person clicks to shift to a different area or page in a report. We can insert bookmarks links only to textboxes and images.
Bookmark is a link which a person clicks to shift to a different area or page in a report. We can insert bookmarks links only to textboxes and images.
• What is Command parameter in SSRS?
A Command parameter is used to forward protocol to the Report Server regarding the item that has been retrieved. Command parameter is also used for rearranging a user’s session information.
A Command parameter is used to forward protocol to the Report Server regarding the item that has been retrieved. Command parameter is also used for rearranging a user’s session information.
• What is Format parameter in SSRS?
Format parameter is used to control report output. Every delivering format on Report Server has to pass through this parameter.
Format parameter is used to control report output. Every delivering format on Report Server has to pass through this parameter.
• What is Snapshot parameter in SSRS?
When a report is saved in a snapshot history, it is allocated a time or date to uniquely identify that report. Snapshot parameter is used to get back these historical reports by passing this time or date to get proper report.
When a report is saved in a snapshot history, it is allocated a time or date to uniquely identify that report. Snapshot parameter is used to get back these historical reports by passing this time or date to get proper report.
• What are the rendering extensions of SSRS?
Rendering extensions manage the category of document produced when a report is processed. Rendering Extensions are: HTML, MHTML, EXCEL, CSV, IMAGE, PDF, and XML.
Rendering extensions manage the category of document produced when a report is processed. Rendering Extensions are: HTML, MHTML, EXCEL, CSV, IMAGE, PDF, and XML.
• What is a ReportItem in SSRS?
A ReportItem is one of the subsequent types of items: Rectangle, Textbox, Image, Subreport, Line, CustomReportItem, List, Table, Matrix or Chart.
A ReportItem is one of the subsequent types of items: Rectangle, Textbox, Image, Subreport, Line, CustomReportItem, List, Table, Matrix or Chart.
• What is Datasets in SSRS?
Dataset elements have information about the sets of data recovered as a part of the report.
Dataset elements have information about the sets of data recovered as a part of the report.
• What are the main components of reporting services?
The main components of Reporting Services are
The main components of Reporting Services are
- Report designer
- Report server
- Report manager
- Report user.
• What is Report Designer?
Report Designer is a collection of graphical query and design tools that are hosted within the Microsoft Visual Studio environment.
Report Designer is a collection of graphical query and design tools that are hosted within the Microsoft Visual Studio environment.
Report Designer provides a Report Data pane to organize data used in your report, and tabbed views for Design and Preview so that you can design a report interactively.
Report Designer also provides query designers to help specify data to retrieve from data sources and the Expression dialog to specify report data to use in the report layout.
When the report is complete, you can use Report Designer to preview the report and publish it directly to the report server.
Report Designer also provides query designers to help specify data to retrieve from data sources and the Expression dialog to specify report data to use in the report layout.
When the report is complete, you can use Report Designer to preview the report and publish it directly to the report server.
• What is Report manager?
Report Manager is a Web-based report access and management tool that you use to administer a single report server instance from a remote location over an HTTP connection. You can also use Report Manager for its report viewer and navigation features.
You can use Report Manager to browse the report server folders or search for specific reports. You can view a report, its general properties, and past copies of the report that are captured in report history.
Report Manager is a Web-based report access and management tool that you use to administer a single report server instance from a remote location over an HTTP connection. You can also use Report Manager for its report viewer and navigation features.
You can use Report Manager to browse the report server folders or search for specific reports. You can view a report, its general properties, and past copies of the report that are captured in report history.
• What is Report Builder?
Web-based tool to create reports
Come free with SQL Server 2005
Launch Report Builder 1.0 to create ad hoc reports that you can save and run on the report server.
Users build desired reports themselves; can export to Word, Excel, PDF, and more
Web-based tool to create reports
Come free with SQL Server 2005
Launch Report Builder 1.0 to create ad hoc reports that you can save and run on the report server.
Users build desired reports themselves; can export to Word, Excel, PDF, and more
• What is Report Server?
The report server is the central component of a Reporting Services installation. It consists of a pair of core processors plus a collection of special-purpose extensions that handle authentication, data processing, rendering, and delivery operations.
The report server is the central component of a Reporting Services installation. It consists of a pair of core processors plus a collection of special-purpose extensions that handle authentication, data processing, rendering, and delivery operations.
Q: What is SSRS?
SQL
Server Reporting Service is one of the server-based software systems that
generate reports developed by Microsoft. It is used for preparing and
delivering interactive and variety of printed reports. It is administered
through an interface that is web based. Reporting services utilizes a web
service interface for supporting and developing of customized reporting
applicatons. It can be competed with Crystal Reports and other business
intelligence tools.
Reporting
services architecture comprises of integrated components. It is a multi-tiered,
included with application, server and data layers. This architecture is
scalable and modular. A single installation can be used across multiple
computers. It includes the following components: - Report Manager, Reporting
Designer, Browser Types Supported by Reporting services, Report server, Report
server command line utilities, Report Server Database, Reporting Services
Extensibility, Data sources that is supported by Reporting Services.
The
Reporting Lifecycle includes - Report designing – The designing is done in
Visual Studio Report Designer. It generates a class which embodies the Report
Definition. - Report processing – The processing includes binging the report
definition with data from the report data source. It performs on all grouping,
sorting and filtering calculations. The expressions are evaluated except the
page header, footer and section items. Later it fires the Binding event and
Bound event. As a result of the processing, it produces Report Instance. Report
instance may be persisted and stored which can be rendered at a later point of
time. - Report Rendering: Report rendering starts by passing the Report
Instance to a specific rendering extension (HTML or PDF formats). The instance
of reports is paged if paging supported by output format. The expressions of
items are evaluated in the page header and footer sections for every page. As a
final step, the report is rendered to the specific output document.
To
tune-up the Reporting Services, follow the below mentioned ways: - Expand the
Server or utilizing the reporting services of another database server. For
better embedding of report contents, report application’s logic and
characteristics can have a duplicate copy of data. - Replication of data
continuously. Using nolock, the issues of locking can well be resolved and the
performance of the query can be improved. This can be done by using dirty read
at the time of duplicating the data is unavailable.
Reporting
Services provides data-driven subscriptions so that you can customize the
distribution of a report based on dynamic subscriber data. Data-driven
subscriptions are intended for the following kinds of scenarios: Distributing
reports to a large recipient pool whose membership may change from one
distribution to the next. For example distribute a monthly report to all
current customers. Distributing reports to a specific group of recipients based
on predefined criteria. For example send a sales performance report to the top
ten sales managers in an organization.
Logical page breaks are page breaks that you insert before or after report
items or groups. Page breaks help to determine how the content is fitted to a
report page for optimal viewing when rendering or exporting the report. The
following rules apply when rendering logical page breaks: Logical page breaks
are ignored for report items that are constantly hidden and for report items
where the visibility is controlled by clicking another report item. Logical
page breaks are applied on conditionally visible items if they are currently
visible at the time the report is rendered. Space is preserved between the
report item with the logical page break and its peer report items. Logical page
breaks that are inserted before a report item push the report item down to the
next page. The report item is rendered at the top of the next page. Logical
page breaks defined on items in table or matrix cells are not kept. This does
not apply to items in lists.
Create a
data-driven subscription that uses the Null Delivery Provider. When you specify
the Null Delivery Provider as the method of delivery in the subscription, the
report server targets the report server database as the delivery destination
and uses a specialized rendering extension called the null rendering extension.
In contrast with other delivery extensions, the Null Delivery Provider does not
have delivery settings that you can configure through a subscription
definition.
Report
manager is a web application. In SSRS it is accessed by a URL. The interface of
this Report manager depends on the permissions of the user. This means to
access any functionality or perform any task, the user must be assigned a role.
A user with a role of full permissions can entire all the features and menus of
the report. To configure the report manager, a URL needs to be defined.
Reporting
services components assist in development. These processing components include
some tools that are used to create, manage and view reports. A report designer
is used to create the reports. a report sever is used to execute and distribute
reports. a report manager is used to manage the report server.
Crystal
reports are processed by IIS while SSRS have a report server. Caching in
Crystal reports is available through cache server. On the other hand, caching in
SSRS is available for Report history snapshots. Crystal reports have standards
and user defined field labels. SSRS allows only user defined field labels.
Report
Builder is a business-user, ad-hoc report design client that allows users to
design reports based on the business terms (Report Builder model) they are
familiar with, but without needing to understand database schemas or how to
write SQL or MDX queries. Report Builder works with both SQL Server and
Analysis Services data sources.
Report
Builder supports relational SQL and Analysis Services data sources in SQL
Server. To create a model for Analysis Services cube, go to Report Manager or
Management Studio, create a data source for your Analysis Services database,
and then select the Generate Model option to create the model.
While
models that provide access to SQL Server Analysis Services are automatically
generated on the report server, the Report Builder Model Designer can be used
to generate or modify the models that are built on top of SQL Server relational
databases. These model-building projects are a new type of project within a
Visual Studio–based development shell.
In the
filter dialog box, click the name of the criteria that you would like to prompt
the user for when viewing the report. For example, for the criteria Order
Year=2000, click Order Year. Select the Prompt option in the drop-down list.
In
addition to the data source types available in SSRS (SQL Server, Oracle, ODBC,
OLE DB), the following have been added in SSRS 2012: SQL Server Analysis
Services SQL Server Integration Services SQL Server Report Builder Models XML
(through URL and Web services)
Visual
Studio / SSDT / BI Data Tools (Standard and Enterprise editions) contains a set
of freely redistributable Report Viewer controls that make it easy to embed
Reporting Services functionality into custom applications. Two versions of the
Report Viewer exist, one for rich Windows client applications and one for
ASP.NET applications.
In
addition to publishing reports to a report server, you can build reports using
the Report Designer that is directly integrated with Visual Studio language
projects. You can embed reports directly in any Windows Forms or ASP.NET Web
application without access to a report server. The data access in embedded
reports is a natural extension of the Visual Studio data facilities. Not only can
you use traditional databases as a source of data for your reports, you can use
object collections as well.
Reporting
Services does not import data. It only queries data in whatever format it is
stored in their native storage system. I will assume that you're asking whether
you can create reports and use Excel spreadsheets as data sources. The answer
is Yes, Reporting Services supports a wide variety of data sources, including
Excel files. You'll get the best performance with the built-in native .NET
providers but you should be able to connect to any ODBC or OLE-DB data source,
whether it comes from Microsoft or a third-party company.
Your
reports can only be deployed on a reporting services site. Your only option for
viewing them from other sites is an HTTP link. Some tools, like SharePoint
offer controls allowing you to view reports in the context of the other
websites, but the report is still deployed to and hosted from reporting
services.
We have
an ASP.NET project that populates a datagrid. Using datagrid as my datasource
for my report using SQL Server Reporting Services. Is this possible? The simple
answer is no. However, nothing's ever simple. A set of reporting controls was
added in Visual Studio 2010 allowing you to report in a dataset, on data that
was supplied by you. So, if you retrieved your data into a dataset, bound the
datagrid to the dataset so it had data to display, you could then use that
dataset as the datasource for the reporting controls. These are then
client-side reports, not server reports though.
For many
years, Microsoft had no direct solution for reporting with the SQL Server
besides Crystal Reports. Now, they have SQL Server Reporting Services, but it
does have several drawbacks. It is still complex to understand the complete
functionality and structure of this new component, and many users are still
relying on the reporting application they are more familiar with, which is
Crystal Reports. Also, components in SSRS like Report Builder and Report
Designer are meant for different users for different aspects of the report
process, yet complete understanding and exposure to both is important to
utilize both functions fully and extensively. There are also issues when
exporting very large reports to Microsoft Excel, as it can lead to a loss of
data.
Yes, but
not because of SSRS. The Internet Information Services (IIS) component of
Windows XP only allows a small number of users to connect to the website at
once. As SSRS runs via IIS, this would prevent more than a few people from
using SSRS at once. Also, the only edition of SSRS that will install on Windows
XP is the Developer Edition. This edition can not be used for production use.
You need Standard or Enterprise Edition for production use, which requires a
Server OS to install on (Windows 2003 Standard, Windows 2008 Standard, etc).
When my
users are trying to export a SSRS report into Microsoft Excel, one or two
columns in the report appear to merge together. Why might this be? Exporting
from SSRS is not always perfect, even if you stay within the Microsoft range of
products. If you have extra resources, you could splurge for an add-on that
offers much better control over exporting to Excel, such as OfficeWriter. From
my experience, though, it is usually headers or footers that cause exporting
issues. If any of these headers or footers overlap with data columns in your
report, you will find that the exported version of the report has merged cells.
Also, check columns next to each other to make sure that there is no overlap,
as well.
Often
there is a requirement to be able to send a SSRS report in Excel, PDF or
another format to different users from a SSIS package one it has finished
performing a data load. In order to do this, first you need to create a
subscription to the report. You can create a SSRS report subscription from
Report Manager. At the report subscription you can mention the report format
and the email address of the recipient. When you create a schedule for the SSRS
report, a SQL Server Agent Job will be created. From the SSIS, by using
sp_start_job and passing the relevant job name you can execute the SSRS report
subscription.
- Reports can be categorized into operational and analytical reports.
The distinction is based on the source of data and level of analysis
facilitated by any particular report. Operational reports are based on
OLTP sources and are static reports and Analytical reports are based on
OLAP sources and generally facilitate drill-down and drill-through for
analysis. Technically, SSRS reports can be categorized into parameterized,
linked, snapshot, cached, etc...
- Further Reading
2) What are parameterized reports? What
are cascading parameters in SSRS reports?
- Reports that accept parameters from users to fetch and report data
conditionally, are known as parameterized reports. When you have multiple
parameters in a report and values of different parameters are dependent
and populated dynamically based on the value of parent parameters, it's
known as a cascading parameter.
- Further Reading
3) How would you go about developing a
SSRS report?
- General development methodology for a SSRS report is to start by
creating a data source. Based on the data source create one or multiple
datasets as needed for parameters and the body of the report. Add required
controls from the toolbox which would act as a container for the fields in
the dataset. Format the controls added to the report body. Verify
and validate the report and finally deploy the report.
- Further Reading
4) What is a dataset and what are the
different types of datasets?
- A dataset is similar to a query definition, which is executed when
the report is executed. Datasets are of two types: Shared and Embedded. An
embedded dataset is private to the report in which it exists and shared
datasets can be shared across reports.
- Further Reading
5) Would you store your query in a SSRS
report or a Database server? State the reason why.
- Storing SQL queries directly in text format in the dataset, should
be avoided. Ideally it should be stored in a stored procedure in the
database server. The benefit is that the SQL would be in a compiled format
in a SP and brings all the benefits of using an SP compared to using an
ad-hoc query from the report.
- Further Reading
6) What is Tablix?
- A Tablix can be seen as a control with combined capabilities of a
table and a matrix, which facilitates asymmetric and flexible, row and column
level, static and dynamic groupings.
- Further Reading
7) How would you access SSRS reports
deployed on report server?
- Reports Manager is the most straight-forward way to access SSRS
reports deployed on report server. Apart from executing the reports, it is
the main administration console for SSRS server to manage reports.
- Further Reading
8) Have you used the Report Viewer
control / web part? What are the limitations?
- The report viewer control / web part is the basic control to
integrate SSRS reports with external applications. Using these interface
applications can link and display SSRS reports within the application. The
parameters toolbar in these controls have a limited programmable interface
to decorate and blend it with the theme of the application.
- Further Reading
9) Which is the latest version of SSRS
and what are the new enhancements?
- SSRS 2008 R2 is the latest RTM version of SSRS. Rich data
visualizations, better programming functions for lookup and aggregation,
improved performance and better control over exported data are some of the
major enhancements.
- Further Reading
10) What is Report Builder?
- Report Builder is an ad-hoc report authoring tool primarily
targeted to be used by business analysts to facilitate self-service report
authoring. Report Builder 3.0 is the latest version available as of date.
- Further Reading
11) How would you deploy SSRS Reports
using out-of-box functionality and how can you automate SSRS report deployment?
- Business Intelligence Development Studio is generally used to
deploy SSRS reports. There is no out-of-box support in SSRS to automate
reports deployment, but free third-party products like RSScripter can be
used for this.
- Further Reading
12) What is drill-down and
drill-through in SSRS?
- Drill-down is a mechanism of decomposing summarized information to
a detailed level. Drill-through is a mechanism of decomposing the problem
by drilling information generally using more than one report.
- Further Reading
- Further Reading
SQL Server Reporting Service is one of the server-based software systems that generate reports developed by Microsoft. It is used for preparing and delivering interactive and variety of printed reports. It is administered through an interface that is web based. Reporting services utilizes a web service interface for supporting and developing of customized reporting applicatons. It can be competed with Crystal Reports and other business intelligence tools.
Reporting services architecture comprises of integrated components. It is a multi-tiered, included with application, server and data layers. This architecture is scalable and modular. A single installation can be used across multiple computers. It includes the following components: - Report Manager, Reporting Designer, Browser Types Supported by Reporting services, Report server, Report server command line utilities, Report Server Database, Reporting Services Extensibility, Data sources that is supported by Reporting Services.
The Reporting Lifecycle includes - Report designing – The designing is done in Visual Studio Report Designer. It generates a class which embodies the Report Definition. - Report processing – The processing includes binging the report definition with data from the report data source. It performs on all grouping, sorting and filtering calculations. The expressions are evaluated except the page header, footer and section items. Later it fires the Binding event and Bound event. As a result of the processing, it produces Report Instance. Report instance may be persisted and stored which can be rendered at a later point of time. - Report Rendering: Report rendering starts by passing the Report Instance to a specific rendering extension (HTML or PDF formats). The instance of reports is paged if paging supported by output format. The expressions of items are evaluated in the page header and footer sections for every page. As a final step, the report is rendered to the specific output document.
To tune-up the Reporting Services, follow the below mentioned ways: - Expand the Server or utilizing the reporting services of another database server. For better embedding of report contents, report application’s logic and characteristics can have a duplicate copy of data. - Replication of data continuously. Using nolock, the issues of locking can well be resolved and the performance of the query can be improved. This can be done by using dirty read at the time of duplicating the data is unavailable.
Reporting Services provides data-driven subscriptions so that you can customize the distribution of a report based on dynamic subscriber data. Data-driven subscriptions are intended for the following kinds of scenarios: Distributing reports to a large recipient pool whose membership may change from one distribution to the next. For example distribute a monthly report to all current customers. Distributing reports to a specific group of recipients based on predefined criteria. For example send a sales performance report to the top ten sales managers in an organization.
Logical page breaks are page breaks that you insert before or after report items or groups. Page breaks help to determine how the content is fitted to a report page for optimal viewing when rendering or exporting the report. The following rules apply when rendering logical page breaks: Logical page breaks are ignored for report items that are constantly hidden and for report items where the visibility is controlled by clicking another report item. Logical page breaks are applied on conditionally visible items if they are currently visible at the time the report is rendered. Space is preserved between the report item with the logical page break and its peer report items. Logical page breaks that are inserted before a report item push the report item down to the next page. The report item is rendered at the top of the next page. Logical page breaks defined on items in table or matrix cells are not kept. This does not apply to items in lists.
Create a data-driven subscription that uses the Null Delivery Provider. When you specify the Null Delivery Provider as the method of delivery in the subscription, the report server targets the report server database as the delivery destination and uses a specialized rendering extension called the null rendering extension. In contrast with other delivery extensions, the Null Delivery Provider does not have delivery settings that you can configure through a subscription definition.
Report manager is a web application. In SSRS it is accessed by a URL. The interface of this Report manager depends on the permissions of the user. This means to access any functionality or perform any task, the user must be assigned a role. A user with a role of full permissions can entire all the features and menus of the report. To configure the report manager, a URL needs to be defined.
Reporting services components assist in development. These processing components include some tools that are used to create, manage and view reports. A report designer is used to create the reports. a report sever is used to execute and distribute reports. a report manager is used to manage the report server.
Crystal reports are processed by IIS while SSRS have a report server. Caching in Crystal reports is available through cache server. On the other hand, caching in SSRS is available for Report history snapshots. Crystal reports have standards and user defined field labels. SSRS allows only user defined field labels.
Report Builder is a business-user, ad-hoc report design client that allows users to design reports based on the business terms (Report Builder model) they are familiar with, but without needing to understand database schemas or how to write SQL or MDX queries. Report Builder works with both SQL Server and Analysis Services data sources.
Report Builder supports relational SQL and Analysis Services data sources in SQL Server. To create a model for Analysis Services cube, go to Report Manager or Management Studio, create a data source for your Analysis Services database, and then select the Generate Model option to create the model.
While models that provide access to SQL Server Analysis Services are automatically generated on the report server, the Report Builder Model Designer can be used to generate or modify the models that are built on top of SQL Server relational databases. These model-building projects are a new type of project within a Visual Studio–based development shell.
In the filter dialog box, click the name of the criteria that you would like to prompt the user for when viewing the report. For example, for the criteria Order Year=2000, click Order Year. Select the Prompt option in the drop-down list.
In addition to the data source types available in SSRS (SQL Server, Oracle, ODBC, OLE DB), the following have been added in SSRS 2012: SQL Server Analysis Services SQL Server Integration Services SQL Server Report Builder Models XML (through URL and Web services)
Visual Studio / SSDT / BI Data Tools (Standard and Enterprise editions) contains a set of freely redistributable Report Viewer controls that make it easy to embed Reporting Services functionality into custom applications. Two versions of the Report Viewer exist, one for rich Windows client applications and one for ASP.NET applications.
In addition to publishing reports to a report server, you can build reports using the Report Designer that is directly integrated with Visual Studio language projects. You can embed reports directly in any Windows Forms or ASP.NET Web application without access to a report server. The data access in embedded reports is a natural extension of the Visual Studio data facilities. Not only can you use traditional databases as a source of data for your reports, you can use object collections as well.
Reporting Services does not import data. It only queries data in whatever format it is stored in their native storage system. I will assume that you're asking whether you can create reports and use Excel spreadsheets as data sources. The answer is Yes, Reporting Services supports a wide variety of data sources, including Excel files. You'll get the best performance with the built-in native .NET providers but you should be able to connect to any ODBC or OLE-DB data source, whether it comes from Microsoft or a third-party company.
Your reports can only be deployed on a reporting services site. Your only option for viewing them from other sites is an HTTP link. Some tools, like SharePoint offer controls allowing you to view reports in the context of the other websites, but the report is still deployed to and hosted from reporting services.
We have an ASP.NET project that populates a datagrid. Using datagrid as my datasource for my report using SQL Server Reporting Services. Is this possible? The simple answer is no. However, nothing's ever simple. A set of reporting controls was added in Visual Studio 2010 allowing you to report in a dataset, on data that was supplied by you. So, if you retrieved your data into a dataset, bound the datagrid to the dataset so it had data to display, you could then use that dataset as the datasource for the reporting controls. These are then client-side reports, not server reports though.
For many years, Microsoft had no direct solution for reporting with the SQL Server besides Crystal Reports. Now, they have SQL Server Reporting Services, but it does have several drawbacks. It is still complex to understand the complete functionality and structure of this new component, and many users are still relying on the reporting application they are more familiar with, which is Crystal Reports. Also, components in SSRS like Report Builder and Report Designer are meant for different users for different aspects of the report process, yet complete understanding and exposure to both is important to utilize both functions fully and extensively. There are also issues when exporting very large reports to Microsoft Excel, as it can lead to a loss of data.
Yes, but not because of SSRS. The Internet Information Services (IIS) component of Windows XP only allows a small number of users to connect to the website at once. As SSRS runs via IIS, this would prevent more than a few people from using SSRS at once. Also, the only edition of SSRS that will install on Windows XP is the Developer Edition. This edition can not be used for production use. You need Standard or Enterprise Edition for production use, which requires a Server OS to install on (Windows 2003 Standard, Windows 2008 Standard, etc).
When my users are trying to export a SSRS report into Microsoft Excel, one or two columns in the report appear to merge together. Why might this be? Exporting from SSRS is not always perfect, even if you stay within the Microsoft range of products. If you have extra resources, you could splurge for an add-on that offers much better control over exporting to Excel, such as OfficeWriter. From my experience, though, it is usually headers or footers that cause exporting issues. If any of these headers or footers overlap with data columns in your report, you will find that the exported version of the report has merged cells. Also, check columns next to each other to make sure that there is no overlap, as well.
Often there is a requirement to be able to send a SSRS report in Excel, PDF or another format to different users from a SSIS package one it has finished performing a data load. In order to do this, first you need to create a subscription to the report. You can create a SSRS report subscription from Report Manager. At the report subscription you can mention the report format and the email address of the recipient. When you create a schedule for the SSRS report, a SQL Server Agent Job will be created. From the SSIS, by using sp_start_job and passing the relevant job name you can execute the SSRS report subscription.
Questions with Single correct answer
1) What is the name of main repository DB of Reporting service?
a) ReportingDB
b) ReportServerTempDB
c) ReportServer
d) MyReporting DB
Ans: c- Report Server
2) Which of the following is the new feature of SQL Server 2008 R2?
a) Tablix
b) Page Break
c) Map
d) Report Variable
Ans: c- Map
3) By using which of the following function, we can map multiple datasets in a single tablix?
a) LOOKUP
b) INSCOPE
c) FIX
d) mMaP
Ans: a- LOOKUP
4) Which of the following is one of Ad-hoc Reporting tool?
a) CRTool
b) Report generator
c) Report SX Tool
d) Report Builder
Ans: d- Report Builder
5) While deploying report from BIDS, What will be the target URL for deployment?
Ans: a- http://Servername/Reportserver
6) Which of the following is the minor version of Charts?
a) Map
b) Gauge
c) Mini-Chart
d) Sparkline
Ans: d-Spark line
7) Which of the following is responsible for “SQL Server 2008 or higher versions are no longer depended on IIS”?
a) Hymen.sys
b) http.sys
c) iNet.sys
d) AppNet.sys
Ans: b- http.sys
8) Which of the following is not a role in SSRS 2008 R2?
a) Browser
b) Content Manager
c) Report Builder
d) Report Subscriber
Ans: d – Report Subscriber
9) Which of the following is not an available data type for creating a parameter in SSRS 2008 R2?
a) Boolean
b) Varbinary
c) Date/Time
d) Float
Ans: b- Varbinary
Questions with multiple correct answers
10) Which of the following are different ways of subscription in SSRS 2008?
a) Email
b) FileShare
c) Mapped drives
d) FTP
Ans: a,b
11) Which of the following are the authentication modes for connecting a data source in Report manager page?
a) Windows Integrated security
b) Credential stored securely in the report server
c) Credentials supplied by the user running the report
d) Anonymous Authentication
Ans: a,b,c
12) Which of the following can be used as datasource in SSRS 2008 R2?
a) SQL Azure
b) SQL Server Analysis services
c) XML
d) None of them
Ans: a,b,c
13) Which of the following are aggregate functions in SSRS ?
a) COUNT
b) COUNTDISTINCT
c) COUNTROWS
d) COUNTCOULMNS
Ans: a,b,c
14) Which of the following are the different ways of RDL deployment?
a) Deployment from BIDS
b) Upload rdl files to Report Manager
c) Report Deployment Wizard
d) None of the above
Ans: a,b
15) Which of the following can be used as data source for creating a Map?
a) SSRS Map Gallery
b) ESRI Shapefile
c) SQL Server spatial query
d) A & B only
Ans: a,b,c
16) Which of the Charts that can design in SSRS 2008 R2?
a) Pie
b) Funnel
c) Radar
d) Venn
Ans: a,b,c
17) Which of the following are build-in fields functions in SSRS 2008 R2?
a) Render format IsInteractive
b) Language
c) ReportAge
d) B & C
Ans: a,b
18) If SQL Reporting service is running with service account and once we changed the password of service account, what are the places where we need to update the service account password for successful running of Reporting environment?
a) Service account password for SQL Server Reporting service
b) Service account password in Reporting Configuration Manager
c) Service account password in data source if credential stored in report server.
d) None of the above
Ans: a,b,c
19) Which of the following services responsible for Report subscription?
a) SQL Server Browse service
b) SQL Server integration services
c) SQL Server Agent
d) SQL Server Reporting services
Ans: c & d
Questions with True/False Answer
20) Page break is possible in SSRS 2005.
a) True
b) False
Ans : a
21) Gauge is the new feature in SSRS 2008 R2.
a) False
b) True
Ans: a
22) Importing assemblies of .Net is possible in SSRS 2005.
a) True
b) False
Ans: a
23) We can use spatial data for creating reports in SSRS 2008.
a) True
b) False
Ans: b
24) We can call Report Builder from Report Manager.
a) True
b) False
Ans: a
In this article I have tried to cover all important questions generally asked in the interview. Please give your valuable suggestions and feedback to improve this article.I will write the answers for each question in future.
1. What is SSRS?
2. What is the architecture of Reporting Services?
3. How can you find which report is running slow?
4. What is Data Driven Subscription?
5. When to use Null Data Driven Subscription?
6. What are the components of SQL Server Reporting Services?
7. What is encryption key and what is its extension?
8. What are the types of parameter in SSRS?
9. What is the file extension of SSRS report and what is it stands for?
10. Which language Report files made of?
11. Can you create subscription using windows authentication?
12. What is the report rendering?
13. What are the different types of report rendering methods?
14. What do you need to restore report server database on another machine?
15. When storing the credentials of a data source in the server, are those credentials safe?
16. What happens if you do not specify a parameter value in a subscription and the parameter does not have a default value?
17. You want to create a subscription to a report. However, when you right-click the Subscription subfolder of the report, you notice that the new Subscription option is dimmed. What is wrong?
18. What caching options do you have for reports on report server?
19. What is report caching?
20. What is report snapshot?
21. If you want to disable one of the rendering options in the Save As drop-down list when viewing a report through Report Manager, where do you do that?
22. What is report server?
23. What is report Manager?
24. What are the three SSRS command-line utilities and their primary functions?
25. What permission do you need to give to users to enable them to use Report Builder?
26. What is data source in SSRS?
27. What is Dataset in SSRS?
28. What are the different types of data sources in SSRS?
29. What are the different types of Datasets?
30. When to use shared Data Source and Shared Dataset?
31. Why should you not overwrite a shared data source in production?
32. What is the main benefit of using embedded code in a report?
33. What programming language would you use to create embedded functions in SSRS?
34. How do you reference an embedded function in a report expression?
35. What are different types of roles provided by SSRS?
36. Can a user or group belong to more than one item-level or system-level role?
37. What is a Report Model?
38. In which SQL Server version report builder introduced?
39. What is the latest version of report builder?
40. What are the issues when exporting SSRS reports into Microsoft Excel?
41. What new data source types were added in SSRS 2014?
42. What are the new features are introduced in SQL Server 2012 reporting services?
43. How do you display the Image Properties dialog box?
44. What are data regions?
45. Can you use the Report Wizard to create a report with Charts?
46. What is the difference between Logical Page and Physical Page in SSRS?
47. Which rendering formats are affected by the PageSize properties?
48. Can you use a stored procedure to provide data to an SSRS report?
49. What is the main difference between a Matrix report item and a Table report item?
50. When report caching is not used then which is better to use parameters to filter information in the query or to use filters in the dataset?
51. Can you edit a report that an end user created by using Report Builder in BIDS?
52. What mechanisms do you identify to reduce the overhead of Reporting Services data sources?
53. How can you edit the .rdl code associated with a linked report?
54. What are sub reports and how to create them in SSRS?
55. How to create alternate row color?
56. How to display fixed number of row per page in SSRS?
57. You want your report to display a hyperlink that will take users to your intranet. How do you configure such a hyperlink?
58. Which functions are used to pass single parameter value and multi parameter value to MDX query?
59. How to call text-box value of report table in header or footer?
60. How will I enable the column header should repeat on each page?
61. How to use Calendar Date Picker for MDX Based reports?
62. How to create optional query parameter?
63. Explain Reporting Life Cycle?
64. How to fine tune SSRS report?
65. Name and Describe few console utilities for SSRS?
66. Which version of Reporting Services doesn’t support report model?
67. Can we join two datasets in SSRS?
68. When do we get parameter forward dependencies error?
