difference between Variable and Input parameter

[sandeep-hana]

Is there any advantage of using Variable which cannot be achieved by input parameter? Can someone please explain this.

[pfefferf]

I think note 1691126 will answer your question, regarding the difference.

Basically variables are only used as "where condition" to filter the data set, they are not known to the underlying calc. engine. Parameters needs to be known by the engine. This allows e.g. a better consideration in the model.

[DotEiserman]

Hi Sandeep,

On the calculation view it is quite a big difference, this is from the help files:

• Input parameters are used to parameterize the view execution such as, to parameterize currency conversion, calculated columns or inner filters. Parameter values may also be specified in variable UI prompt of a BI Client.
• Variables are used as an explicit SQL filter directive for view consumers to filter the view data, based on attribute column values specified in variable UI prompt of a BI Client

So basically, you use an input parameter if you want to capture input from the user and then pass it down to other nodes in the calculation view for e.g. you capture the fiscal year and then you pass that year onto another calculation view or a table function. This is done via input parameter mapping. Variables are used to filter the data that the calculation view returns i.e. to filter the output of the calculation view. A variable cannot be passed down to other nodes within the calculation view.

Let me know if that helps.

Kind regards,

Dot