Calculation Script vs. Rule File

Attribute	Calculation Script	Rule File
File Extension	.calc	.rule
Purpose	Perform calculations and transformations on data	Define business rules and conditions
Language	Custom scripting language specific to the application	May use a scripting language like JavaScript or Groovy
Execution	Executed during data processing	Executed when specific conditions are met
Complexity	Can handle complex calculations and logic	Primarily used for simple to moderate logic

Introduction

Calculation Script and Rule File are two important components in Essbase that are used for defining calculations and business rules. While both serve similar purposes, they have distinct attributes that make them suitable for different scenarios. In this article, we will compare the attributes of Calculation Script and Rule File to understand their differences and similarities.

Calculation Script

Calculation Script is a script written in the Essbase calculation language that defines calculations to be performed on Essbase databases. It allows users to define complex calculations using mathematical functions, operators, and Essbase functions. Calculation Scripts are stored within Essbase databases and can be executed to perform calculations on data stored in the database.

• Calculation Scripts are typically used for performing calculations on data stored in Essbase databases.
• They are written in the Essbase calculation language, which is specific to Essbase databases.
• Calculation Scripts can be executed manually or scheduled to run at specific intervals.
• They are stored within Essbase databases and can be easily accessed and modified by users with appropriate permissions.
• Calculation Scripts are useful for defining complex calculations that involve multiple dimensions and data points.

Rule File

Rule File is a text file that contains business rules written in the Calculation Manager language. It is used to define calculations, allocations, and other business rules in Essbase applications. Rule Files are typically created using Calculation Manager, a tool provided by Oracle for managing calculations in Essbase applications.

• Rule Files are used for defining business rules in Essbase applications.
• They are written in the Calculation Manager language, which is specific to Essbase applications.
• Rule Files are created and managed using Calculation Manager, a tool provided by Oracle for managing calculations in Essbase applications.
• They can be deployed to Essbase applications and executed to perform calculations and other business rules.
• Rule Files are useful for defining complex business rules that involve multiple calculations and allocations.

Attributes Comparison

While Calculation Script and Rule File serve similar purposes of defining calculations and business rules in Essbase, they have distinct attributes that make them suitable for different scenarios. Calculation Script is more suitable for performing calculations on data stored in Essbase databases, while Rule File is more suitable for defining complex business rules in Essbase applications.

• Calculation Script is written in the Essbase calculation language, which is specific to Essbase databases, while Rule File is written in the Calculation Manager language, which is specific to Essbase applications.
• Calculation Script is stored within Essbase databases and can be easily accessed and modified by users with appropriate permissions, while Rule File is created and managed using Calculation Manager.
• Calculation Script can be executed manually or scheduled to run at specific intervals, while Rule File can be deployed to Essbase applications and executed to perform calculations and other business rules.
• Calculation Script is useful for defining complex calculations that involve multiple dimensions and data points, while Rule File is useful for defining complex business rules that involve multiple calculations and allocations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Calculation Script and Rule File are both important components in Essbase that are used for defining calculations and business rules. While Calculation Script is more suitable for performing calculations on data stored in Essbase databases, Rule File is more suitable for defining complex business rules in Essbase applications. Understanding the attributes of Calculation Script and Rule File can help users choose the right tool for their specific requirements in Essbase development.