An OLAP cube is a data structure that organizes data in a fashion that promotes end-user driven adhoc reporting. Many front end utilities exist to allow users to manipulate the cube by slicing the data by dimensions, drilling through layers of granularity, and pulling out the measures they want.

One of the most common dimensions for an OLAP cube is the time dimension. The time dimension allows the user to aggregate data based on, well dimensions of time. For instance, you may report data on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis.

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There exists many vendors for database solutions, each of them with their own unique medium.  Frequently we have to move data between them or to a desktop application like Excel.  Generally a flat file is done to do this.  The most common is the CSV (Comma seperated values) or tab delimited file.  However, ever increasingly more popular is the XML format.  XML allows for the opportunity to store three dimensional data structures in a flat file. It also provides for a more descriptive nature; for example each data node is at least somewhat self aware of the data it represents.

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We have all heard the rumors of dirty little exploits that allows coldfusion to interact with Java objects.  I’ve finally taken the time to prepare an example of how to write, compile, and use a java class at coldfusion run time.  Imagine a website that programs for us, or programs itself.
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This post details how to accomplish a cross-join between two tables and left join in the many-to-many to override a value in the left most table. The result is a dynamic setting view in which each target section pulls from a base of setting values, but may override the default value with it’s own value.

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I recently found my self needing to conduct an automated backup for a client at work. Unfortunately, the only access available to the backup destination was ftp. Previously I’d used SCP or a subversion repo for backup management. Neither would be available in this instance, but I’ve detailed how you could use them.

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I recently found myself frustrated by the inability to run Internet Explorer 6 on my Vista box at work. Normally, I run three systems running Windows XP, Vista, and Centos 5 (linux). Web application development nearly demands access to many different system for testing. It also helps to spread out your various IDE’s, browsers, and other tools. Capitalizing on a tri-screen, tri-OS work space linked with Synergy makes it all that much more of blissful development environment.

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Yesterday (Oct 6, 2007) I broke the 1000 mark for hits. I felt it necessary to gloat incase no one happened to notice. I’ll have to concede though before I get too excited and need to change my pants. Several other bloggers sit above me on the hot blogs totem poll as I make this post. I probably also would have to shame myself on the number of people that hit this blog and turn away disappointed at having nothing of value to read. I’ll see what I can do about that.

After a month of slumber and no posts, this blogging beast is back.

In a pursuit to unveil the identity of a mysterious stalker, I discovered just how sought after I am. My blogs have directed both wanted and unwanted attention my way. Read the rest of this entry »