MS-SQL Server Reporting Services

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Q.1 What is SSRS?
SSRS stands for SQL Server Reporting Services, which is a server-based reporting platform provided by Microsoft for creating, managing, and delivering reports.
Q.2 What are the components of SSRS?
SSRS consists of several components, including Report Server, Report Designer, Report Builder, and Report Manager.
Q.3 Explain the difference between Tabular and Matrix reports in SSRS.
Tabular reports display data in a simple table format, while Matrix reports allow you to pivot and aggregate data dynamically.
Q.4 What is a shared dataset in SSRS?
A shared dataset is a dataset definition that can be used across multiple reports, ensuring consistency and ease of maintenance.
Q.5 What is a report parameter in SSRS?
Report parameters allow users to customize report output by providing values that influence report data and appearance.
Q.6 What is a data source in SSRS?
A data source is a connection to a data store, such as a database, used to retrieve data for a report.
Q.7 Explain data-driven subscriptions in SSRS.
Data-driven subscriptions allow reports to be delivered to recipients based on data-driven conditions, enhancing automation.
Q.8 What are the different rendering formats supported by SSRS?
SSRS supports various rendering formats, including PDF, Excel, Word, HTML, and more.
Q.9 How can you secure SSRS reports and data sources?
You can secure SSRS through role-based security, item-level security, and by configuring permissions on folders and reports.
Q.10 What is a report snapshot in SSRS?
A report snapshot is a saved instance of a report that can be viewed and compared to the current report data.
Q.11 Explain the concept of drill-through reports.
Drill-through reports are reports that allow users to navigate from summary data to more detailed information by clicking on a data point.
Q.12 What is the Report Definition Language (RDL)?
RDL is an XML-based language used to define the structure and layout of SSRS reports.
Q.13 How can you add custom code to an SSRS report?
Custom code can be added to an SSRS report using the "Code" tab in the report's properties window.
Q.14 What is a subreport in SSRS, and how is it different from a drill-through report?
A subreport is a report embedded within another report, whereas a drill-through report is a separate report linked to the main report.
Q.15 Explain caching in SSRS.
Caching allows SSRS to store a copy of a report's rendered output for a specified period, reducing server load and improving performance.
Q.16 What are report parameters and how can they be cascaded in SSRS?
Report parameters are user-defined values that influence report data. Cascading parameters are parameters where the available values of one parameter depend on the selected value of another parameter.
Q.17 What is the purpose of a data region in SSRS reports?
A data region is a container for displaying data in an SSRS report, such as a table, matrix, or list.
Q.18 How can you create drill-through reports in SSRS?
You can create drill-through reports by defining report actions in the main report that link to the drill-through report.
Q.19 What is the purpose of grouping in SSRS reports?
Grouping allows you to organize and summarize data in an SSRS report based on one or more fields.
Q.20 Explain the difference between a parameterized query and a stored procedure in SSRS.
A parameterized query is a SQL query with parameters that can be directly embedded in a report, while a stored procedure is a pre-defined, reusable SQL script that can be called from a report.
Q.21 What is the Report Manager in SSRS?
Report Manager is a web-based tool for managing SSRS reports, data sources, and other items.
Q.22 How can you schedule report execution in SSRS?
Report execution can be scheduled using subscriptions, allowing reports to be automatically generated and delivered at specified times.
Q.23 What is the purpose of the SSRS Report Builder?
Report Builder is a standalone tool for creating ad-hoc reports without the need for a full Visual Studio installation.
Q.24 Explain the concept of data regions in SSRS.
Data regions are report items that display repeated rows or columns of data, such as tables, matrices, and lists.
Q.25 How can you create a drill-down report in SSRS?
Drill-down reports can be created by adding toggle items to rows or columns in a data region, allowing users to expand and collapse details.
Q.26 What is the purpose of report subscriptions in SSRS?
Report subscriptions allow you to automate the delivery of reports to specific recipients through email or file shares.
Q.27 How can you use expressions in SSRS reports?
Expressions can be used to perform calculations, control visibility, and customize formatting in SSRS reports.
Q.28 What are the different rendering extensions available for SSRS reports?
SSRS supports various rendering extensions, including PDF, Excel, Word, HTML, CSV, and XML.
Q.29 Explain the role of roles in SSRS security.
Roles in SSRS define the permissions and access rights for users and groups, controlling what they can view and modify.
Q.30 How can you deploy SSRS reports to a report server?
SSRS reports can be deployed using SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT) or by publishing directly from Report Builder to a report server.
Q.31 What is a report parameter prompt in SSRS?
A report parameter prompt is a user-friendly interface that allows users to enter parameter values when running a report.
Q.32 Explain the difference between drill-through reports and subreports.
Drill-through reports are linked to specific data points for further details, while subreports are embedded within a main report and can display related information.
Q.33 What is a shared data source in SSRS?
A shared data source is a centralized connection definition that can be reused across multiple reports.
Q.34 How can you create a dynamic SSRS report with parameters?
Dynamic reports can be created by using parameters to filter data, change layout, or control visibility based on user selections.
Q.35 What is the purpose of the Report Server database in SSRS?
The Report Server database stores configuration, security, and execution information for SSRS reports.
Q.36 Explain the difference between SSRS and Power BI.
SSRS is primarily used for creating and delivering paginated reports, while Power BI is a more interactive and visual analytics tool for creating interactive dashboards and reports.
Q.37 What is the SSRS Report Wizard, and when is it useful?
The Report Wizard is a tool that helps users quickly create basic reports by guiding them through the report creation process step by step.
Q.38 What are the different authentication modes in SSRS?
SSRS supports Windows Authentication and Forms Authentication modes for user authentication.
Q.39 What is the purpose of the Report Data pane in SSRS?
The Report Data pane displays the data sources, datasets, fields, and parameters available for use in an SSRS report.
Q.40 What is the purpose of the SSRS Configuration Manager?
SSRS Configuration Manager is a tool used to configure and manage SSRS server settings, including service accounts, web portal settings, and encryption.
Q.41 How can you create a linked report in SSRS?
A linked report is created by linking an existing report to a new folder and modifying its properties. It shares the definition of the original report.
Q.42 Explain the concept of drill-through reports in SSRS.
Drill-through reports allow users to access more detailed information by clicking on specific data points or links in a summary report.
Q.43 What is report item visibility in SSRS?
Report item visibility controls whether an item in the report, such as a text box or image, is displayed based on a specified condition.
Q.44 How can you create a parameterized report in SSRS?
To create a parameterized report, you define report parameters and use them to filter, group, or customize the report's content.
Q.45 What is a data-driven subscription in SSRS, and when would you use it?
A data-driven subscription is a subscription that uses data to determine recipients, report formats, and delivery options. It's useful when report delivery requirements vary based on data conditions.
Q.46 How can you export an SSRS report programmatically?
SSRS reports can be exported programmatically using the SSRS web service, REST API, or .NET libraries.
Q.47 What are the different report layout options in SSRS?
SSRS offers various report layout options, including landscape, portrait, and custom page sizes.
Q.48 Explain the purpose of report parameters and their data types in SSRS.
Report parameters allow users to customize reports. They can have data types like text, integer, date/time, boolean, and more.
Q.49 How can you optimize the performance of SSRS reports?
You can optimize SSRS performance by properly indexing data sources, using stored procedures, minimizing subreports, enabling caching, and using efficient queries.
Q.50 What is a data-driven subscription in SSRS, and how does it work?
A data-driven subscription in SSRS allows you to define the subscription parameters, such as recipient email addresses and report formats, based on data from a query or dataset. It automates report delivery to different recipients or formats depending on the query results.
Q.51 Explain the purpose of shared data sources in SSRS.
Shared data sources in SSRS allow you to define a single database connection that can be reused across multiple reports, promoting consistency and ease of maintenance.
Q.52 What is a drill-through action in SSRS?
A drill-through action in SSRS is a hyperlink or action that allows users to navigate from one report to another, typically to view more detailed information related to a specific data point.
Q.53 What are report parameters and why are they important in SSRS reports?
Report parameters are user-defined inputs that allow users to customize report output. They are essential for interactivity and tailoring reports to specific needs.
Q.54 How can you use expressions to conditionally format data in SSRS reports?
Expressions can be used to apply conditional formatting to data, such as changing font color, background color, or font weight based on data values.
Q.55 What is the purpose of the SSRS Report Manager?
SSRS Report Manager is a web-based interface that provides report management capabilities, including organizing, deploying, and configuring reports and data sources.
Q.56 Explain the concept of report caching and when you would use it.
Report caching stores a copy of a report's rendered output for a specified period. It is used to improve report performance by reducing the need for repeated report processing.
Q.57 What is a drill-through report parameter in SSRS, and how is it different from a regular report parameter?
A drill-through report parameter is passed to a drill-through report from a parent report. It allows users to filter or customize the drill-through report based on their selections in the parent report. Regular report parameters are used to customize the main report.
Q.58 How can you export SSRS reports to Excel with minimal formatting issues?
To export SSRS reports to Excel with minimal formatting issues, it's recommended to use the "Excel" rendering format, ensure consistent cell sizes, and avoid complex layout structures.
Q.59 What is a report snapshot in SSRS, and when would you use it?
A report snapshot is a saved instance of a report with data at a specific point in time. It's useful when you need to preserve historical data or when report execution is time-consuming.
Q.60 Explain how to implement interactive sorting in an SSRS report.
Interactive sorting allows users to click on column headers to change the sort order. To implement it, you can define sorting expressions for report items and enable interactive sorting options.
Q.61 What is the purpose of the SSRS Report Builder tool?
The SSRS Report Builder is a user-friendly tool for creating ad-hoc reports without the need for advanced technical skills. It provides a simplified report design experience.
Q.62 How can you use parameters to filter data in an SSRS matrix report?
You can use parameters to filter data in an SSRS matrix report by setting filter expressions based on parameter values, which restrict the data displayed in the matrix.
Q.63 Explain how to use custom code in SSRS to achieve specific report functionality.
Custom code in SSRS can be used to perform custom calculations, manipulate data, or add custom business logic to reports. It is typically written in VB.NET or C# and can be referenced in report expressions.
Q.64 What are the advantages of using stored procedures in SSRS reports?
Using stored procedures in SSRS reports provides security, reusability, and performance benefits. Stored procedures encapsulate SQL logic and can be easily changed without modifying the report.
Q.65 What is the purpose of the Report Server database in SSRS, and how is it different from the ReportServerTempDB?
The Report Server database stores metadata and configuration information for SSRS reports, while the ReportServerTempDB is used for temporary storage during report processing.
Q.66 Explain how you can secure SSRS reports from unauthorized access.
You can secure SSRS reports by configuring role-based security, assigning permissions to users and groups, and implementing item-level security on reports and folders.
Q.67 What is a linked report in SSRS, and when would you use it?
A linked report is a report that references another report's definition while residing in a different folder. It is useful when you want to create variations of a report with slight modifications.
Q.68 How can you create a dynamic hyperlink in an SSRS report based on report data?
You can create dynamic hyperlinks in SSRS reports by using expressions in the "Action" properties of report items, allowing you to link to other reports or external URLs based on data values.
Q.69 Explain the concept of data-driven subscriptions in SSRS.
Data-driven subscriptions allow you to automate report delivery based on data conditions. Recipient email addresses, report formats, and delivery schedules can be determined by the results of a query or dataset.
Q.70 What is a matrix report in SSRS, and when would you use it?
A matrix report in SSRS is used when you need to pivot and aggregate data dynamically. It is similar to a cross-tab or pivot table and is ideal for summary or aggregate reports.
Q.71 How can you enable and configure report history in SSRS?
Report history can be enabled and configured in SSRS by specifying settings for snapshot retention and execution options in the Report Server properties.
Q.72 What are report item expressions in SSRS, and why are they useful?
Report item expressions in SSRS are used to control the properties of report items dynamically. They are useful for customizing formatting, visibility, and content based on data or parameters.
Q.73 Explain the difference between a shared dataset and an embedded dataset in SSRS.
A shared dataset is a dataset definition stored separately and can be used in multiple reports, while an embedded dataset is defined within a specific report and is only accessible within that report.
Q.74 What is the purpose of the SSRS Report Designer tool?
The SSRS Report Designer is a component of SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT) that provides a rich environment for designing and authoring SSRS reports with advanced features.
Q.75 How can you use cascading parameters in SSRS reports, and why are they beneficial?
Cascading parameters in SSRS allow the available values of one parameter to depend on the selected value of another parameter. They are beneficial for creating dynamic and user-friendly report interactions.
Q.76 What is the purpose of report subscriptions in SSRS, and how can they be managed?
Report subscriptions in SSRS allow you to automate the delivery of reports to specified recipients. They can be managed through the SSRS web portal or programmatically using the SSRS API.
Q.77 What is the purpose of the SSRS Execution Log?
The SSRS Execution Log stores information about report execution, including parameters, start and end times, and rendering formats. It is useful for auditing and monitoring report activity.
Q.78 Explain how to implement report drill-through in SSRS with examples.
Report drill-through in SSRS can be implemented by defining a drill-through action in the main report that links to a detail report. When users click on a data point in the main report, they are directed to the detail report.
Q.79 What are report subscriptions in SSRS, and how can they be configured to deliver reports to specific recipients?
Report subscriptions in SSRS allow you to specify delivery options, recipients, and schedules for reports. They can be configured through the SSRS web portal or programmatically using the SSRS API.
Q.80 Explain how to configure security for SSRS reports using role-based access control.
Role-based access control in SSRS involves creating roles, adding users or groups to those roles, and assigning specific permissions to control who can view, modify, or manage reports.
Q.81 How can you optimize SSRS reports that have slow performance?
To optimize SSRS reports with slow performance, you can consider measures such as optimizing database queries, using stored procedures, enabling caching, reducing the number of subreports, and optimizing report design.
Q.82 What are report parameters' dependencies in SSRS, and how can you manage them?
Report parameters' dependencies in SSRS refer to the relationships between parameters, such as cascading parameters. You can manage them by configuring parameter properties, including available values and default values.
Q.83 Explain the concept of drill-through reports in SSRS with practical examples.
Drill-through reports in SSRS are reports that provide detailed information when users click on specific data points in a summary report. Practical examples include clicking on a product to view its sales details or on a region to see regional sales.
Q.84 What is report scheduling in SSRS, and how can it be configured?
Report scheduling in SSRS allows you to specify when and how often a report should be generated and delivered. It can be configured using subscriptions, where you define the schedule, format, and delivery options.
Q.85 Explain how to use SSRS report snapshots effectively.
SSRS report snapshots are useful for preserving historical report data. They can be used to compare current and past report data or to maintain a record of specific report versions.
Q.86 What is the difference between a matrix and a tablix in SSRS?
A matrix and a tablix are similar in that they both display data in a tabular format. However, a matrix allows for dynamic pivoting of data, while a tablix is a more generic term that can represent both tables and matrices.
Q.87 How can you add page breaks to an SSRS report?
Page breaks in SSRS can be added by setting the "PageBreak" property on report items or groups. This controls how and when pages are broken in the printed or exported report.
Q.88 What is the SSRS ExecutionLog3 view, and how is it useful for monitoring report execution?
The SSRS ExecutionLog3 view is a system view that provides detailed information about report execution, including parameters, rendering formats, and data source information. It is useful for monitoring and auditing report activity.
Q.89 Explain how you can use report parameters to implement dynamic filtering in SSRS reports.
You can use report parameters to implement dynamic filtering in SSRS reports by creating expressions in dataset queries or filter conditions that depend on the parameter values selected by users.
Q.90 What are the limitations of SSRS reports when it comes to handling large datasets?
SSRS reports may face performance issues when handling very large datasets. Limitations include longer report rendering times, potential timeouts, and increased memory usage.
Q.91 What are the advantages of using stored procedures over inline SQL in SSRS reports?
Using stored procedures in SSRS reports can improve security, maintainability, and performance. Stored procedures encapsulate SQL logic, are easier to modify, and promote code reuse.
Q.92 Explain how to use report subscriptions in SSRS to send reports via email.
To send reports via email using report subscriptions in SSRS, you can configure a subscription with the email delivery option, specify recipient email addresses, and set a schedule for report delivery.
Q.93 What are the different types of report parameters in SSRS, and when would you use each type?
SSRS supports various parameter types, including text, integer, date/time, boolean, and multi-value. The choice of parameter type depends on the nature of the data the parameter represents.
Q.94 What is the purpose of report bookmarks in SSRS, and how can you create them?
Report bookmarks in SSRS are used to create navigation points within a report, allowing users to quickly jump to specific sections. They are created by setting the "Bookmark" property on report items.
Q.95 Explain how to use expressions in SSRS to calculate running totals or aggregates.
Expressions in SSRS can be used to calculate running totals or aggregates by using functions like SUM, AVG, and RunningValue within report groups.
Q.96 What is the role of the SSRS Report Manager URL and how can it be accessed?
The SSRS Report Manager URL provides access to the web-based interface for managing SSRS reports and items. It can be accessed through a web browser by navigating to the Report Manager URL.
Q.97 How can you implement row-level security in SSRS reports to restrict data access for different users?
Row-level security in SSRS can be implemented by using filters or queries in the dataset to limit data based on user roles or parameters, ensuring that users only see data they are authorized to access.
Q.98 What are the SSRS report execution modes, and when would you use each mode?
SSRS offers two report execution modes: "Interactive" for on-demand report viewing and "Snapshot" for scheduled or cached report execution. The choice depends on the report's use case.
Q.99 Explain how to use the SSRS Report Builder for ad-hoc reporting, and what types of users benefit from this tool.
The SSRS Report Builder is designed for business users and power users to create ad-hoc reports without technical expertise. Users can connect to data sources, design reports, and add visual elements with ease.
Q.100 What is the purpose of SSRS data source credentials, and how can they be securely configured?
SSRS data source credentials are used to connect to data sources. They should be configured securely by using Windows Authentication, stored credentials, or service account credentials to ensure data source access is protected.
Q.101 How can you handle multi-valued parameters in SSRS reports, and what are their advantages?
Multi-valued parameters allow users to select multiple values for a single parameter. They can be handled by using IN or JOIN clauses in dataset queries. They are useful for filtering or aggregating data for multiple selections.
Q.102 What is the SSRS ReportServerTempDB database, and how does it support report execution?
The ReportServerTempDB database is used to store temporary data during report processing, including query results and intermediate results. It supports efficient report execution by providing temporary storage.
Q.103 Explain how to use SSRS report subscriptions to deliver reports to a file share location.
To deliver reports to a file share location using SSRS report subscriptions, you can configure a subscription with the file share delivery option, specifying the destination folder and file format.
Q.104 What are the best practices for designing visually appealing SSRS reports?
Best practices for designing visually appealing SSRS reports include using a consistent layout, applying color schemes, using fonts and formatting consistently, and ensuring clear data presentation.
Q.105 How can you add dynamic page headers and footers to SSRS reports?
Dynamic page headers and footers in SSRS can be added by using expressions to display different content based on the report's current page or group context.
Q.106 What is the SSRS ExecutionLog2 view, and how is it useful for tracking report usage?
The SSRS ExecutionLog2 view provides information about report executions, including report parameters, session information, and user details. It is useful for tracking and analyzing report usage.
Q.107 Explain the concept of SSRS data-driven parameters and how they can be implemented.
Data-driven parameters in SSRS allow parameter values to be populated dynamically from a dataset or query. They can be implemented by configuring parameter properties to use dataset results as available values.
Q.108 What is the purpose of the SSRS ExecutionLog view, and how is it different from other execution log views?
The SSRS ExecutionLog view is used to track report executions and is part of the original execution log schema. It contains basic execution information, while other views like ExecutionLog2 and ExecutionLog3 provide more detailed data.
Q.109 How can you create custom report templates in SSRS, and why are they useful?
Custom report templates in SSRS can be created by designing a report with predefined styles, headers, and footers, then saving it as a template (.rptpt) file. They are useful for maintaining consistent report formatting and branding.
Q.110 What are the SSRS ExecutionLog2 and ExecutionLog3 views used for, and what additional information do they provide compared to the ExecutionLog view?
The SSRS ExecutionLog2 and ExecutionLog3 views provide more detailed information about report executions compared to the ExecutionLog view. They include data such as rendering formats, data sources, and additional session details.
Q.111 Explain the benefits of using report parts in SSRS, and how can they be shared across reports?
Report parts in SSRS allow you to reuse report items (such as tables or charts) across multiple reports. They are beneficial for maintaining consistency and reducing development time. Report parts can be shared through the SSRS report server.
Q.112 What is the SSRS Report Wizard, and when is it an appropriate tool to use?
The SSRS Report Wizard is a tool that helps users quickly create basic reports by guiding them through the report creation process step by step. It is appropriate for simple report requirements or users who are new to SSRS.
Q.113 How can you schedule report execution in SSRS to run at specific times or intervals?
Report execution can be scheduled in SSRS by creating subscriptions with the desired schedule settings, including start times and intervals.
Q.114 What is the purpose of the SSRS Report Parts Gallery, and how can it be accessed and used?
The SSRS Report Parts Gallery is a repository for storing and managing report parts. It can be accessed through the SSRS web portal and used to browse, search, and add report parts to reports.
Q.115 Explain the use of parameters in SSRS drill-through reports, and how are they passed to the target report?
Parameters in SSRS drill-through reports allow users to pass filter values or context information to the target report. They are passed through the report action's parameter mapping settings.
Q.116 What is report throttling in SSRS, and how can it be configured?
Report throttling in SSRS is a feature that limits the number of concurrent report executions to control server resource usage. It can be configured in the SSRS configuration files.
Q.117 How can you use subreports in SSRS, and what is their purpose?
Subreports in SSRS allow you to embed one report within another. They are useful for displaying related or supplementary information in a main report.
Q.118 What is the SSRS Report Builder Express Edition, and how does it differ from the standard Report Builder?
The SSRS Report Builder Express Edition is a simplified version of the Report Builder tool, designed for non-technical users. It offers a limited set of features compared to the standard Report Builder.
Q.119 Explain how to use the SSRS Drillthrough Actions feature to link reports.
To use Drillthrough Actions in SSRS, you specify an action on a report item (e.g., a textbox) and define the target report. You can also pass parameters from the source report to the target report to enable data-driven navigation.
Q.120 What is the ReportServerTempDB and how does it differ from the Report Server database in SSRS?
The ReportServerTempDB is a temporary database used for storing intermediate data during report execution. It differs from the Report Server database, which stores metadata, configuration, and report history.
Q.121 How can you use report parts in SSRS to improve report design efficiency?
Report parts in SSRS allow you to create reusable report elements like tables or charts. They improve design efficiency by enabling consistent design and reducing the need to recreate the same items in multiple reports.
Q.122 What are the SSRS Report Execution Log Views, and how can they be queried for report usage analytics?
The SSRS Report Execution Log Views (ExecutionLog, ExecutionLog2, ExecutionLog3) store data related to report execution. They can be queried to obtain information for report usage analytics, performance monitoring, and auditing.
Q.123 Explain the purpose of the SSRS Report Manager URL and how it is used for managing reports.
The SSRS Report Manager URL is a web-based interface for managing SSRS reports and related items. It provides tools for organizing, deploying, and configuring reports, as well as managing security and subscriptions.
Q.124 What is the SSRS Report Builder Wizard, and how does it assist in report creation?
The SSRS Report Builder Wizard is a tool that guides users through the process of creating basic reports. It assists in report creation by simplifying the initial report setup and layout design.
Q.125 How can you use report snapshots in SSRS to improve performance and enable historical reporting?
Report snapshots in SSRS improve performance by pre-rendering reports and can be used to maintain historical data. By scheduling snapshot creation, you ensure users can access historical versions of reports without re-executing queries.
Q.126 What is the SSRS Data Driven Subscription Wizard, and how is it used to create data-driven subscriptions?
The SSRS Data Driven Subscription Wizard is a tool that assists in creating data-driven subscriptions. It guides users through defining subscription parameters, recipient data sources, and delivery options based on query results.
Q.127 Explain how to use expressions in SSRS to dynamically set the report's title based on parameter values.
You can use expressions in SSRS to dynamically set the report's title by setting the "Title" property of a textbox to an expression that includes parameter values. This allows the title to change based on user selections.
Q.128 What is the purpose of data source credentials in SSRS, and how can they be secured?
Data source credentials in SSRS are used to connect to data sources. They can be secured by using Windows Authentication, stored credentials, or service account credentials to control access to data sources.
Q.129 How can you use dynamic grouping in SSRS to create flexible and user-customizable reports?
Dynamic grouping in SSRS can be achieved by allowing users to select grouping criteria through parameters. You can then use expressions and parameters to dynamically group data in the report.
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