Glossary

Active

[Yellowfin] content can have two possible states: Active and [*Draft*].
If the content is complete and the user has Activated it, the content will be in an Active state, which enables it to be used by other users. This means that the [View] / [Report] / [Dashboard] / [Category] / [Sub Category], etc, can be used as designed.

Administrator

This is a user that manages the system. Generally Administrators create the [source connections], [views], and [report categories] and maintain all of the system options including [users], security, and licences. Their [role] permissions are the least restricted, generally granting them access to all functionality available.

[*Advanced Function*]

These are predefined calculations that can be applied to [fields] in a [report]. They run after the results are returned from the database as they are not part of the [SQL] [query].
See [Advanced Functions] for more information

Aggregate

Rather than displaying each unique row (or all rows including repeats if 'Show Duplicate Records' is enabled), [Yellowfin] will show one row per unique category (or combinations). You will select from a range of aggregation options to do this. For example, if [*Sum*] is selected then Yellowfin will add all the numeric results together (or sum them) for each row. If [*Average*] is used, Yellowfin will display the average metric value for each row.
See [Aggregation] for more information.

Alias

This allows a [view] [administrator] to provide a table with a new name during the first step of the View Building process. Aliases are often used when multiple copies of a table are used in the one view.
See [Aliases] for more information.

Analytic Filters

These are [User Prompt] [Filters] that are applied to all reports on a single [Dashboard] [Tab].
See [Analytic Setup] for more information.

[*Annotation*]

These are descriptions of an event attached to a date or date range and displayed on a [report] and/or [chart].
See [Report Annotation] for more information

Ascending

This is a sort option that moves from smallest/lowest to largest/highest value. This means that [numeric] values are sorted 0-9 and letters are sorted A-Z.

[*Auto Chart*]

This is a sort option that moves from smallest/lowest to largest/highest value. This means that [numeric] values are sorted 0-9 and letters are sorted A-Z.

[*Average*]

This [aggregation] returns the average value of a metric, ignoring [NULL] values.
See [Aggregation] for more information

[*Broadcast*]

This is a method of distributing content. Email Broadcasts send emails to specified recipients that include a piece of content, such as a [report]. This is sent on a scheduled or once-off basis.
See [Broadcasting] for more information

[*Calculated Field*]

This is a type of [field] that does not come directly from the database. It is created from a formula that may use database fields.
See [Calculations] for more information

[*Category*]

These are folders that are used to group content. [Views], [Reports], and [Fields] all use categories, with Reports using a Category > [Sub Category] structure to group and assign [security].
See [Content Categories] for more information

[*Chart*]

A visual representation of data. Yellowfin has a wide range of chart types available.
See [Report Builder - Charts Step] for more information

[*Client Organisations*]

[Yellowfin] has functionality called Client Organisations which allows multiple virtual instances of Yellowfin to reside in the same server instance. This provides a way to create content isolated within one organisation, hidden from other organisation users logging into the same server. This is Yellowfin's [Multi-Tenancy] solution.
See [Client Organisations] for more information.

[*Cross Tab*]

This is a report output option that allows metrics to be aggregated by multiple categories, displayed as Row and Column headers.
See [Table Layouts] for more information.

[*Co-Display*]

This function allows you to display multiple [reports] on the one Report Preview page.
See [Co-Display Reports] for more information

Collaboration

This is when users work together to share insights into their data and the decision making process. Yellowfin provides features to assist the collaborative process including Comments, Discussions, and [Annotations].
See [Collaboration] for more information.

Comment

This is a note attached to a [report] in order to discuss its design or results.
See [Comments] for more information.

[*Conditional Formatting*]

This is formatting that is triggered when a condition is met. A rule is applied to a [field] in the [report] and special formatting, such as highlighting, is applied if the data matches the rule.
Basic rules can also be applied to [charts].
See [Conditional Formatting] for more information

Condition

This is a filter that limits the rows returned from a table, set at the view level. This filter cannot be seen or removed at the report level.
See [Table Conditions] for more information.

[*Count*]

This [aggregation] returns the total number of records in a [field] in a [report].
See [Aggregation] for more information

[*Count Distinct*]

This [aggregation] returns the total number of unique records in a [field] in a [report]. This means that if a record is found twice, it will only be counted the first time.
See [Aggregation] for more information

[*Cross Join*]

This method of linking two tables matches each row from the first table in the [join] to each row in the second table, multiplying the number of rows returned in the result.
Note: this join should be used with extreme caution, as it's only appropriate in a handful of cases, and has negative effects on performance if used incorrectly.
See [Joining Tables] for more information on Yellowfin's use of Cross Joins, and this blog: Visual Explanation of SQL Joins for general join information.

[*CRUD*]

Create, Read, Update, Delete. These options are used to define [role] permissions and relate to [SQL] statements, allowing the user to create (INSERT records), read (SELECT records), update (UPDATE records), and delete (DELETE records).
See [Roles] for more information

[*CSS*]

Cascading Style Sheet. This is a type of file used by [Yellowfin] to define style options for the system that cannot be configured through Administration. Yellowfin's CSS files can be customised during the integration process.
See [Custom Images & CSS] for more information on customising CSS files for Yellowfin integration purposes, and http://www.w3schools.com/css/ for general CSS information.

[*CSV*]

Comma Separated Values. These files store data in plain text form, with each value, or column, separated by a comma character. [Yellowfin] allows you to import these files in order to report off their data.
See [CSV Data Imports] for more information.

[*Dashboard*]

This is a space to display multiple [reports] and [charts] in one place, allowing for interactive features to be used across them all at once.
See [Dashboard] for more information

Database

This is where the data for your reports is stored, called a [Data Source] within [Yellowfin].
See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Database for more information

[*Data Source*]

This is the database [Yellowfin] retrieves results from. Administrators create a [Source Connection] in order to access the data.
See [Data Sources] for more information

Descending

This is a sort option that moves from largest/highest to smallest/lowest value. This means that [numeric] values are sorted 9-0 and letters are sorted Z-A.

[*Dimension*]

A standard field in [Yellowfin] can either be classified as a [*Metric*] or Dimension. All text fields are automatically classified as Dimensions. The View Builder allows you to define numeric and date fields as Dimensions in order to be used in Drill Hierarchies, and limit the aggregations available to Count and Count Distinct.
Dimension fields retrieve the data that will provide the basis for analysis in a report. Dimensions typically retrieve character-type data (employee names, company names, etc.), or dates (years, quarters, etc.)
See [View Builder - Field Types] for more information.

Discussion

This is a stand-alone comment thread that allows users to discuss general topics and decisions while referring to multiple pieces of content if required.
See [Discussion] for more information.

Draft

[Yellowfin] content can have two possible states: [*Active*] and Draft.
If the piece of content is currently being created or edited by a user, then the report will be in Draft mode. This means that other end users will not be able to see or use the content until the editing process is completed by Activating the content.

[*Drill*]

Drill refers to the action performed by a user by clicking on a hyperlink in a report that either steps into more detail in the same report, or opens a separate detail report related to the row that was selected.
There are three forms of Drill available in [Yellowfin]; [*Drill Down*], [*Drill Anywhere*], and [*Drill Through*].
See [Dashboard Drill Analysis] for more information.

[*Drill Anywhere*]

This [drill] allows you to move up and down a hierarchy that is defined by the [user] during the drill process.
See [Drill Anywhere Reports] for more information.

[*Drill Down*]

This [drill] allows you to move up and down a predefined hierarchy within a single [report].
See [Drill Down Reports] for more information.

[*Drill Through*]

This [drill] allows you to click on a row in a summary [report] and open a related detail report, filtered by what made the row in the summary report unique.
See [Drill Through Reports] for more information.

Duplicate Records

These are rows with the same values across all columns in a result set. By default, Yellowfin applies DISTINCT to the SELECT [SQL] statements it generates, meaning that duplicate rows are not displayed. This can be changed on the Report Data page of the Report Builder.
See [Report Data] for more information.

Embed

This is the inclusion of [Reports], [Charts], and [Dashboards] in an external webpage using the [Javascript API].
See JavaScript API for more information

Export

This is a function that takes something outside of the system. There are two types of export in [Yellowfin]:

See [Exporting Report Content], [Exporting Your Dashboard], and [Export & Import Repository] for more information.

[*Field*]

This is a column in the database that will be used to build reports. Fields can be used as Columns/Rows, [Sections], and [Filters]. They are defined either as [Metrics] or [Dimensions]. Calculations can also be created to use as fields, these are called [Calculated Fields]
See [View Fields] for more information

[*Filter*]

These are [fields] that are being used to restrict the results returned in your [report] or [dashboard]. There are several types of filter in Yellowfin:

See [Filters] for more information

[*GIS Map*]

GIS (Geographic Information System) Maps in [Yellowfin] refer to several chart types that make use of geographical information, in the form of [Points] or [Polygons].
See [GIS Map] for more information.

[*GIS Point*]

Points are sets of latitude and longitude values used to define geographical locations. Examples of points include the location of customers, staff, and other points of interest. [Yellowfin] uses points in [GIS Mapping].
See [GIS Map] for more information.

[*GIS Polygon*]

Polygons are sets of [Points] used to define a geographical shape. Examples of polygon shapes include the outlines of countries, states, territories, and regions. [Yellowfin] uses polygons in [GIS Mapping].
See [GIS Map] for more information.

[*Granularity*]

The level of detail in the data. Described as coarse through to fine. The finer the granularity, the more detail and less summarised the data is. [Aggregation] is used to summarise data.
See [Common View & Join Design Issues] for more information.

Gridlines

These are the dashed lines displayed across the [chart's] [plot] background by default on charts with an x & y axis.
See [Gridlines] for more information.

Grid bands

This is the alternating shading displayed with [gridlines] across the [chart's] [plot] background by default on charts with an x & y axis.
See [Gridlines] for more information.

[*Group*]

This is a list of [users] that is created in [Yellowfin] to assign content and security to.
See [User Groups] for more information

[*Hard Coded*]

This refers to when a value is entered and set, rather than allowing a user to change it. In [Yellowfin] a report writer can hard code [filter] values, or values in [calculated fields]. This means that the user is not prompted to provide a value, rather it is always the value the report writer set.
The alternative in these cases is to implement [user prompt] filters, or use [parameters] in their calculations.
See [Filters] for more information

HEX

Hexadecimal (Hex) is a base 16 number system, using symbols 0-9, A, B, C, D, E, and F to represent values 0 to 15.
HTML and CSS use Hex to identify colours by assigning to digits to each colour; 2 x Red, 2 x Green, and 2 x Blue respectively, and prefixed with a hash (#) symbol.
[Yellowfin] uses Hex codes to identify colours throughout the system, as well as in its [CSS] files.
See http://www.w3schools.com/html/html_colors.asp for more information.

Hidden

This is a report that has been set to not display in the Report List. Generally heavily detailed reports that are used as children in a [drill through] relationship are hidden, as they are designed to be accessed through the parent report, not on their own.
See [Report Formatting] for more information.

[*HTML*]

HyperText Markup Language. HTML is a markup language, like [XML], that was designed to display data in a web browser, used by [Yellowfin] in combination with [CSS].
See [Custom Header & Footer] for more information on Yellowfin use of custom HTML files, and http://www.w3schools.com/html/ for general HTML information.

Import

This is a function that allows you to add something to the system from an external file. There are two types of import in [Yellowfin]:

See [CSV Data Imports] and [Export & Import Repository] for more information.

[*Inner Join*]

This is a type of link, or [join] between two tables based on a specified join condition. Only rows that match the condition in both tables will be returned.
See [Joining Tables] for more information on Yellowfin's use of Inner Joins, and this blog: Visual Explanation of SQL Joins for general join information.

Instance

This is a single installation of [Yellowfin] running. Some systems may have multiple instances of Yellowfin running. In this case there is often a development instance, testing instance, and production instance. There may also be multiple instances for different production purposes, depending on requirements.

[*Integration*]

This is the process of combining Yellowfin with an existing OEM system to create a system that feels seamless to the end user.
See [Integration] for more information

Interface

This is what the user interacts with. The [Yellowfin] interface is viewed through a web browser and contains all [navigation] and content.

[*Join*]

A Join is an [SQL] term that describes the logic around joining multiple tables together in order to return results from both tables.
See [Joining Tables] for more information for more information on Yellowfin's use of Joins, and this blog: Visual Explanation of SQL Joins for general join information.

Javascript API

This is what allows [Yellowfin] content to be [embedded] in external web pages. There is [basic] and [advanced] usage options.
End users can access the basic functionality through the Yellowfin [interface] by copying the generated embed javascript and pasting it in their external page.
Advanced users and administrators can access the advanced functionality by following the examples outlined [here].
See JavaScript API for more information.

[*KPI*]

Key Performance Indicator. This is a figure used to monitor business performance, such as sales in dollars or units. Performance is tracked against a target and makes use of [Conditional Formatting] alerts.
See [KPI Reports] for more information.

LDAP

Lightweight Directory Access Protocol. This is a way that [Yellowfin] can access directory information for [User] authentication and [Group] management purposes. This allows Yellowfin access to be controlled externally organisation-wide.
See LDAP for more information.

Legend

This is a key that displays values used in a [chart] or [report]. In a chart it displays what value is assigned to each colour. In a report it can display the [filter] values applied, as well as any [conditional formatting] rules defined.
See [Chart Legends], [Filter Legends], and [Conditional Formatting Legends] for more information

Line Shapes

These are shapes added to line [charts] in order to draw attention to each point of data.
See [Line Shapes] for more information.

[*Max*]

This [aggregation] returns the largest value found in the [field].
See [Aggregation] for more information

Mandatory

This is a field or filter that is required by a report in order to complete the building process or to return results.
See [Mandatory Field/Filter] and [Filter Formatting] for more information.

Metadata

This is a piece of content's descriptive information. It generally contains the Name, Description, and Category details for a Field, Filter, Report, View, etc.

[*Metric*]

A standard field in [Yellowfin] can either be classified as a Metric or [*Dimension*]. Numeric and Date fields are classified as Metrics by default, but can be changed to Dimension if required. Metric fields have the full range of aggregations available to them. They also have different functionality available to them when used as filters. Metrics do not allow for prompts, as there are generally too many possible values available, so they have slider options available in order to allow users to easily define ranges. Metric filter values cannot be cached.
See [View Builder - Field Types] for more information.

[*Min*]

This [aggregation] returns the smallest value found in the [field].
See [Aggregation] for more information

Monochrome

This is a colour setting available to [charts] which, instead of using the default colours defined in Report Styles, the chart uses different shades of one colour selected by the user.
See [Chart Formatting] for more information.

[*Multi-tenancy*]

This is when a single instance of software runs to serve multiple clients or tenants. [Yellowfin's] multi-tenancy functionality is called [Client Organisations].
See [Client Organisations] for more information.

[*Navigation*]

This is the way in which [users] move around the [Yellowfin] [interface]. There are various menus and buttons designed to move the user between pages and components of the system.
See [System Navigation] for more information

NULL

This is used to indicate a lack of data, or gap. [Yellowfin] generally displays these as blank with a 'NULL' tooltip when returned in a report.

Numeric

This is a [field] or value composed solely of numbers (0-9), without the inclusion of any alphabetic or special characters.

OLAP

Online Analytical Processing.

Omit

This option is used when a Report Reader does not specify a value for a [filter]. This option is not available for [mandatory] filters.
See [Filter Formatting] for more information.

[*Org Ref Code*]

Organisation Reference Code. These are a method of mapping data values from the database to descriptions, as well as assigning a custom sort order. Org Ref Codes are also used as part of the [Raster Map] setup process.
See [Organisation Reference Codes] for more information.

[*Outer Join*]

This is a type of link, or [join] between two tables based on a specified join condition. In [Yellowfin], the outer joins used are what's called Left Outer Joins. This means that all rows from the first table (or the left side) in the join will be included, and only rows have matches to these will be included from the second table (or the right side).
See [Joining Tables] for more information on Yellowfin's use of Outer Joins, and this blog: Visual Explanation of SQL Joins for general join information.

[*Parameter*]

Parameters are a type of user input field in [Yellowfin]. They are designed to pass a value input by the user to a calculated field or filter(s). This allows you create [What If] reports.
See [Parameters] for more information.

Plot

This is the area of the [chart] bound by the axes. It does not include the title and legend areas.
See [Plot] for more information.

Portlet

This is the space that contains a [report] on a [dashboard] [tab].
See [Report Portlet] for more information.

Prefix

This is a symbol or character displayed before a value in a field. A common prefix to use is $. Prefixes can be defined at the [view], [report], and [chart] level.

Private

This is a piece of content that has access restrictions applied directly to it. Depending on the type of content, different restrictions can be applied:

Public

This is a piece of content that may or may not have access restrictions directly applied to it, but generally designed for a far broader audience than that of [private] content. Depending on the type of content, different restrictions may be applied:

Query

This is the [SQL] request that [Yellowfin] generates and sends to the [database]. It defines what results are required for the [report].

[*Raster Map*]

This is an image based heat map created in [Yellowfin]. The map itself is based on a raster image (created with pixels, rather than a vector image created with shapes). Yellowfin links a unique [HEX] code colour to a piece of data in the source database in order to create the heat map, using [Org Ref Codes]. GIF, JPEG, and PNG raster image files are accepted.
See [Raster Maps] for more information.

[*Related Report*]

[Yellowfin] allows relationships to be created between [reports]. Related Reports either take the form of [Drill Through] or [Co-Display].
See [Report Builder - Related Reports Step] for more information

[*Report*]

This is the result of an [SQL] [query] displayed in [Yellowfin]. The display can take the form of a table and/or [chart].
See [Report Builder] for more information

Report Writer

This is a [user] that is responsible for creating the [report] and [chart] content in the system.

[*Role*]

A set of permissions and functions designed to be assigned to [Users] of the system. Different roles should be created for different types of user, with [Yellowfin] providing a set of sample roles with the initial installation.
See [Roles] for more information.

[*Rollback*]

This allows the user to return to a previous version of content, such as a [view]. In order for a rollback to be available, the cloning edit method must have been used.
See [View Management] for more information

Scale

This is what controls the y axis of a [chart], determining the first and last values, as well as the increments used.
See [Chart Formatting] for more information.

[*Section*]

These allow you to break up a [report] into sub reports. The table and/or [charts] will be broken up so there is one per section, rather than one overall.
See [Sections] for more information

[*Source Connection*]

This is a piece of content created by an administrator which defines the method of accessing the reporting [data source].
See [Data Sources] for more information

[*Source Filter*]

These are filters applied to reports based on the user running the report. This means that a user will only ever see the data that is assigned to them through the Source Filter.
See [Source Access Filters] for more information.

[*Sub Category*]

These are folders that reside within [report] [categories] and contain reports. Security is applied at this level in order to restrict access and functions available.
See [Content Categories] for more information

[*Sum*]

This [aggregation] adds all of the [field] values and returns the total.
See [Aggregation] for more information

SQL

Structured Query Language. This is the language [Yellowfin] uses to retrieve results from the database, returned as results in table and/or chart.
See http://www.w3schools.com/sql/ for more general SQL information.

Suffix

This is a symbol or character displayed after a value in a field. A common prefix to use is %. Suffixes can be defined at the [view], [report], and [chart] level.

Tag

These are used to index content to aid in searches.

[*User*]

This is an account created in order to allow a person to access the [Yellowfin] system.
See [Users] for more information

[*User Prompt*]

This is a type of filter that requires [users] to provide one or more values to restrict report results.
See [Filters] for more information

[*View*]

This is a [metadata] layer created by an administrator that sits between the [source connection] and [Report Builder] that defines the [fields] available to report writers and the [join] logic required to generate [SQL] [queries].
See [Views] for more information

[*Virtual Table*]

These are a [View] component that allows an administrator to enter an [SQL] [query] and treat the results as a table in the view.
See [Virtual Tables] for more information

Web Service

Web Services are used for managing communication between an OEM application and [Yellowfin]. The Web Services are [XML] based and independent of the programming language used to develop the OEM application.

[*What If*]

What If Analysis is a method of creating reports that make use of [Parameters] and Calculated Fields in order to test scenarios.
See [What If Analysis] for more information.

[*WMS*]

Web Map Service. A WMS layer is a georeferenced map image loaded from a WMS Server. These are used as backgrounds and overlays for [GIS Maps] in [Yellowfin].
See [WMS Layers] for more information.

[XML]

Extensible Markup Language. XML is a markup language, like [HTML], that was designed as a way transporting data, where HTML designs ways to display it. [Yellowfin] uses this language to create export files that transport [report] and other content definitions.
See [Export & Import Repository] for more information

Yellowfin

Yellowfin is an easy-to-use report writer for non-technical users, delivering drag-and-drop simplicity for formatting and data selection. With Yellowfin, you can access information from multiple data bases without special coding knowledge. This is easy because you work with data in business terms that are familiar to you without the need to understand complex technology principles.
See http://www.yellowfinbi.com/ for more information.

[*Z Chart*]

This is a type of [chart] that displays trends over a specified period of time in the form of straight values, accumulative total, and moving total.
See [Z Charts] for more information